Saturday Service - A Faith and Football Podcast

For this latest edition I was delighted to be joined by Yinka Akinsanya who is manager of the recently re-branded Up North FC who ply their trade in the South Manchester and Cheshire Christian Football League.

Fresh from guiding his team to the Division 3 title, we delve into the beginnings of the club (as CRM FC), how Yinka found his way into management and in the impact it has on the local community.

As Yinka states in the episode, it's about more than just football, the club seeks to provide a safe, inclusive space for the people of North Manchester to enjoy their football, whilst also building their confidence through mentorship.

Find out more about the club here -

https://www.instagram.com/goupnorthfc/

https://linktr.ee/saturdayservicefootball

Thank you.

For this week's edition I was delighted to be joined by Rachel Jordan-Wolf who is the Executive Director of Hope Together to discuss the charity's latest publication "Goal of Life" which brings together stories of football and faith alongside the Gospel of Mark.

We look back at Rachel's life as an evangelist, what drives that passion, the intentions of Hope Together and how they share the story of Jesus far and wide.

With the release of the "Goal of Life" booklet, Hope Together are looking to the World Cup as a vehicle to not only celebrate the global game but to share the Gospel.

https://www.hopetogether.org.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/hopetogether/

https://linktr.ee/saturdayservicefootball

https://www.lifestreams.org.uk/

Thank You 🙏⚽️

For the latest installment I had the pleasure of talking to David Jardine from Willowfield Duffers FC who play in the Churches League.

So, a few episodes back I spoke to Chris Pollock about the aforementioned league and in my research discovered the Duffers and immediately decided they were my team. Luckily for me their social media is run by the very kind and patient David!

It was fascinating to hear about his journey through faith and how it has sustained him in particularly challenging circumstances as he navigates through the effects of long Covid.

Alongside the usual football chatter we discussed his surprisingly traumatic playing career, his work within Willowfield Church, his prison chaplaincy, becoming ordained and how Worship Music has helped him through his health struggles, culminating in Songs for the Storm.

www.instagram.com/willowfieldduffersfc/

www.instagram.com/songsforthestorm/

www.willowfieldchurch.co.uk/

www.saturdayservice.uk

For this edition I had the pleasure of speaking with Kieran Garland from Dream Centre Wales, both a church and a football team based in Ystrad in the Rhondda Valley, South Wales.

Football as a means of outreach is something I'm personally very passionate about and this is certainly the case with the work of Kieran and Dream Centre Wales, fulfilling a vital role in the local community, providing programs that inspire, offer purpose and a sense of belonging.

Beginning with participation in the Ambassador Football National Christian Football Festival (now the Churches Football Festival), Dream Centre Wales FC are preparing for their first season in the Welsh Churches Football League.

Kieran's story is a testament to the transformative power of faith, something he now seeks to share with with the young people of the Rhondda.

https://www.dreamcentrewales.com/

https://www.instagram.com/d.c.w.fc/

www.saturdayservice.uk

So we've somehow made it to episode 10 already and what better way to celebrate than a chat with goalkeeper extraordinaire Leif Hunter.

Leif provides a fascinating insight into the life of a footballer, through playing in his native United States in the MLS Next Pro and USL leagues and stints at Salford City and Bala Town. His story is a testament to the power of faith in navigating the often overlooked challenges a player faces in achieving their dreams.

I first discovered Leif in a video on the Cymru League's Instagram account, where he was being introduced to the Tesco Meal Deal, so you best believe we get the conclusion to that saga too!

Leif's Instagram

www.saturdayservice.uk

For the latest edition I was delighted to be joined by Reverend Philip Wright who is the Chaplain at West Ham United, a role he fulfils alongside his full-time job as the Lead Hospital Chaplain for Barking Havering & Redbridge Hospital Trust.

Rev. Phil as he is affectionately known lives and breathes West Ham, from his early years growing up in Rush Green we trace his journey and how it shaped his life, eventually leading to Ordained Ministry.

We discuss how he came to take on the Chaplaincy at West Ham, the day to day duties it entails and helping people navigate the challenges they may face. Rev. Phil also shared his fascinating personal journey through faith and life and how those experiences shaped his calling in life. Oh and we also delved a little into his film an tv past.

Please visit the Sports Chaplaincy UK website for more information -

www.sportschaplaincy.org.uk

www.saturdayservice.uk

Thank you.

This week I was joined by Tim Mann, the manager of Central Baptist FC and a committee member of the Chelmsford and District Churches League.

Tim shared his time with the club, beginning as a player before making the transition into management, the balance between faith and leading a side, the challenges of grassroots football, creating a team culture around Christian values and the ethics of the game. We also vehemently agree that Gareth Southgate is great,

We also looked at his own journey of faith, his time at Central Baptist Church and really deep, meaningful issues such as which footballer has the best smile.

www.saturdayservice.uk

For this episode I was delighted to be joined by Robert Goodwin who is manger at Danbury Mission FC as well as Chairman of the Chelmsford and District Churches Football League.

We recount his football playing adventures, the vision and values of the team, building a Christian community through football, his time as Chair of the League and how Brian Clough informs his team talks.

We also look into his spiritual awakening at University and his time as an Elder at Danbury Mission (The Church) and the impact it has on the wider society it serves through church planting and initiatives.

https://www.instagram.com/danburymissionfc/

www.saturdayservice.uk

Thank You!

On this weeks episode I am delighted to be joined by Chris Pollock to discuss the Churches League (CL) in Northern Ireland.

We discuss the origins and intentions of the league, the importance of branding, and how the CL has fostered an environment of community, inclusivity and fellowship.

Chris also shared his personal journey of faith, what it's like to be on the rollercoaster ride that is Arsenal's current season and his association with STATSports.

www.saturdayservice.uk

This week I'm delighted to be joined by my Football Heritage alumni Brock Mildon (@BrocksKitCloset). Brock is based in Utah, USA, a hotbed for American soccer which, along with his Mission work in Germany and Austria, forged a deep passion for the game.
We discuss American soccer culture and history, his expansive shirt collection and his journey of faith in the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Thank you 🙏⚽️