Australia is immersed in the festival of the boot with AFL and NRL football grand finals. Along with the premierships there are awards for best and fairest players, best coaches, and best on ground. However, there are unsung heroes that avoid the limelight yet their efforts impact further than the game day scoreboard.
Sports Chaplaincy
For over 30 years, sports chaplains have served at both the AFL and NRL level. Their main role is to provide pastoral care to players, club staff and their families.
This might be a caring listening ear to a coach: The chaplain listens to the coach and his wife lament the pressures of football and media scrutiny it brings their family.
Or it might be a chaplain walking with the players suffering from a tragedy, such as the death of club staff member. As someone who has earned the players trust over years of service, the chaplain has earned the right to share in their grief and point them to a hope in Jesus.
Or it might mean a chaplain who has the privilege of conducting a wedding or sharing in major life moments. Chaplains have always been there for the football club.
Why successful?
Sports Chaplaincy Australia has worked hard to develop the trust with the football clubs and leagues. At first, they were sceptical of these “do-gooders” yet the chaplains continually proved they were there for the players through their acts of service.
In a game based around performance, a chaplain comes in as a “neutral” person with a focus on the players as people, not just their on-field results. They are not paid for their time and don’t do it for the love of the game. They do it for the love of Jesus and point to players to the gospel of grace.
Football is about earning a performance, getting a win. Chaplains point to Jesus who has already won the performance for us and gives that victory as a free gracious gift. A player tries to make every touch of the football count towards a win. The chaplain makes every interaction with players count towards this grace: that every player might see football as an important part of their lives but not all there is to life.
As you reflect on the footy season, remember the unsung heroes, the sports chaplains. These men and women strive to be salt and light to the people of sport.