The Football Association is launching a series of events with faith groups to encourage inclusivity. In this Religion Media Centre briefing, the historic links between football and Christianity were explored by players, FA staff, a football historian, a chaplain and fans. Many football clubs emerged from church groups, bringing values such as fair play, so that Christianity became woven into the history of the game. Today there continues to be an overlap between Christians and football clubs, which are often at the heart of communities. Leo Devine hosted this briefing with guests:
- Arran Williams, FA Diversity and Inclusion Manager
- James Kendall, FA Director of Football Development
- Matt Baker, Sports Chaplaincy UK, Pastoral Support Director in English Football
- Rev Pouya Heidari, former professional footballer in Iran, now vicar of St Mary’s Fetcham and captain of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s football team
- Linvoy Primus, former Charlton Athletic and Portsmouth player
- Becky Clarke, goalkeeper Bournemouth Sports FC
- Peter Lupson, Author of ‘Thank God for Football’
- Catherine Pepinster, journalist and devoted Brentford fan
- Hannah Rich, senior researcher at Theos Think Tank
- Rabbi Alex Goldberg, chair of the Football Association’s Faith in Football group
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Report: Passion, faith and the community’s heartbeat: how football goes hand in hand with Christianity
“Football became the gift that I was given rather than the job that I do”
– Linvoy Primus, former football player
FULL BRIEFING YOUTUBE VIDEO
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