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| ‘Ambassadors
in Sport’ or ‘AIS’ is an
international Christian organisation whose
ministry vision is to develop church based
sports ministry. In recent years, they have
launched NR*G – an internship programme
based in some of Manchester’s toughest
areas. The initiative offers coaching to schools
in a whole range of sports and creates resources
for new Christians. ALOVE talked to Mark Versey,
the team leader for an NR*G sports team in
Wythenshawe, Manchester, to find out more
about pursuing mission through sport. |
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Mark grew
up in Felixstowe, where he was part
of a Salvation Army community. Sport
has always been important to him. He’s
an avid football player and fan, being
a member of the England supporters club
and life-long supporter of Ipswich Town.
Mark’s major involvement in sports
ministry came in April 2003, when he
opted for voluntary redundancy from
his job as a Financial Consultant with
Lloyds TSB. ‘I
felt God was calling me into full-time
Youth Work, although at the time, I
wasn’t sure which area.’ |
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Mark got clarity
on this question during ROOTS 2003 (a Salvation
Army event), when he went to an Ambassadors
in Sport seminar and heard about the NR*G
internship. ‘It
sounded just perfect to me,’ explains
Mark. ‘It struck
me that I would get to do the things I’m
most passionate about: working with young
people through Sport and having the opportunity
to share faith with them.’ From
that point, Mark made up his mind to get involved
with Ambassadors in Sport (AIS).
And he’s not looked back. Mark’s
time with AIS has been a significant learning
and discipleship opportunity. He’s now
a qualified Football and Basketball Coach
and has volunteered in numerous primary and
secondary schools.
Mark’s also worked with child psychologists
in monitoring the effect that organised playground
sports have on a child’s behaviour and
learning. This has led to Mark undertaking
a Football Psychology course with the English
FA.
Other responsibilities have included leading
school assemblies, running soccer schools
and getting involved in prison ministry. ‘Add
to this the fact I’ve been on playing/coaching
tours to the Czech Republic, Spain, Portugal
for Euro 2004 and America I’ve had an
amazing time with Ambassadors In Sport.’
So does Mark think that the UK Church has
fully recognised the importance and significance
of sports ministry? In his opinion, the answer
is no, not yet. ‘When
you consider that some reports show 70% of
the UK population have an interest in Sport
(taking part or watching), churches can’t
afford not to get involved. Sports ministry
is relevant to our society. It’s a tool
we can use to bridge the gap between the church
and the community.’
Marks passion for sports ministry in reaching
out to young people is obvious and he shares
a quote from Nelson Mandela that’s been
a huge source of motivation for him. ‘“Sport
has the power to unite people in a way little
else can. It breaks down racial barriers,
it laughs in the face of all kinds of discrimination.
Sport speaks to people in a language they
can understand.” That quote inspires
me,’ enthuses Mark. ‘I
know that I can use sport to share good news
with young people.’ |
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Related
Links ...
For more information on Ambassadors in Sport
visit: www.aisint.org
The ALOVE NEO programme is creating ‘New
Expressions Of’ The Salvation Army in
numerous urban locations of the UK and Republic
of Ireland. If you are passionate about sports
and community work and are interested in volunteering
on one of our NEO programmes, we would love
to hear from you. Contact us at: alove@salvationarmy.org.uk |
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Youthwork -
The Partnership ...
ALOVE,
Youthwork Magazine, Youth For Christ, Spring Harvest and
Oasis are working together to equip and resource the Church
for effective youth work and ministry. |
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