In Episode 148, Paul Gizzi, So Cal Eagles’ Director of Advancement and Japan Ministries, talks with Phil and Paul about his decades-long leadership and ministry journey involving the beautiful game and lessons learned along the way, the importance of playing multiple sports in childhood, cross-cultural lessons learned growing up in Japan, what drives him to do what he does, a defining moment that taught him a very important lesson, important advice to coaches at all levels, and deep, funny, and important stories from his book, God’s Fingerprints in Coincidence, and much more. Specifically, Paul discusses:

·      His personal story, including how he grew his passion for soccer, leadership, ministry, and coaching (3:48)

·      The importance of playing multiple sports during childhood (11:01)

·      Things he learned growing up in Japan that he might not have learned growing up in the US (14:00)

·      How he ended up with the Orange County Seahorses (now So Cal Eagles) (15:58)

·      His personal why/life purpose and how he is living it out (21:18)

·      His work with the Seahorses and a book that changed his life (25:56)

·      Advice to coaches about how they can incorporate their faith into their coaching (31:32)

·      Some stories from his book, God’s Fingerprints in Coincidence, the stories behind the stories, and why he wrote it (40:29)

·      A defining moment in his playing career and the life lessons he learned from it (57:10)

·      How he has used lessons learned from the beautiful game in his marriage and parenting (1:00:19)

·      His recommendations (1:02:43)

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

·      Seasons of Life: A Football Star, A Boy, A Journey to Manhood, Jeffrey Marx

·      Ordering Your Private World, Gordon MacDonald

·      HSEL Eric Pfeiffer Episode