2023 Ministry Highlights

As we reflect on the transformative year of 2023, we're delighted to share about the impact God has made through Imago Dei Soccer. Please check out our highlights:

Quote from an Imago Dei Soccer parent.

Team Expansion:

Imago Dei Soccer is excited to welcome Elijah Denton as our new Urban Ministries and Seasonal Program Director, bringing fresh perspectives and passion to our endeavors. Additionally, Chris Kabrich joins us as the Discipleship and Development Director, adding invaluable insights to our holistic approach in building character through soccer.

Community Impact:

Beyond the soccer field, we've expanded our footprint by gifting 400 soccer balls and forming new partnerships with schools. These initiatives represent our commitment to community development and creating a positive impact beyond our immediate reach.

THANK YOU!

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who have been part of Imago Dei Soccer's journey. The support, enthusiasm, and commitment from our players, parents, staff, and community partners have fueled our growth and success. As we step into 2024, we eagerly anticipate the unfolding of God's plans for this ministry. Together, we look forward to another year of building connections, empowering youth, and making a lasting impact in the spirit of unity and purpose. All for the glory of God. Thank you for being an integral part of our story.

If you would like to see the full 2023 Missionary Athletes International IMPACT REPORT, click any of the options below:

August 2023 Ministry Update

We are thrilled to share exciting updates from our ministry, where the love of soccer and the message of the Gospel intersect to create meaningful impact. Your support has been instrumental in making these accomplishments possible, and we're eager to celebrate together.

INTRODUCING ELIJAH DENTON: URBAN MINISTRIES AND SEASONAL PROGRAM DIRECTOR

We're delighted to welcome Elijah Denton to our team as our new Urban Ministries and Seasonal Program Director. With his deep passion for sports and unwavering commitment to the Gospel, Elijah brings a unique perspective that will help us reach new heights in our mission. His experience aligns perfectly with our values, and we're excited to witness the positive changes he will bring to our urban outreach and seasonal programs.

EMPOWERING LIVES THROUGH SUMMER CAMPS

This summer, we hosted four incredible camps, attracting over 200 young athletes who embraced the opportunity to enhance their soccer skills while encountering the life-transforming message of Jesus Christ. The impact has been profound as we witness the positive intersection of faith and sports.

During one memorable camp, a coach's act of kindness touched our hearts. A young participant received a brand-new pair of soccer cleats after his old pair broke, highlighting the compassionate spirit that underpins our ministry. This gesture not only elevated the child's soccer experience but also demonstrated the love that defines our values.

MOVING FORWARD WITH PURPOSE

As we look ahead, we're filled with anticipation for the growth and influence of this ministry. We're excited about the fresh initiatives that will enable us to reach even more lives with the transformative power of faith and sportsmanship. Your continued support is invaluable, driving our efforts to make a lasting impact.

Join us in prayer as we navigate this journey that merges the joy of soccer with the richness of Christian values. Together, we're making a difference in the lives of young athletes, empowering them to discover their potential on and off the field.

Thank you for being an integral part of Imago Dei Soccer. Your partnership and dedication fuel our progress, and we can't wait to share more stories of growth and transformation in the days ahead.

May 2023 Ministry Update

Field Day at Fairview

Last week we were part of an exciting Field Day at Fairview Elementary School. This day provided an opportunity for the children to participate in various fun activities, including our station, where we created a fun shooting environment for the kids. At the end of the day we donated around 400 soccer balls for the kids to take home.

Coach Finch’s statement on partnership with Imago Dei

Two new partners

We are excited to announce that we are expanding our reach by adding two new schools to our roster: Triad Baptist and Our Lady of Grace. We are excited to work with these schools to provide quality soccer programs and intentional discipleship to their students. We believe these partnerships will help us continue to make a positive impact on the lives of these children, while also spreading the message of Jesus Christ.

We would like to thank you for your continued support. It is with your support that we are able to expand our reach and impact more lives through the sport of soccer. We look forward to the future and all that God has in store for us.

Guatemala - Ball Program

This summer, we had the privilege of partnering with Champions in Action in Guatemala.  Champions in Action works with the disadvantaged youth of Guatemala who live in inner-city areas where poverty, gangs, violent crime, broken families, and drug/alcohol abuse are day-to-day realities. These kids grow up in environments where father figures and positive adult influences are scarce. 

Imago Dei Soccer was able to send Andres to serve as a coach and translator for their summer program. Their programs are designed with the goal of using soccer to share the hope, love, and restoration that only Christ can give. 

Ball Program

50 soccer balls were sent to Guatemala through the Ball Program. This program presents the gospel through the gift of a soccer ball that reminds each person they are created in the Imago Dei (Image of God). 

Anahi’s Story

13 year old girl who participates in Champions in Acton in Guatemala. 

Anahí has been sexually abused by her dad for most of her life. Her dad is currently in prison, and she now lives safely with her mom and four brothers. During the summer program that Andres assisted with, God softened her heart and she was able to forgive her dad. She then accepted Christ and got baptized. We are praying for her as she begins her journey with Jesus, and Champions in Action will be there to walk beside her each day. 

We just want to say thank you! Your generosity is key in fueling what God is doing in the Triad and beyond through Imago Dei Soccer. If you are interested in finding out more click the button below!

August 2022 Ministry Update

At the beginning of 2022, we started a partnership with Rise Academy. Check out this video:

We are so excited to be back at Rise Academy this school year! If you would like to find out more about this partnership along with others, please click here.

It has been amazing to see God move over the past few months. 200+ players came through our summer programs. Our year-round weekly training and discipleship programs are growing tremendously.

  • Urban Ministries: 2 partners with over 45 players

  • School Programs: 4 schools with over 93 players

  • ID Elite: 3 groups with over 50 players

We just want to say thank you! Your generosity is key in fueling what God is doing in the Triad through Imago Dei Soccer. If you are interested in partnering with us click the red button below. Our updated giving page makes it even easier to get involved!

December 2021 Ministry Update

This Fall, God moved in some amazing ways! From addition staff members to even more ways to impact our community with the Gospel.

New partnerships this spring

We are thrilled to announce our new partnerships with Rise Academy and Hope Academy to provide weekly training and discipleship to their students! These partnerships will start in January 2022.

Rise Academy was established to serve the communities of Southside and East Winston-Salem. Rise Academy is driven by the vision to see students, families and communities RISE through a Christ-rooted holistic educational environment.

Hope Academy: Through the hope and power of Christ, they partner with families and the community to educate, encourage and equip students to transform their futures. Hope Academy exists to serve students that are socio-economically disadvantaged in Greensboro. At least 80% of families will have a household income that is near or below the federal poverty guidelines.

Baptism

One of the players who has been with us for 4 years was baptized a few weeks ago. Praise the Lord!

New Staff Member

Andres Tortola has joined staff as our Annual Program Leader. Andres is originally from Guatemala, but is moving with his wife, Jamie and son, Sebastian from New Jersey. Please help welcome Andres!

Small Group Training

Small Group Training has grown exponentially this fall. Each session our staff builds relationships and shares a discipleship time with the players. Currently we partner with 3 schools and Vertical Church to run 8 weekly groups. Stay tuned for more partners to be announced soon.

Thank you for allowing us to play a small part in what God is doing here in the Triad. We count our blessings from 2021, and are ready to take on 2022!

If you are interested in partnering with us, please click the link below:

Summer 2021 Ministry Update

We are so excited to reflect on a full summer of ministry! We saw lives changed this summer through multiple programs including: Imago Dei’s summer interns, U23 men’s and women’s teams, and school aged training groups.

We focused on three avenues of ministry this summer: engaging with our community, pursing neighborhood outreach, and enhancing our discipleship curriculum. After three months of prayer, preparation, and zoom calls, our three summer interns, Mary, Jeremiah, and Reese, arrived on May 21 to play a part in what God is doing in the Triad.

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New Staff Member

Reese McCormick served as our marketing head this summer and has decided to join staff! She will focus on coaching through our small group training program & continue her work through marketing. We are thrilled to have Reese join staff!

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Outreach

Mary Doell led Imago Dei’s local outreach program. This took place at a local apartment complex comprised of refugees representing multiple nationalities including Congolese, Ugandans, Burmese, Zimbabweans and many more. Mary helped with English speaking courses and partnered with the Fusion Foundation to run a soccer clinic for over 40 players.

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Sports ministry training

Jeremiah Anderson concentrated on enhancing Imago Dei’s sports ministry and discipleship approach. Imago Dei’s ministry curriculum is systematically broken down by age group in order to share the gospel as efficiently and lovingly as possible. Imago Dei has also placed an emphasis on discipleship, practiced in both small group programs (school age athletes) and U23 programs (collegiate athletes).

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U23 Training Programs

Imago Dei’s U23 programs are designed to give collegiate soccer players a Christ centered atmosphere where they can grow as players and as people. Ben Lefever, a rising junior at Messiah University, stated "I came to Imago Dei for a really cool balance of playing soccer and getting better, but also, having opportunities to minister the word of Christ and grow in my own faith as well." Players engaged in intentional fellowship opportunities throughout their summer in the Triad including weekly worship nights, group activities, and shared meals.

On a personal note, Rachel and I welcomed our first child, Mac Alexander Robbins, into the world on July 1st! We would appreciate your prayers as we navigate being parents.

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If you are interested in partnering with us, please click the link below:

December 2020 Ministry Update

Because of Covid-19, Imago Dei Soccer was forced to pivot in the way we do ministry, and God has done some amazing things! Here’s a quick update on Imago Dei Soccer’s fall:

Our church partner, Vertical Church Triad, was gracious enough to allow us to install a small turf field on their campus. Since installation, we’ve been able to safely host daily Individual and Small Group sessions, create 2 Winter Leagues, and plan some exciting new programs for 2021. These sessions and leagues have brought more players & families into our programs than we imagined. This field has allowed us to continue to use soccer to share the Gospel and see lives transformed.

Also, take a look at the video below and see how God used Imago Dei Soccer to help a college player discover God’s purpose for his life.

Check out how God is at work in Seth’s life!

Check out our new turf field!

Your generosity is essential in what God is doing through Imago Dei Soccer. We would very much appreciate you partnering with us through prayer and an end of the year tax deductible donation gift in order to advance the Gospel of Jesus Christ through this ministry.

IMAGO DEI SOCCER

Playing a Game to Change the World!