The USL-Championship is the second division of professional soccer in the United States and, currently, Soccer Chaplains United’s largest contingent of chaplains (9 of 28) serving teams in this league. With the playoffs set to start this next weekend, I’ve invited the USL-C chaplains on the podcast today to give a quick look back at the 2023 season and preview the playoffs ahead.
On this episode of From the Touchline, Kurt Trempert shares some sad news with us. Robert Briggs (also known as “Briggsy”) will have his first ever shot at Crosses with Rev— the little game I like to play with podcast guests. So tune in and listen as we talk about USL playoff soccer today on the podcast.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer.
Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/From-the-Touchline-Cover-Art.jpg15001500Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2023-10-18 00:00:002024-07-08 23:47:382023 USL Season Review and Playoff Preview with special guests Aydt, Trempert, and Briggs
Pastor Robert Briggs loves to share and talk — about football and, especially, about faith and the Gospel. A native of Glasgow, Scotland, Robert has a divine “gift of gab” and, even better, a way of simply sharing the Gospel with people — no matter what hat he happens to wear in a particular moment.
Robert (also known as “Briggsy”) is the longtime volunteer chaplain to Sacramento Republic FC. He has been serving the team as volunteer chaplain since 2014 when the club first started play and won its first-ever championship in the United Soccer League — Championship. USL-C is the second division of professional soccer in the U.S. Most recently, Sac Republic (as it is also known) competed in the 2022 US Open Cup to a second-place finish against Orlando City FC of Major League Soccer (MLS).
Robert and I first time together at a pre-season friendly match in February 2016
I first met Robert in February of 2016. The Colorado Rapids had a pre-season match scheduled to face Sacramento Republic. Robert and I made plans to be together for the game. I had learned of Robert and his role with the club as part of my work with Soccer Chaplains United — as we looked to start reaching out and placing chaplains with other clubs. He shared a brilliant story of becoming involved with the team.
I saw that a football team was coming to Sacramento so I reached out in an email and offered to be the club chaplain. I told them, ‘I don’t want anything and I’ll be strictly a volunteer…’ I didn’t hear back for awhile and then as the club got going, everything just happened so quickly. Here we are now, some 10 years later.
Robert on his beginnings with Sacramento Republic
That was in 2014. Robert has been with the club as they have navigated a difficult soccer landscape in the USA. With the club looking to join MLS since its inception. The club was awarded a franchise in 2019, but the COVID pandemic saw the, then owner, pull out of his financial commitment and MLS Commissioner Don Garber withdrew the invitation — much to the devastation of the very loyal fans of the team.
Robert attends the 2022 US Open Cup Final with daughters, Esther and Lois.A highlight of his time with the club — runner’s up in the US Open Cup.
I asked Robert, what his hopes and dreams are for Sacramento Republic FC for the next 10 years,
I want to continue deepening my relationships with people at the club and continue speaking, somehow, into their lives. I want to see the Gospel come to bear in their hearts and lives. Too, looking the landscape of Sacramento and the club, I have a heart and vision to see the ministry expanded. We have great potential to serve the Spanish-speaking much better. It’s my desire to see many of the lads coming from South and Central America served and loved well. Oh, if God could just give me the gift of tongues immediately — Spanish, please!!
Robert on his hope and vision for serving Sacramento Republic for the next 10 years
Robert is a pastor at Immanuel Baptist Church in Sacramento, CA
Now, truth be told, I (Brad) have been after Robert for some time to join Soccer Chaplains United. Part of my initial visit in 2016 was to see if Robert might be a good fit and addition to our group. We immediately felt a kinship as we spent a couple days together around that preseason match. He’s told me for years, “Brad, I am with you…” but the busy Scot has been leading a church, getting a ThM and serving as chaplain all whilst being dad and grandad along the way.
More recently, this year, the Rapids had a US Open Cup match up in Sacramento against the team and I took the opportunity to travel out for the game and to spend time with Robert again. “Briggsy” has been part of our podcasts in the past and has joined in chaplain education calls during some of the difficult moments of the past few years, but we just needed to get across the finish line of some admin process — and it has happened! In the words of someone we both love dearly, “It is finished!” 🙂
Sacramento Republic FC have a storied history — from winning a championship in its first year of existence (2014), to a raucous fan base, to a 2022 US Open Cup second-place finish.
During the interview phase a couple weeks ago, a board member asked Robert, “Why now? Why join Soccer Chaplains United at this time?” To which, Robert answered, “Yes, it’s just taken me a bit of time to get here, but I am looking forward to being part of Soccer Chaplains United in a more formal way.” I asked Robert as we were getting some onboarding done, what he hopes to gain from Soccer Chaplains United and he shared,
I have been thinking about this and I have two hopes: first, to gain some encouragement from fellow brothers in the same trenches. I am treated so well by Republic and I’ve really enjoyed my time. There have been difficult moments, but I know that I need tone encouraged at moments and I can also be an encourager. Second thing is, I am learning what chaplaincy should be and could be…I think I do well enough bringing my pastoral skill set to the team, but I need to grow as a chaplain and I see myself with you (Brad) and the others, learning more about how I can serve and expand the vision and heart of the ministry to the team.
Robert, sharing about joining Soccer Chaplains United
Briggsy now brings Soccer Chaplains United to 28 chaplains. He is the first ever volunteer chaplain in the history of Sacramento Republic.
Soccer Chaplains United is non-profit, 501(c)3 and depends upon the financial support of our partners to carry out our work of developing chaplaincy across all levels of soccer. Please consider making a contribution today to help us continue growing our work. Our chaplains are not employed or paid by any of the clubs that we serve. Check out our Donation Page with all the different options. Or, simply click the PushPay link below to make a secure, online, tax-deductible gift, or mail a donation to Soccer Chaplains United, PO Box 102081, Denver, CO 80250.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Robert-Briggs-headshot.png992992Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2023-10-02 14:00:002024-07-08 23:47:47Briggsy Serving Sac Republic and now with Soccer Chaplains United
For Felipe Olavarría, sports have always been an important part of life. As a young man, he found that basketball was a game where he could compete and a game that he really enjoyed. In addition to playing fútbol in his native Chile, where he was born and raised, basketball was a massive part of his story. In the midst of his semi-pro, traveling time with the team he got invited to church, it changed his life and it changed the place he gave sport in his life.
I came to faith in Jesus at a time in my life when I was a part of semi-professional basketball team in Chile. I spent my last two years with the team (2014-15) sharing the Gospel with my friends and teammates. Ever since then, my heart has longed for an opportunity like serving the Union Omaha.
Felipe on his love of the Gospel and his love of sports
Felipe, as he preaches on a Sunday at Millard Alliance
Felipe is currently an Associate Pastor at Millard Alliance. Felipe is responsible to help engage the church and link the community in unique ways. This opportunity with Union Omaha becomes an exciting extension of that pastoral heart and vision.
Soccer chaplaincy came more into Felipe’s awareness as he served as a ministry resident in Colorado Springs with Kurt Trempert. Kurt invited him to shadow with him as he served the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC as volunteer chaplain. Kurt’s mentorship led to Felipe being open to serving Union Omaha and joining Soccer Chaplains United.
It’s my conviction that as chaplains we are called to serve others by upholding human dignity and value. I saw this in my time with Kurt and I will look to carry this forward here in Omaha.
Felipe, on his connection to Soccer Chaplains United
Felipe and Taya dedicate daughter Josefina at a recent church service.
Union Omaha play in the United Soccer League – League One which is part of the third division of professional soccer in the US. Since Union’s inaugural season in 2020, they have had a championship match canceled because of COVID (2020), have won the league as champion (2021), had a 5th place finish (2022) and are currently closing in on a first place league finish this season. With the placement coming late in the 2023 season, Felipe will begin to be available for athletes, coaches, and staff but will look to provide more service in the upcoming season of 2024.
The star above the crest represents the Owls first championship in 2021
I recently met with the coach and some of this staff to talk about chaplaincy for the rest of this season and next. It is my vision for Union Omaha to see a team committed to the spiritual health of their players, only this sphere will take their holistic health to the next level and I am excited to be a part of helping with that.
Felipe, sharing about his hopes for the Union Omaha chaplaincy
Felipe and his wife do, currently, have an ultimate goal of returning to Chile to plant a church. Felipe’s move may mean a new chapter for Soccer Chaplains United in the South American country that a number of our chaplains have called home. Felipe now becomes the third chaplain to hail from Chile following on from former chaplain Elias Burgos (Colorado Rapids, 2008-2009) and chaplain Ricardo Orellana (2009-present).
Recently, Felipe introduced some church members to some finer Chilean culinary aspects
Felipe joining Soccer Chaplains United means that the organization now has 27 chaplains. He is the first ever volunteer chaplain in the history of Union Omaha. Felipe will be raising funding through Soccer Chaplains United. To support his work you can text “soccerchaplains” to 77977 or you can visit our donation page. To support Felipe select Omaha from the PushPay drop down fund or write Omaha in the memo line of your check.
Soccer Chaplains United is non-profit, 501(c)3 and depends upon the financial support of our partners to carry out our work of developing chaplaincy across all levels of soccer. Please consider making a contribution today to help us continue growing our work. Our chaplains are not employed or paid by any of the clubs that we serve. Check out our Donation Page with all the different options. Or, simply click the PushPay link below to make a secure, online, tax-deductible gift, or mail a donation to Soccer Chaplains United, PO Box 102081, Denver, CO 80250.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/FelipeHeadshot21Crop.jpg240240Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2023-09-25 06:00:002024-07-08 23:47:51Olavarría Opening Up Chaplaincy Opportunities in Omaha
The United Soccer League (USL), notably has a number of different teams all throughout the soccer landscape of professional soccer. From representing the second division all the way into the 4th tier (USL 2) and is ever expanding to bring pro soccer to many smaller cities and communities.
With the USL-Championship set to start the league season this weekend we have a number of our Soccer Chaplains United chaplains on the podcast today to give a quick look back at last year and preview of the year to come.
Special to this episode of From the Touchline, today, we have our first ever head to head competition of Crosses with Revthe little game I like to play with podcast guests. So tune in and listen as we talk about USL soccer today on the podcast.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer.
Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/From-the-Touchline-Cover-Art.jpg15001500Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2023-03-08 00:00:002024-07-08 23:50:092023 USL Preview with special guests Greg Aydt, Kurt Trempert, Tate Madizma, and Josh Bailey
Recently, Major League Soccer (MLS), National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and United Soccer Leagues (USL) have all announced plans for returning to play. MLS has yet to declare or confirm actual dates, but the reported plan is to have a league-wide, 30-day tournament in Orlando, FL to re-start the season. NWSL have already revealed a schedule for the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup, a 25-game tournament beginning June 27. The USL Championship has announced July 11 as the provisional “return to play” date, though many more logistics need to be confirmed and factored.
This week I have been in contact with Soccer Chaplains United chaplains throughout the U.S., and we are also seeing most of the college and high school teams (in varying capacities) readying to come back in the fall and resume collegiate and HS athletic programs, albeit with some likely changes and guidelines with the novel Coronavirus pandemic.
So what about chaplains? How have chaplains been serving during this time when sports and soccer, specifically, have been so significantly altered?
Well, there have been Zoom Bible studies, grocery store runs to help get toilet paper or diapers for athletes without a car and unable to make it to a store, hospital visits, phone call check-ins and much more.
If you were to have asked me at the beginning, how busy do you think you will be? I don’t think that I would have known how much time would actually be given to supporting people in the midst of the pandemic and now in the face of the protests that are happening around the U.S. and around the world.
For some, chaplains and those we serve, the time has been difficult. The suspension of sports and uncertainty of the future (some of which the uncertainty still exists) had been challenging. For many, the requisite lockdown and shut down of “normal” life has created a stress and strain on vocational life and marriages and on people’s faith.
But now, there seems to be some glimmer of hope — at least that things might begin to come back. Start to grow back. It reminded me of earlier this year when I pruned our rose bushes (see below). To be honest, it seemed to many that I had likely killed them cutting them back so far. It all seemed dead and lifeless.
March 18, 2020
But in due time (and with some proper water and sunlight) the roses are coming back. They are just now starting to bud out, so there won’t be as many roses this year, as in years past, but they are coming back. And sometimes simply coming back and flourishing, even in the midst of a difficult winter or heavy pruning season, can give us hope and room to breathe and believe. I know that I, for one, am glad to see new life beginning to emerge, again.
June 5, 2020
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/obxx10dszjk-scaled.jpg12801920Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2020-06-05 14:30:392020-06-05 14:28:06Coming Back
I am excited to announce that I’ve been invited to take part in a panel presentation at the annual United Soccer Coaches Convention. United Soccer Coaches, which rebranded last year, has the largest soccer coach membership base in the world. Coaches from across all levels of the sport gather each year at its annual convention. The convention, in January, usually sees thousands of coaches gather for education, training, networking, and other soccer-related activities.
Major League Soccer typically holds its annual draft in conjunction with the convention. The draft and convention have also been the location for annual meetings hosted by Athletes in Action of those involved in chaplaincy amongst MLS, the United Soccer League (USL), and National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
This January, the convention is being held in Chicago and the panel on character will take place on Friday, January 11.
For me, this is an exciting opportunity — it’s an opportunity to represent Soccer Chaplains United on a much bigger stage and to a much broader membership group. It will also provide an opportunity to share about the issue of character and character formation and development within soccer.
Within the current state of the game, often times coaches are seen as primary teachers and builders of character into our young boys and girls. While it is true that coaches often help shape and mold character, part of what we will be talking about is the difficulties and challenges that are often present in that kind of task and pressure.
The panel is still being formed, but it looks as though we will have a representative from the Positive Coaching Alliance, a head coach in the USL, and a few other panelists that will round out the session.
Please be praying about this neat opportunity to speak into the lives of the coaches that attend the panel and to talk about the topic of character from the chaplain viewpoint.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/shield_300px.png373301Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2018-10-03 08:00:122018-10-05 09:07:58Soccer Chaplains United Invited to Speak on Panel about Character
The United Soccer League (USL) this past week announced a rebranding and restructuring of its leagues. The USL will remain as a corporate identity with a re-envisioned logo (above). Meanwhile, the three tier will be Championship, League One, and League Two respectively.
While League Two has some clarity around this being the new version of the PDL (Player Development League) and a pre-professional league, it is not clear at this moment what teams will make up League One and Championship.
Currently, Soccer Chaplains United has chaplains at four USL teams — Charlotte Independence, Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC, Nashville SC, and Rio Grande Valley Toros FC. It is possible that one or more of those teams could have a different placement in the newly announced structure which will begin in 2019.
Please pray as Soccer Chaplains United develops strategies for discovering and placing chaplains within the different teams that comprise the USL. Currently, it costs about $5000 to discover and process a new chaplain. These are costs that are borne by Soccer Chaplains United as we look to develop chaplains in soccer.
If you would like to partner with us financially, or if you are interested in or know of someone that might be a candidate in a particular city where the USL is expanding, please consider supporting and contacting us. You can give financially below through PushPay or you can reach us at info@soccerchaplainsunited.org.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Corporate.png4843300Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2018-10-01 09:18:172018-10-02 09:39:49United Soccer League Continues Evolution
The United Soccer League (USL) recently made an announcement of another expansion franchise that is set to join the league next year. USL New Mexico will begin play next year. The league held an introduction announcement today. USL NM will be based in Albuquerque, NM and will be the 4th expansion team for the second division professional league in 2019.
USL NM joins Birmingham, El Paso, Austin, and Memphis as cities and teams that will begin play in 2019. But, more importantly, the franchise becomes approximately the 20th in the second division that does not have a chaplain serving the team.
With soccer in North America booming right now, many cities are looking for opportunities to add a professional team to a cities profile and offering for the community. In some cities, like Cincinnati and Nashville, those second division teams are now on their way to becoming part of the top tier of soccer with Major League Soccer (MLS).
As Soccer Chaplains United, we are committed to developing chaplains and counselors with teams across all levels of soccer in North America and right now, the second division has the most need.
I constantly try to tell people to not be fooled by the language of “professional soccer.” Some of the players, just even a year ago were on as little money as $500 a month and housing for an 8-month contract. And often times, the front staff and coaches are not making a lot of money either. Chaplains and counselors serving those with these teams have tremendous opportunities to share the love of God and to encourage folks in the midst of difficult times.
Please pray for Soccer Chaplains United as we look to make contact with these various clubs and organizations to offer ourselves to develop chaplain and counseling teams. Pray, too, for the financial provisions needed to get chaplains in place and up and running.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/USL-soccer-league-logo-design.png321520Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2018-06-06 08:00:342018-06-07 12:25:59USL Growing at Tremendous Rate
We are pleased to announce the addition of a chaplain to serve the Rio Grande Valley Toros FC of McAllen, Texas. Isidro Piña, a local minister in the Edinburg/McAllen, Texas area, has been patiently waiting for the chaplaincy opportunity to develop. We met Isidro, last August, and began a conversation about possibly serving the club.
Isidro will work to develop relationships and trust in this new role. When I asked him to say something about coming onto Soccer Chaplains United, he shared the following:
I felt privileged when I received the invitation to join Soccer Chaplains United and to serve our local soccer team, the Toros in their spiritual needs. I am sure our journey together will be exciting but above all, it will be a blessing.
One of Isidro’s passions is running.
The Toros play in the United Soccer League which currently is the second division of soccer in North America. They are in the Western Conference and face other teams including the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC and Portland Timbers 2. The Toros also maintain an affiliation with the Houston Dynamo and exchange players during the season for fitness and playing time opportunities.
I had a chance to meet with the Toros head coach when the team was in Colorado a few weeks ago to discuss getting the chaplaincy started. One of the primary important qualities of the chaplain that the coach and team expressed was the need for the chaplain to have bilingual ability (in Spanish) given the needs of the local community and many of the players that come through the Toros team. We’re excited to find a pastor and chaplain candidate that met so many of the Soccer Chaplains United standards, including Clinical Pastoral Education and training.
Please pray for Isidro and his wife, Blanca, as they begin this new work.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Rio_Grande_Valley_FC_logo-1.png275362Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2018-04-30 10:00:112018-05-08 16:10:35Soccer Chaplains United Add Chaplain to Rio Grande Valley, TX
Soccer Chaplains United is pleased to announce the approval and placement of Billy Cerveny to serve as chaplain for Nashville SC. Billy is a long-time Nashville resident and a pastor at Midtown Fellowship Church. Before becoming a pastor, Billy was a Nashville singer and songwriter as well as a writer and television producer. He co-wrote the book “Take The Walk” with the band Hanson. He comes to Soccer Chaplains United after our 6-month search stretching back to August of 2017.
The placement has taken an extra amount of time as Nashville SC was recently awarded an expansion placement with Major League Soccer (MLS). The team will begin play in the United Soccer League (USL) until the team makes the transition to MLS at some point in the next couple of years. Billy will begin to develop the chaplaincy and care work with the Nashville SC organization this year.
I am very excited to serve the staff and players of the Nashville SC. It has already been a tremendous blessing getting to know the team and walk with them in these beginning stages. I’m very excited for what the Lord has in store this inaugural season.
As a chaplain, Billy’s gifts and experience in pastoral care and counseling will be well utilized as he looks to serve athletes, coaches, staff, and executives with Nashville SC. Billy and his family reside in Nashville.
You can see more of Billy’s background and experience by reading his bio here.
Soccer Chaplains United looks to develop chaplains, counselors, and community coordinators across all levels of soccer. If you or someone you know is interested in joining Soccer Chaplains United or if you are a team or organization interested in learning more about how chaplaincy can help your team, club or organization. Please reach to us at info@soccerchaplainsunited.org.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Brad-and-Billy-C2-e1520868315950.jpg22682983Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2018-03-12 09:00:352018-03-12 12:27:17Announcing Nashville SC Chaplain Billy Cerveny
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