Saturday Service - A Faith and Football Podcast

For this weeks episode we are joined by Kyle Hall who plays for Carrubbers FC in the Appin Edinburgh Churches Football League. Kyle's story is, in my opinion, a testament as to where sheer enthusiasm, commitment and a love for the game can take you. Indeed, as we reflect on his football journey, it is fair to say he has very much lived the dream! We reflect on his football journey, from the Stretford End to the park pitches of Edinburgh, to being an advocate for various causes and initiatives, his adventures have taken him far and wide.

In this episode I was delighted to be joined by Phil Twite who has had over a decades long involvement with Central Baptist FC, fulfilling many different roles in his time with them. He is also the Club Liaison Officer at the Chelmsford and District Churches League. We discussed his time at the club, through ups and downs, culminating in a league championship, how a man from Essex came to support Wigan Athletic, what it means to be a footballer in a Christian League, as well as his musical career.

This is the second part of my call with Peter. In this half we discuss subjects such as the spirituality of the early church sides, the role faith took in the breaking of societal norms, the changing influence of the Church within clubs, chaplaincy and Peter's own journey through faith. You can find both editions of his excellent book "Thank God For Football!" in all good bookstores.

Peter Lupson is a football historian, writer, TV presenter and much more, authoring the seminal book on football and faith called "Thank God For Football!" an exhaustive look at the Church based origins of some of the biggest clubs in England. I was lucky enough to be able to speak to Peter over the phone at the back end of last year and, to be honest, would've quite happily taken up much more of his time! Hence this episode is spilt into two, with this first part covering his background, football origins and his involvement in the game as well as looking at the motivations and origins of the Church's involvement in the beautiful game.

For the first episode it only felt right to talk a gentleman who has had a pretty profound impact on my journey into faith, the Revd. Colin Baldwin who is the Priest in Charge at the Lifestreams Churches in Southend on Sea, England. As well as being the Vicar at my church he is also a big football fan, supporting West Ham United FC. Here he shares insights into his love of football as well as his path to ordained Ministry and his current work within the Church of England.