Sports Chaplaincy UK

17/06/2026

As the World Cup continues, we have shared a new blog reflecting on the powerful moments of prayer and faith being seen across the tournament.

From players gathering to pray after the final whistle to Christian athletes pointing towards heaven on one of the world’s biggest stages, these moments remind us that football is about more than performance, pressure and results.

The blog also invites us to pray more deeply for the people behind the shirts: players carrying expectation, families watching from home, coaches making difficult decisions, injured athletes, substitutes, staff and all those navigating the emotional weight of the tournament.

We would encourage you to read the full blog and join us in praying that, through this global celebration of sport, Jesus Christ will be seen, lives will be touched and God alone will receive the glory.

Read more here: https://www.sportschaplaincy.org.uk/Articles/741128/More_Than_a.aspx

15/06/2026

At this year’s Barry 10K, Nigel James and a team from New Life Barry were on the seafront early, ready to serve athletes and spectators as the race got underway.

The team offered practical assistance to partially sighted and wheelchair athletes before the race, spent time chatting with people about life and faith, and gave New Testaments to two young men who had been asking questions about Christianity.

Nigel shared:

“Over the last few years it has been a joy to support the work of Sports Chaplaincy UK & Ireland at the Barry 10K race. This year our church took the lead and, as always, it was a worthwhile morning.

Most of our church members get a lie-in and come to our rearranged 5pm service, but for a few of us it’s an 8am meet at the seafront in readiness to serve: well worth it to be salt and light for the Kingdom.”

We are grateful for Nigel, New Life Barry, and every chaplain and volunteer serving sport!

11/06/2026

“I’m beginning to welcome Jesus into my life.”

A football player recently reached out to his club chaplain with an honest question about faith. What followed was a simple conversation, a moment of prayer, and the beginning of a life-changing journey.

Sometimes, the quiet presence of a trusted chaplain creates space for the questions that matter most.

Read the full story here: https://www.sportschaplaincy.org.uk/Articles/739813/The_player_actually.aspx

08/06/2026

We’re delighted to share that Warren Evans, CEO of Sports Chaplaincy UK & Ireland, recently featured on GOD TV.

In this episode, Warren speaks about the powerful connection between faith and sport, and the vital role sports chaplains play in offering spiritual and pastoral support to athletes, clubs and communities.

As the World Cup creates new opportunities for churches and communities to engage with sport, this conversation is a timely reminder of the impact chaplaincy can have across the sporting world.

Watch the full episode here: https://watch.god.tv/player/50885/815751

GOD TV offers a unique range of original Christian content & live event programming to help you grow in your walk with the Lord.

06/06/2026

This summer, two thirds of the UK will be watching the World Cup – what a remarkable opportunity. Goal of Life, a football-themed booklet from our friends at Hope Together, offers a simple, natural way to share Jesus. Combining football stories with the Gospel of Mark, it's designed to connect with people beyond the church walls. Whether you're hosting watch parties, gathering with friends, or simply having everyday conversations, Goal of Life can turn the World Cup into a life-changing event for someone.

Shop Now: https://www.hopetogether.org.uk/Shop/Products/503616/Shop/Books/Gospels/Goal_of_Life.aspx

03/06/2026

Free training sessions are now available for chaplains, leaders and those connected with the Sports Chaplaincy UK & Ireland network.

Running between June and October 2026, these sessions focus on key areas including trust, mental wellbeing and culture.

For those serving in sport, these topics are not abstract. Chaplains regularly support people through pressure, change, uncertainty, relational challenges and moments of personal difficulty. This training is designed to offer practical insight that can strengthen the way we care for others and serve within sporting communities.

The first session begins on June 15.

You can view the full schedule and booking details here: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1V80rvM2VsfnjHKkfQVhw5KjjzBIV6wLjaiTtOCzMpm8/edit?gid=0 =0

01/06/2026

Our monthly prayer diary is now available.

Each month, we share specific ways you can pray for the work of Sports Chaplaincy UK & Ireland, our chaplains, national teams, partner organisations, and the wider community of sport.

Prayer is a vital part of this work. As chaplains continue to support clubs, athletes, staff, families and communities across the UK and Ireland, we are so grateful for those who stand with us in prayer.

You can access this month’s prayer diary here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tMqKYNRCwrmyDKk2Ei0u2zt9UtO4OX0Y/view

28/05/2026

Sports Chaplaincy Ireland has been serving at the Women’s U17 Euros, with 22 male and female chaplains supporting games across the country.

One story came from Billy Jones, who was serving as chaplain at a France game. During the match, Billy got talking to one of the players’ parents, a pastor from England, who had travelled with his wife but had no accommodation booked for the night.

Billy invited them to stay in his home, drove them to the Giant’s Causeway on the north coast, bought them dinner, and shared what became a wonderful moment of worship together. The next morning, he got up early and drove them to the airport at 5am for their flight home.

It was a simple but powerful example of chaplaincy in action: practical care, hospitality, compassion and the love of God shown in the middle of a major sporting event.

22/05/2026

This summer, 2 in 3 people in the UK will be watching the Men's World Cup, and that's a remarkable opportunity. Goal of Life, a football-themed Gospel from our friends at Hope Together, offers a simple, natural way to share Jesus right in the middle of it.

Combining real-life football stories with the Gospel of Mark, it's designed to connect with people beyond the church walls. Whether you're hosting watch parties, gathering with friends, or simply having everyday conversations, Goal of Life helps turn one of the world's biggest shared moments into a meaningful opportunity to share hope.

https://www.hopetogether.org.uk/Shop/Products/503616/Shop/Books/Gospels/Goal_of_Life.aspx


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17/05/2026

Faith in Football 2026 is coming up on 13th June at Trent Vineyard Church in Nottingham.

This will be a valuable opportunity for those involved in football, chaplaincy, ministry and mission to gather together, share experiences, learn from practitioners and pray for one another.

Representatives from Christians in Sport, Kick, Ambassadors Football and Sports Chaplaincy UK & Ireland will be part of the day, with keynote speakers including Warren Evans and Rachel Gardner from Youthscape.

As football continues to bring people together across communities, clubs and nations, Faith in Football creates space to explore how Christian faith can be lived out and shared within the game.

We would love to see you there.

Find out more here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/ambassadorsfootball/1890470