God is good. God is good always, and with that FBCW kicked off its Upward Soccer Ministry after a one year break. This year our ministry served over 123 boys and girls from kindergarten through 8th grade. We had six divisions: Shining Starts, Kindergarten, first grade, second and third grade, fourth and fifth grade and sixth grade through eighth grade. Our Upward ministry is one of the only in the area to offer teams for seventh and eighth graders. The season consisted of three weeks of practice followed by eight weeks of games, played on Saturday mornings from August 26 through October 14. All games and practices were held at LINC, located at 9 Love Park Lane in Wentzville. Special thanks to LINC for allowing us to use their fields.

Upward’s motto is to, “Play With Purpose.” Our ministry’s purpose is to share the grace and love of Jesus Christ through the game of soccer. There can be no greater purpose. The soccer training program is modeled after the training program approved by the US Soccer Association. A typical training session is based on a specific skill set with games and activities geared to introduce the player to the concept. Players are then given as many opportunities as possible to practice that new skill individually, in pairs and in game-like situations. At the midpoint of each practice, coaches lead a five to ten-minute devotion, which introduces a trait the Bible teaches us to follow. The goal during devotions is a conversation. Sometimes this is the first time a child is hearing the word. Coaches are key in modeling a Christ-like manner and attitude. It is true discipleship. We were blessed this season to have many Christ-like coaches.

Some will say: “Dude, its just soccer.” “Its just a bunch of moms and dads running around on a field with a ball.” “Do they even score in soccer?”. It really is much more than that. Through soccer, we get the opportunity to introduce the word of God to kids and show how His word can make a difference in their play, and more importantly their lives. But we are not just reaching kids. We get a chance to introduce the Word to their parents, guardians, grandparents, extended family and friends. This opportunity is overt during half-time devotions on game days, but also through the work of the volunteers making the ministry possible.

I’m thankful God gave me the opportunity to be a part of this ministry. I’m even more grateful for the men and women he led to help make this ministry happen. I can’t wait for next year!