World Cup represents ‘huge evangelisation opportunity’

A Catholic priest believes the World Cup offers a “huge opportunity for evangelisation of young people”.

The football World Cup, which is taking place in the USA, Canada and Mexico, starts on 11 June. It comes at a time when significant numbers of famous players are regularly and publicly declaring their Christian faith.

Speaking of the World Cup, Fr Marc Lyden-Smith, who is the chaplain for Premier League team Sunderland, told The Tablet: “Young people do look up to these footballers. These are people who they pretend to be when they’re playing football.

“It’s a huge opportunity for evangelisation of our young people.”

“(It’s) hugely impressionable to see your idol thanking God or making the sign of the cross. You see that replicated by children playing in parks.”

Scotland striker Ben Gannon-Doak, 20, who plays for Bournemouth and has experienced many injuries, recently shared how his Catholic faith inspires and helps him, saying: “God just keeps you grounded, keeps you humble. I heavily rely on God to not fall into doing the wrong things.”

Several members of the England squad also regularly speak openly about their faith, including Arsenal’s Christian players Eberechi Eze, Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke, who have been nicknamed “Bible brothers”. Manchester City defender Marc Guehi wears boots with Bible verses such as Isaiah 54:17 inscribed on them.

Commenting on the potential impact of players witnessing to their faith, Fr Lyden-Smith said: “Little gestures from footballers can pose big questions. If they (viewers) see players praying or thanking God, it does raise questions. It makes people think a little bit more about where they come from, where they’re going.”

Influential sport ministries such as Ballers In God help impact young people. Ballers In God, a global Christian ministry and community founded in 2015 by professional footballer John Bostock, features popular players speaking about how their faith has impacted their performance and life.

Fr Lyden-Smith believes the tournament will also appeal to non-football fans and help build unity. He said: “All eyes are on the World Cup. Television audiences are through the roof.  It’s one of the few times where there’s a little bit of unity. People that aren’t interested in football show more interest.”

England will start their World Cup campaign against Croatia on 17 June in Texas, while Scotland kick off against Haiti on 14 June in Boston.

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