This was it—the big game. We were in the Mike Laxton Cup Final, but things weren’t looking good. We were 2-0 down, losing in front of family and friends who had come out on a sunny Saturday afternoon to cheer us on. Football can be a cruel game. Since I started this team thirteen years ago, we had lost four cup finals, and it looked like we were heading for another trophyless season. But then, just before half time, we scored a goal—there was hope. Still, the atmosphere in the changing room was tense. Many of our players were anxious, frustrated, angry, and discouraged. As manager, my role was to lift their spirits and refocus the team. In that moment, I found myself reflecting on the journey of the club.

I originally started Chatsworth United as a way of connecting with young people who weren’t interested in church but loved football. Over time, it became clear that this team was about much more than the game. Football gave these young men a release, helping them cope with mental health struggles, emotional pressure, and providing a sense of belonging. It built teamwork, camaraderie, resilience, and discipline. What I had not anticipated was how powerful a tool this would be for mission. Through football, we’ve been able to share Christ, offer Christian fellowship, and provide space for pastoral care. It’s shown me that football isn’t just a game—it’s a ministry.

Team sports like football give life to Christian principles in a very real way. In Romans 12, Paul encourages us not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought, and reminds us that though we are many, we form one body with different gifts, each to be used diligently and cheerfully. A timely message when you're2-1 down at half time in a big final! It’s no surprise, then, that Paul often draws on the image of the athlete to describe the Christian life—whether in 2Timothy 2:4-7 or 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. Perseverance, discipline, and focus aren’t just qualities of a good footballer, but of a faithful disciple.

Looking back, I’ve realised that trophies and titles aren’t the only ways to measure success. Chatsworth United is the youngest and most diverse squad in the division, and while that comes with challenges, it also brings joy. Lives have been changed through the intentional presence of a Christian witness in a space young men love. Of course, on this particular Saturday, the lesson God had for us was one of victory. We came back in the second half and scored five goals without reply—winning our first ever cup final 6-2. Thank you, Lord! For these young men, it was more than just a victory—it was a powerful affirmation of what they could achieve.

Running a church football team has been one of the most enjoyable and rewarding parts of ministry. My prayer is that more churches will explore how organised football can be a powerful and often overlooked way of sharing the gospel. Chatsworth United competes in the Bromley and Croydon Christian League, which is eager to help churches across South London develop this unique and meaningful ministry opportunity.

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Chris Rose is the associate minister at Chatsworth Baptist Church in West Norwood.

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