It has been over 15 years since Pappie Jones started something — Soccer Ambassadors for Christ in Monrovia, Liberia. Soccer Ambassadors for Christ looks to bring hope through the sport of soccer to young people, especially those who are part of one of the most difficult slum areas in the capital city of Monrovia: Slipway.
We are working with boys and girls from the slum community in Slipway community in central Monrovia. Slipway community is third leggiest slum community…with lot of girls and boys involved into drugs, prostitution, and criminal activities.
Pappie Jones, on the challenges facing the youth of Slipway
Slipway, so named for its history in the slipway that was built for barges and boats to be taken into and out of the water to be used in the construction of the Waterside Bridge which crosses Mesurado River and is near the Du River in Central Monrovia. According to census information (c. 2014) there were over 5,000 people living in the Slipway district (however several report that there are as many as 15,000). The area is a severe slum area of the city overrun by seasonal flooding and often lacking basic water and sanitation.
Pappie Jones and Ambassadors have been working to try to make change amongst the community. In addition to founding and leading this organization, Pappie has also sought to serve as a coach. He teach and coaches in soccer and in other, key areas of life for these young people.
We are using soccer to bring hope to hundred of girls and boys in slipway community. Our aim and object is develop whole person through soccer, faith and education.
Pappie, on the holistic aim of Soccer Ambassadors for Christ
Pappie runs the youth soccer program for boys and girls between the ages of 11 – 17 years and also studies the Bible with them every Saturday and holiday in the Slipway community. Their request is for soccer gear to help their soccer programs reach more youth. Specifically, they have requested the following:
- 50 sets of soccer shirts and shorts
- 50 pairs of cleats
- 4 sets of goalkeeper gloves
Of course, the main issue will be shipping items to Liberia. Soccer Chaplains United will be looking for a patron to help support this project, another organization that his shipping items, or for a team or group traveling to Monrovia, Liberia who can escort the soccer gear and make a hand off to Pappie and Soccer Ambassadors for Christ. If you would like to be involved please send an email to us at info@soccerchaplainsunited.org memo: Liberia.
Remember, when you support Soccer Chaplains United, a portion of your gift automatically goes to help our community projects and requests. You can give specifically to help cover our costs by making a gift through PushPay — simply select Community from the selectable funds. Your financial gift helps us purchase new soccer equipment, sponsor individuals or organizations, and cover associated costs of providing Bibles, soccer equipment, and other outreach tools locally and around the world!
