Top Tips to Sports Chaplaincy

“by from & for Sports Chaplains”

“Always pray before you are going into the club. My prayer is, ‘fill me afresh with your Holy Spirit and open my eyes to see what you are doing so I may join in with it.’”

- Matt Baker, Charlton Athletic FC, & Pastoral Support Director for Professional English Football

“Let the ministry of interruption develop in you.”

- Phil Mason, Bolton Wanderers

“Do a tour of the ground before kick off each home game and meet all the stewards/ground staff etc.”

- Arthur Goode, Plymouth Argyle

“Be prepared to listen and listen well.”

- Adrian Smith, Stock Car Racing

“Recognise that some staff and players will never want to get close to you - but always acknowledge them and smile!”

- Malc Allen (Cheltenham Town FC)

“Be spiritually prepared – casual conversation can switch to theology or deep searching within seconds and easily switch back again. Ride the waves as they come.”

- Barry Mason, Salford Reds

“Enjoy the banter, laugh and then give back as good as you get”

- Ian Nicholson, Woking Town

“Pray for Favour.”

- Chris Roe, Crystal Palace

“Friendship with some players can last a lifetime, be in it for the marathon, not the sprint.”

- Neil Urquart, Scotland & Kilmarnock

“Offer to help! The person may not have thought of your suggestion, as obvious as it seems to you.”

- Julian Thomas, Carmarthen Golf Club

“John Maxwell always says "walk slowly through the crowd“.”

- Michael Rollo, Stenhousemuir

“Be consistent in attendance and attitude…. And Don't take yourself too seriously”

- Mark Fleming, (Chaplaincy) Director of Scottish Football

“Be courageous ( don't hide from difficult people situations or challenges)”

- Peter Amos, Barnsley FC

“Get your hands dirty, we are there to serve, so be happy to clean up the kit, mop up etc.”

- Martin Lewis, Cardiff Blues Academy

“Look for a “man (or woman) of peace” who understands your role can be your advocate & help.”

- Dave Chawner, National Rugby Union Consultant

“Being available is as important as doing things (good to remember when you are wondering what chaplaincy is all about for example on the days when all the conversations seem trivial!)”

- Geoff Redmayne, Glasgow Warriors

“Injured players and those out of form are often ignored / isolated so they present chaplains with opportunities to show 'they are different'.”

- John Boyers, Manchester United

"Never forget that we are there for everyone at the club, from the boot boy to the owner and of course the fans"

- Steve Collis, Montrose FC

"Ask about them and their families..."

- Jonathan Robinson, Wakefield RL

“Don't get discouraged when things do not work out as planned, look for the opportunity in the new circumstance.”

- Kurt Francis, Crusaders Rugby League & Wales RL

"When players ignore you don't take it personally. It's probably got nothing to do with you"

- Baz Gascoigne, Sheffield Eagles

“Be generous….it knocks on the head the myth that everyone is in it for themselves.”

- Jimmy Dowds, Dunfermline FC

“Build good relationships with the Kit Man & Physio – they’re close to the players & likely to survive managerial changes!”

- Andy Rimmer, Bournemouth AFC

“God will reward your loitering with friendships based on trust.”

- Warren Evans, Bradford Bulls, Pastoral Support Director for Rugby League

“Don’t seek recognition let it flow naturally from your kind actions.”

- Graham Locking, Chaplaincy Director for Horse Racing

“Remember its God’s chaplaincy hold it lightly and be prepared to let go of it everyday.”

- Richard Gamble, Ex- Leicester City