Dear friends,

Ever wondered what a chaplain's week actually looks like in the world of soccer? While most people imagine the excitement of match day, there are actually three very different kinds of days that shape the chaplain’s role: match day, training day, and the quieter off day. Each brings its own rhythms, challenges, and opportunities for care.

Three Kinds of Days, Three Kinds of Ministry

Match Day: The energy is palpable. Arriving at the stadium 2 hours before kickoff, I lead a short devotional time and prayer with some of the athletes, coaches, and staff. Themes often center on unity, safety, and the ability to handle whatever comes at them. I check in with others: offering an encouragement or available to listen and be present. A pre-kick walk around the stadium had me praying for the game upcoming and the fans gathered. During the match, I’m usually moving around the stadium offering a steady presence and availability for staff and even fans —watchful, supportive, and ready to respond to injuries or emotional setbacks. Post-game, I help the team process the outcome, whether it’s the joy of a victory or the sting of a loss, or dissatisfaction of a draw.

Training Day: These days are about building relationships. Without the pressure of competition, I have more time for one-on-one conversations—sometimes in the locker room, sometimes over coffee. Players open up about life off the pitch: family worries, personal struggles, or doubts about their future. I listen, encourage, and help them find perspective, always pointing back to values and identity beyond the game. Training days are also a chance to connect with staff and support their unique challenges. An early morning Bible study is an option for front office and team staff. A post-training study is usually where I spend time with a group of athletes.

Off Day(s): Make no mistake, off days are the team off days, not mine! The pace slows, but the work continues. I spend time in prayer, reflection, and preparation for the days ahead. Sometimes, I check in with a player recovering from injury or reach out to someone who seemed down during the week. A conversation over coffee, away from the pressure of the stadium ground, is where the best pastoral work happens. Other days, I might coordinate a community project—including distributing donated soccer gear or planning a mentoring session for other chaplains that are part of Soccer Chaplains United.

What Makes a Difference?

• Be present. Whether it’s a high-stakes match or a quiet off day, showing up consistently matters.
• Listen deeply. Sometimes the most important thing I do is simply listen—without judgment or agenda.
• Encourage growth. I help athletes and staff see their value beyond wins and losses, guiding them to faith and encouraging them to grow and build resilience and character.

Joining the Mission

You don’t have to wear a credential, stand on the sideline, or even sit in the stands at the stadium to impact the soccer community. There are a few simple ways you can engage with our work:

• Learn more about our approach to chaplaincy and how it serves the whole person.
• Explore our collection of resources designed to encourage and inspire players, coaches, staff, and supporters alike.
• Support our mission with a donation, helping us train and place more chaplains in soccer communities where they’re needed most.

Whether you pray for the teams, share our story, or recommend a chaplain to someone in need, your partnership brings the Gospel to the global people of the Beautiful Game.

Thank you for following along and for caring about the spiritual journey happening on and off the pitch. If you’re interested in more stories about what’s going on in the world of soccer chaplaincy, don’t miss our updates on the Soccer Chaplains United news page.

Thanks for considering giving a gift!