In Episode 143, David Irby, CEO of Surge Int’l, Former Azusa Pacific University Head Coach, Author of Undefeated: We are More Than Conquerors Through Him Who Loved Us, Sammy Surge, and Sports Ministry, husband, and father, talks with Phil and Paul about his ministry and coaching journey and lessons he has learned along the way, how soccer connects the world, the importance of baby steps and doing hard things in hard places, some insane stories from his adventures, the power of Christ, his books, winning and fair play, the power of moments, great lessons from great coaches, what he learned in Liberia that can help US Soccer, and much more. Specifically, David discusses:

·      His personal story, including how he grew his passion for soccer, leadership, ministry, and coaching, and how he ended up being one of the pioneers of soccer ministry and visiting much of the world over the past few decades (4:10)

·      His personal why/life purpose and how he is living it out today (12:07)

·      His ministry journey and the different ministries he has worked with and is working with around the world, including some crazy experiences that no doubt will teach you some important lessons (15:54)

·      The importance of doing things without worrying about the impact that we actually see (24:30)

·      Why he wrote his books and how he hopes they will affect his readers’ lives (29:35)

·      How he incorporates his faith into his coaching and how it impacts his teams’ culture (38:40)

·      His defining moment as a player and life lessons he learned from it (46:08)

·      His most influential coaches and how he is using the lessons learned from them in his life today (49:42)

·      His thoughts on the good and bad of US soccer, and how lessons learned in Liberia can help soccer in the US (55:41)

·      How he is using lessons learned from the beautiful game in his relationships outside the game (1:00:33)

·      His recommendations, including a one close to home (1:05:21)

Resources and Links from this Episode

·      Video of the Episode

·      HSEL Facebook Group

·      Warrior Way Soccer

·      Providence World (Donations to HSEL Podcast)

·      Coaching the Bigger Game Program

·      Phil’s email for DISC Training

·      Undefeated: We are More Than Conquerors Through Him Who Loved Us, David Irby

·      Sammy Surge: Study Hard, Play Fair, Help Others, David Irby

·      Sports Ministry, David Irby

·      The Leadership Secrets of Billy Graham, Harold Myra and Marshall Shelley