Soccer coaches making a difference: Moldova, Republic of

Country Profile

Soccer coaches making a difference

Moldova, Republic of | OM International

Soccer is much loved, even in the village

“Churches and youth meetings are often much better attended by girls than guys,” observes Magdalena (Sweden). “Maybe girls like to listen, talk and sing more, while guys tend to be more active.”

Magdalena is one of those girls who likes to be active too. Sports is her passion – especially soccer. For 3 weeks she joined OMers Andrei and Slavic who are involved in Sports Ministry in Moldova. Some soccer coaches from England went to Moldova to offer training to local Christian soccer coaches. The conference was both practical and theoretical. All participants learnt how to set up a good training programme, share the gospel through deeds and words and connect a bible lesson to soccer training. After the training, the local soccer coaches returned to their homes in the village. They continue to play a vital role in their church and local community.

The conference took place at the start of the football season, when coaches are usually most enthusiastic, in order to equip them for the training season ahead. This summer, OM Moldova will visit these coaches regularly and organise tournaments and football camps for soccer teams connected to the church.

Andrei is one such coach. He is 18-years old and lives in Bahmut, a small village in Moldova. Every Monday he meets 20 boys at the soccer fields. He doesn’t get paid and could spend his free time in a thousand other ways, but Andrei is passionate about soccer and enjoys training the boys. Andrei is not only a coach but also a great example of what it means to be a friend and witness of Christ to teenagers. By observing his lifestyle, teenagers learn that it is good to live life free of alcohol and cigarettes. Andrei also shows them how to play fair, have fun and above all, what it means to have a personal relationship with the Living God.

Do you have a passion for sports and want to get involved in football ministry in Moldova or do you want to sponsor football camps this summer? This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it would love to hear from you!