Sports Chaplaincy UK places chaplains into sports clubs to provide pastoral and spiritual care for all at the club – athletes/players, staff, families and fans. They provide initial training and ongoing support for Christians who feel called to this ministry. We currently have 300 chaplains serving in England but over 850 in the UK and Ireland as a whole. Sports chaplains serve in a variety of sports including athletics, running clubs, boxing, basketball, cricket, football, golf, horse racing, motorsport, rugby, triathlon and tennis, and at major games such as World Championships, Olympics and Commonwealth Games. Sports chaplaincy is a global ministry and there are chaplains serving in Australia, Europe and the USA.
Our St Mary’s Mission Partner Angy King is seeking an assistant to help her in her role as chaplain to Reading Women’s Football Club. The requirement is as follows:
Volunteer Opportunity – Assistant chaplain to Reading Women’s Football Club.
Sports chaplaincy at Reading has been in place for over 20 years for the men and 11 years for the women’s team. As the first team women now train and play their games at Slough Town FC. I am looking for a female lay or ordained person with a commitment to Christ, a pastoral heart and an interest or background in sport to assist me in chaplaincy provision. This is a wonderful opportunity to bring God’s love and care into a secular environment offering pastoral care to all and spiritual care for those who request it.
The team train on Wednesdays and Fridays from 6.45pm – 8.30pm and home games are at 2pm on Sundays although players arrive at 12.30pm. Attendance is required at one of the training sessions and for some home games. A willingness to travel to away games on occasions (usually up to an hour away max) would be beneficial. The role would be shared and there will be flexibility to accommodate other commitments.
Sports chaplaincy induction training (3 x evenings online) and ongoing support are provided by Sports Chaplaincy UK. No previous experience is necessary.
If you are interested in this voluntary position or you would like further details, please contact Angy: angy.king@sportschaplaincy.org.uk
Angy King
Reading FC Women’s Chaplain