This statement will likely raise a few eyebrows. Is God really interested in football?
In fact, for many, football is their god. But what is its relevance to WER as a Christian relief and development charity?
Well, I have just received my invitation to a special 'Thanksgiving for Football' service as part of the 150th anniversary celebrations for Sheffield FC, recognised as the oldest football club in the world. I have to admit that the concept of thanking God for football was new to me but it's particularly relevant in relation to a project in South Africa that WER is helping to fund.
World Emergency Relief is working with Monte Christo Ministries in Paarl, South Africa on a sports programme entitled 'Coaching 1000', which is aiming to use football to address many difficult social issues in various townships. Sheffield FC and their associate charity 'Boots for Africa' are linked with us in this and thus the connection to this special thanksgiving service.
With South Africa hosting the 2010 World Cup there is great interest across the nation communities but little or no resources to develop sports programmes, especially in the poorer communities.
Post-apartheid there have been many changes for good in South Africa. But the reality is that millions of people still live in townships, often in very basic conditions, and there are clear problems with gang culture, drugs and other poverty-related issues.
We were introduced to Monte Christo Ministries (MCM) a few years ago. As part of their work within the black and coloured communities they were seeking to impact the lives of young people. Francisco Naude, a well-known athlete and experienced coach, had joined the organisation with a clear vision of using football to address social depravation.
When I visited the Paarl East and Mbkweni townships last year there was not one football pitch that was of usable standard. Most were rough areas littered with stones, glass and often evidence of drug use. But the vision isn't just to rebuild these pitches so football can be played. It is to give young people choices and thus help them change their lifestyles.
Football and coaching are being used to challenge young people, to give them hope, enable dreams and of course provide encouragement and facilities so that they can enjoy football and hopefully resist the temptation to become a part of the gang and drug culture.
MCM have been given a disused and neglected 30 acre field by the Paarl local authority. Plans have been drawn up to turn this into a modern facility with a community centre as well as changing and training rooms. WER is funding Francisco Naude's involvement – he has already started a full training programme and established leagues for boys and girls teams. We are also looking to fund additional coaches as well as day-to-day running costs when the sports facility is built. MCM have raised funds in the USA for the construction.
Coaching and training are proving highly effective in tackling many social issues and already we are seeing local young people dramatically change their lifestyles, turning their backs on the gangs and drugs. Schools are contacting MCM to ask if they can be included in the programme. This is all happening even though the sports centre has not yet been fully established.
I believe all good gifts come from God and, seeing the early results of this project, we thank Him for it today and at the Sheffield FC thanksgiving service later this month. We thank him for the work taking place in Paarl, for the young lives that have already been turned around and the thousands who will be helped in the next few year. Thank You God for Football!!!