The Christians in Sport Podcast

Danno sits down with Bruce Dyer and Bobby Hassell as we speak about racism in professional football the proactive steps Barnsley Football Club have taken to address the issue. Bruce Dyer was the first £1 million teenager when we moved from Watford to Crystal Palace and played 469 games from 1993-2008. Bobby Hassell is the Academy Manager at Barnsley having played for 17 years at Mansfield, Barnsley and Bharat FC in India.

It's Mental Health Awareness Week and so in this episode we ask: Why is the gospel good news for those in sport suffering with mental health concerns? Danno unpacks research around identity and community that can be a real help to elite and competitive sportspeople.

Today we speak with Gaynor - a whole family of sporty children! Last time she spoke about the time pressures of prioritising church, sport and family as a busy sporting family.  Today we’re diving into the relationships involved in being a parent of a sporty child - the coaches, the other parents, their child and the rest of their family as well.  Listen in as we discuss: Conversations with coaches about faith Forming relationships with other parents Coping with the competitive environment of elite youth sport Dealing with the jealousy of other parents  The danger of your child’s sport becoming an idol for you

Former rugby professional Peter Browne and badminton player Lisa Elliott join us to discuss pride as a sportsperson. Listen in as we discuss: The difference between pride and confidence What true humility looks like How grasping your identity helps you play with freedom What it means to value others above ourselves Practical tips to help keep pride in check  Check out the blog and bible study on our website. Find more resources about life as a Christian in the world of sport at christiasninsport.org.uk/resources

Mike Harris chats with Libby, a university footballer, about why she's made made a habit of making food and inviting her teammates to come and hear about Jesus.  We then have a chat with Mike and break down how to run your own meal with your team-mates. 

Can I be competitive and a Christian? Is competition wrong? What about wanting to win? Do you lose your competitive edge as a Christian? We’ve been asked all these questions and more so Graham Daniels is in to help us get under the skin of some of them. In this episode we’ll look at: Competition in the Bible The foundational nature of sport What you should do if sport causes you to sin If you should stop if sport ‘brings out the worst in you’ How sport and competition can make you more like Jesus.

Dave and Mike speak about the amazing story of what God did in one rugby club through a series of Bible studies which went viral around the team. In this episode they also give some helpful advice for anyone else looking to share the good news of Jesus in their sports clubs and teams through the simple act of getting God’s word open and letting God does his work through it. You can read a blog and do a Bible study on this topic with the link below: www.christiansinsport.org.uk/resources/speaking/why-should-i-read-the-bible-with-a-sports-friend/

If you want an expert in dealing with the ups and downs of having children on elite performance pathways, here's your woman. Graham Daniels sits down with mother of four Sally to talk about: Keeping things in perspective as a sporting family Navigating disappointment with your children well The demands and joys of being a busy Christian family Maintaining a healthy relationship with your spouse  Prioritising your own relationship with Jesus as a parent

In response to your questions we have our first #AskCIS podcast. You asked “why don’t Christians in Sport put famous sportspeople in the public eye” and here’s your answer.  Jonny Reid interviews Graham Daniels, the General Director of Christians in Sport about the principles behind our decision and how that plays out in practice. 

Graham Daniels and Jonny Reid look at why Christians in Sport exits, to reach the world of sport for Jesus, and what encouragement Jesus gives as we go and do it!