Dear friends,

I hope this message finds you well and encouraged as we move further into spring. Today, I want to share some reflections on a topic that sits at the core of our mission: how spiritual care directly supports the well-being and performance of athletes in the soccer community.

The Role of Spiritual Care in Soccer

Soccer is more than a game. For many, it’s a calling—a place of passion, challenge, and growth. But with the pressure to perform, the highs and lows of competition, and the unique stresses athletes face, the need for holistic support has never been greater. That’s where spiritual care comes in.

At Soccer Chaplains United, our chaplains walk alongside athletes, coaches, and staff, offering a listening ear, wise counsel, and prayerful support. We believe caring for the soul is just as important as physical conditioning or tactical training. When athletes are spiritually grounded, they’re better equipped to handle setbacks, celebrate victories, and maintain perspective—both on and off the pitch.

How Spiritual Care Impacts Performance

• Resilience in Adversity: Spiritual care helps athletes process disappointment, injury, or defeat with hope and perspective, reducing anxiety and promoting healthy recovery. Spiritual disciplines such as prayer, Bible reading, and service can help athletes going through difficult times in the Beautiful Game.
• Unity and Team Culture: Soccer Chaplains United chaplains help foster a sense of belonging and trust by encouraging teammates to support one another beyond wins and losses and by supporting coaches and staff as they lead and coach the team.
• Purpose and Identity: By grounding identity in something greater than results, athletes find meaning in the journey, not just the outcome. Much of the work of chaplaincy is helping people in soccer move beyond an identity based on performance to more purpose-filled and faith-filled identity. 
• Wise Decision-Making: Through prayer and pastoral counsel, athletes and staff are often guided in reflecting on their faith and other resources to help them make choices aligned with their values and long-term goals.

Our chaplaincy program is designed to nurture the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. If you want to learn more about how we serve the soccer community, visit our chaplaincy page.

Stories from the Field

Recently, we’ve seen firsthand how spiritual care transforms lives. Whether it’s providing a safe space for an athlete to share struggles, guiding a team through moments of crisis, or going the extra mile for those we serve, our chaplains are present in the moments that matter most. These stories remind us why we do what we do—and why your support is so vital.

Get Involved

If you’re passionate about this mission, there are several ways to join us:

• Consider supporting our work with a gift through PushPay. Every donation helps us train and place more chaplains in the soccer community.
• Explore our community projects to see how we connect faith and soccer through meaningful service. You can read about Saint Patrick's upcoming trip to Peru as just one example of how we steward the soccer gear we receive.
• Stay updated on our latest stories and resources by visiting our news page.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we are making a real difference in the lives of athletes, coaches, and families in the world of soccer.

Thanks for considering giving a gift!