Many of the children came from really challenging family situations, which sometimes played out in their behaviour. But Faith Guide Jen Bradshaw felt called to share the love of Jesus with them – whatever it took!
Red House is a deprived ward in Sunderland with high unemployment, lots of children, and few families who venture into the church. Jen is a vicar and local primary school governor – the children know who she is, but she needs a route to deepen those relationships if she’s to readily share faith. She wonders if football might work as local children love it, even if she doesn’t consider herself to be ‘sporty’. So, with SU Sports Mission Pioneer Sarah Bowey providing on-the-ground support and advice, Jen and church volunteers John and Nikki start their journey of using mission through sport.
Football has given us amazing opportunities to break down barriers and share Jesus.
June - October 2024
Connect
Having run two camps at the primary school and then at the church, Jen and team want to set up regular opportunities to build relationships with the local children.
Sarah suggests creating Holy Ground – using sport in a public space to connect with children and introduce them to Jesus. They start weekly football sessions for the group on a playing field opposite the church. Other children see what’s going on and join in.
November 2024 - March 2025
Breakthrough to Explore
Football sessions continue inside the church hall over winter. But how to move on to exploring faith, when the children aren’t really there for that?
Sarah suggests using SU’s new Half Time resource. It consists of 3 series each of 12 short sports themed videos based on Mark’s Gospel. They can be shared on a digital device or TV during the refreshments break. Questions prompt a brief topical discussion followed by a prayer ‘huddle’ – then it’s back to the beautiful game!
April - September 2025
Breakthrough to Respond and Grow
SU advises on and funds some kit and equipment for the group. Jen and team head back outdoors for football sessions.
In May, the lads are taken to play another Mission Through Sports team at Sherburn. Jen and the team share how Jesus is the ultimate ‘man of the match’.
In June, the lads are taken on a trip to Newcastle United Foundation’s rooftop pitch to play teams from Durham, Gateshead and Newcastle in SU’s first Holy Ground Football Festival. Every child gets a medal and the team wins various awards too – Tom, aged 10, says it was ‘amazing and fun’.
In September, seven of the team go on SU’s Half Time sport and faith themed holiday in Seahouses. There’s a shift of momentum – Sarah says, ‘We did a huddle evening where the boys shared more deeply about Jesus, and they kept asking if they could do it again!’ Volunteer Nikki recalls, ‘The kids grew so much as people, character wise and spiritually!’
Now, there are two football sessions each week, for children of different ages and stages of faith. Jen says, ‘They have so much fun – although their behaviour can be challenging sometimes!
Football has given us amazing opportunities to break down barriers and share Jesus. The children are at different stages on their spiritual journeys, but some are already showing signs of faith and understanding. We’ll continue to journey with them and demonstrate God’s love, in the hope that they will come to know him for themselves.’
Mission through Sport
Feeling inspired? Mission through sport could transform your outreach! Discover more here. You’ll find links to the Half Time and Holy Ground resources, as well as info on our sports team who’d be happy to inspire and equip you further!