The podcast of Christians in Sport - the movement of competitors, coaches and officials which exists to reach the world of sport for Christ. Featuring interviews with people from the world of elite sport - from Olympians to major golf winners, Premier League footballers to high level athletes - we seek to find out how they connect their sport and faith together. We also deal with some of the key questions you might have as a Christian in the world of sport with #AskCIS.
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E68 - 6 ways people are becoming Christians today with Phil Knox from the Evangelical Alliance
46:49
Over 9 million people play sport each week and millions more watch and talk about sport regularly. At the start of one of the biggest sporting summers in history, we sit down with missiologist and evangelist Phil Knox, to discuss six ways people come to faith today, and how we can make the most of this summer of sport to share the good news of Jesu…
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This year's Mental Health Awareness Week is themed around movement, including sport and this week we have a special episode with Heather Lewis, project manager at the Mental Health Foundation. Alongside her work, Heather has a specific academic interest in elite sport, having completed a Master's at St. Mary's Twickenham on mental health within a R…
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Jason Romano is the Director of Media with Sports Spectrum and the host of the popular Sports Spectrum Podcast – probably the most popular sports and faith podcast and blog globally. For 17 years, he was an Emmy-Award winning Producer and Senior Manager at ESPN. He has created and produced content for shows such as SportsCenter, NFL LIVE, Mike and …
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Gill's story as a Christian, mother and marathon runner is inspiring. Taking up marathon running in 2011, Gill progressed to a personal best of 2:53:22 in 2016, all while working and more recently becoming a mum. Listen for how Gill's identity in Christ is game-changing for her sport, church, to family life. (0:00) Intro and Jan's bio (1:30) What d…
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On nights out the best opportunity to chat may well be outside in the smoking area, away from the noise and where it’s natural to have a deeper conversation. So, should you smoke on a night out to have gospel conversations with your teammates? (0:00) Intro (0:22) Today's question (0:53) We're called to share our faith (1:40) Permittable vs benefici…
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Jan is a former long track and marathon speed skater, now working for Next Move Sports Ministries in the Netherlands. Jan decided to retire from skating at 22 because he struggled to connect his Christian faith with his passion for sport, yet now he helps top-level athletes to think through how they can combine faith in Christ with competing at the…
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John Bostock debuted for Crystal Palace at just 15 years old, still their youngest-ever first-team player. He signed for Spurs a year later but his career wasn't straightforward, spending years on loan and playing abroad. He came to faith as a teenager and, in 2015, founded Ballers in God, an organisation that aims to disciple professional football…
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Jenny Tait is an Australian volleyball player, earning 66 caps for the Volleyroos indoor team as well as playing for Campbell University in the NCAA and at the top level in Europe. Jenny retired in 2020 and is now studying theology at Moore College in Sydney. Danno caught up with Jenny to talk about her career in elite sport and her passion to cont…
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Alison Nicholas is a British golfer who reached the pinnacle of the sport in a highly successful career as both a player and then later on as the captain of a victorious Solheim Cup winning team in 2011. In a fascinating interview with Graham Daniels, she talks about what it looks like to be a successful leader and coach in elite sport and how her …
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Starting university is a really significant transition in life. It can be daunting, unpredictable and challenging as you move from home and look to join a new sports club. Here's six top tips to help you settle in well. 0:00 Intro 0:22 Today's question 0:48 Answer 1:14 Join a church 2:10 Follow Jesus from day one 2:50 Be committed to your sports cl…
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As the 2023 Rugby World Cup kicks off we revisit a conversation with Garin Jenkins recorded in 2016. Garin is a former Welsh rugby union player capped 58 times by his country. He played in three World Cups and multiple Five and Six Nations tournaments. In conversation with Graham Daniels, he tells us about his battle with misdirected passion and ag…
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As a Christian sportsperson, what should you prioritise as you leave university behind and join the world of work? 0:00 Intro 0:22 Today's question 0:38 A significant transition 1:02 Find a church 1:58 Find a club 2:49 Be bold 3:09 Team Up 3:34 Be patient 3:56 PrayPor Christians in Sport
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Bertie Kennedy is a top-level cricket analyst who has worked with numerous clubs and franchises across professional cricket, including conducting the inaugural Hundred draft for the Northern Superchargers. He consults for numerous sporting teams to help them make better data-driven decisions alongside lecturing on the MSc in Performance Analysis at…
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Can a Christian really bring glory to God in combat sports like boxing or martial arts? In this episode of AskCIS we look at what the Bible has to say about the use of violence in sport, and ask if it's possible to glorify God if violence is part of your sport. 0:00 Intro 0:22 Today's question 1:06 What is God's glory? 2:21 Is violence inherently w…
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Fanie Van De Merwe is a multiple Paralympic Champion in track sprinting, with three Gold medals to his name across a career that saw him make three Paralympic Games. Fanie grew up with cerebral palsy but competed alongside able-bodied athletes until a coach suggested he focus on disability sport when he was 17. Fanie and his brother Chris now run a…
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AskCIS #33 | What should I wear to play sport which both enables performance and honours God?
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Issues around what women should wear for sport have been hotly debated in recent times, with plenty of opinions voiced about how much athletes should or shouldn't wear. Some sports even regulate the type of kit female athletes can wear whilst leaving male athletes to choose for themselves. In this episode of AskCIS Rosie Woodbridge takes us through…
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Eating disorders are disproportionately common in sport, and can be hugely damaging to athletes' physical and mental health. Jonny caught up with Rosie to talk about her experience of battling her eating disorder alongside playing Ultimate Frisbee for Great Britain, and how her faith shaped this struggle. Read more about rosie's eating disorder 👉ht…
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How can you respond if someone says you shouldn't let your child compete on a Sunday? It's a big question that could come easily from another parent, a church leader, or a Christan friend. In this episode of AskCIS we dig into this question by opening up the Bible to see how God's word might shape a response. Read more about Sunday sport: https://c…
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For many the season is over, and Wednesdays are no longer taken up with BUCS fixtures. Then once exams are over everything can become a bit of a blur. But what about reaching the world of sport for Christ? How does that fit into the last month of university life? (0:00) Intro (0:22) Today's question (0:48) Answer (1:10) Circumstances change but the…
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Matthew Joseph is the man 'coaching the coaches' at Arsenal Football Club's Academy. Matthew played as an Arsenal and England youth team player, gaining an Arsenal pro contract at eighteen. However, at nineteen he was released by Arsenal, a decision that he says broke his heart. He went on to play over 400 games in English League Football for Cambr…
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What does it mean to play my sport for God’s glory? We often see people on social media talk about ‘playing for God’s glory’ and ‘all for His glory’ but what does this actually mean? In this episode of AskCIS we seek to understand what it means to glorify God and how this might play out for Christian sportspeople. (0:00) - Intro (0:22) - Today's qu…
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Anastasia Chitty (Née Posner) represented Oxford University in five Boat Race crews as well as representing Great Britain at World Cups, World Championships and the World University Games. In 2020 Anastasia retired from rowing to complete her medical studies, giving up her opportunity to compete for a spot in the British Olympic team for the postpo…
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Fitness tracking and activity sharing apps have completely changed the landscape of athletic sports in recent years. In this episode of AskCIS we explore the benefits and potential pitfalls of Strava for the Christian athlete. (0:00) - Intro (0:22) - Today's question (0:42) - Answer (1:20) - Strava connects (2:20) - Strava consumes (3:26) - Strava …
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Not making the team is a tough scenario for players and athletes, particularly professionals who are under contract and unable to seek any alternative competition to enjoy. So, how can you respond in worship when you're constantly left out of selection? (0:00) - Intro (0:22) - Today's Question (0:46) - A common frustration for top-level players (1:…
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Steve Stenstrom is a former NFL quarterback who played six seasons with the Chicago Bears, San Francisco 49ers, Detroit Lions and Denver Broncos. Steve was a standout quarterback at Stanford University before being drafted to the Kansas City Chiefs in 1995 This week Greg caught up with Steve ahead of Superbowl LVII to talk about his journey to Jesu…
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Karen Kennedy is one of Irish Hockey's most experienced campaigners, with over a hundred international caps including playing in two World Cups. Having retired from the top level seven years ago Karen is now getting back into playing alongside navigating the challenges that come with being the mother of two young sportspeople. Danno caught up with …
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"I can do all things through the one who gives me strength." Really? Philippians 4:13 is a popular verse in the world of sport, and it's easy to see why - it sounds like the perfect motivation for sporting performance. But is that what the verse really means? (0:00) - Intro (0:22) - Today's Question (0:45) - Sportspeople are driven people (1:41) - …
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AskCIS #26 | How can I celebrate the wonder of Christmas when I'm constantly playing through the festive period?
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Christmas is a time when most of us stop playing, taking time off work or study and sport to be with family and friends. But what if you're a professional athlete? Christmas is one of the busiest periods for professional football and rugby players, as well as many in other sports. So how can you take time out to celebrate the wonder of Christmas du…
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Michael Johnson is an experienced player and respected coach within English Football. Having played for Birmingham City and Jamaica he moved into coaching after retiring. Since then roles have included coaching England's U21 team for two years and head coaching Guyana's national men's team. Danno caught up with Michael at St. George's Park to chat …
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The FIFA World Cup is well underway, yet the conversation around the tournament continues to be dominated by controversial issues off the field. So how can a Christian respond to Qatar hosting the World Cup? (0:00) - Intro (0:23) - Today's Question (0:32) - Response (1:29) - Know who and where you are (3:13) - We can make God known through both pro…
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Fran Clarkson is the Women's Pathway Lead Physiotherapist at the English Football Association, and recently stepped in as the interim Lead Physio for the England Lionesses. She's an experienced practitioner in elite sport having worked with Derbyshire County Cricket Club, Trent Rockets, and the English Institute of Sport before moving to England Fo…
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AskCIS #24 | How do I maintain healthy family relationships whilst supporting my child in elite sport?
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Supporting a child in elite sport can be thrilling, but it can easily add strain to family relationships as the time and cost of supporting them becomes part of family life. So, how can you maintain healthy family relationships, and keep Christ at the centre of your family as you support a child in elite sport? (0:00) - Intro (0:23) - Today's Quest…
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In the last few years, we have received several similar questions from elite athletes, students and parents of young sportspeople. They can be summarised in a simple question: "Dear Christians in Sport, should I wear rainbow laces?" (0:00) - Intro (0:23) - Today's Question (0:38) - Response (0:48) - What is in the background? (2:10) - What we can a…
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Nick Ferraby is a former professional and international cricketer who represented Jersey in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Qualifiers in 2018. Nick is now an assistant pastor at Jersey Baptist Church. Join Danno as he chats to Nick about his cricketing career, including 18 international matches, his journey to faith in Christ and how he's connected sp…
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AskCIS is a new series where we think through the questions you send in to help you live and speak for Jesus in your sports club or team. Today we're answering a question from an elite athlete who's unsure about sports psychology. Join us as we look at what sports psychologists do and how they work before looking at what, if any, reservations Chris…
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AskCIS is a new series where we think through the questions you send in to help you live and speak for Jesus in your sports club or team. Today we're looking at university sports team initiations or 'welcome socials.' Depending on the culture at your university sports club, the experience of welcome drinks or socials can be drastically different. H…
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AskCIS is a new series where we think through the questions you send in to help you live and speak for Jesus in your sports club or team. Today we're looking at how you can start well in a new sports club or team. Starting out in a new club or team isn't always easy, so we've put together four tips to help you get off to a good start as you look to…
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In the field of sports psychology, few have gained as much professional experience as Tom Bates. Tom cut his teeth working in professional football at numerous clubs including Brentford, Aston Villa, and Birmingham City. More recently, Tom has worked with Olympic athletes across a range of sports including Swimming - coaching Adam Peaty to success …
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Sport is brilliant, but it's not always straightforward, it can be challenging to live as a Christian within the world of sport. AskCIS is a new series where we think through the questions you send in to help you live and speak for Jesus in your sports club or team. Competitive sport can't exist without winners and losers, but does God care about t…
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The Winter Olympics begin in Beijing on Friday under a mountain of controversy. Beijing 2022 is not the only event suffering from allegations of human rights abuses and questions about whether they should have been awarded a major sports event. The FIFA World Cup next year in Qatar has also had large voices of opposition due to the poor treatment o…
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At 19 years of age Jake threw in the towel. He gave up competing as a fighter, but this wasn’t the only life change that occurred during his late teens. Join Danno as he chats to Jake about discovering his gift as a young martial artist, becoming North American and European Champion in Muay Thai, and the compatibility of combat sports with faith in…
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Today's guest is Dr Suzanne Ferreira from Stellenbosch, South Africa. She's won 70 plus medals, through the athletes she coaches, at the Paralympic Games, the World Championships, the All-Africa Games, the Commonwealth Games. She's been at the Paralympics as a coach in Beijing 2008, London 2021, Rio 2016 and the International Paralympic Committee W…
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Danno sits down with Paralympic goal-ball player Anna Tipton (nee Sharkey). She played in eight European Championships, two World Championships and also competed in the Paralympics at London 2012. In this interview she speaks about how she got into goal-ball, the nature of elite sport and its challenges and how her faith shapes how she views her sp…
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AskCIS #17 | How can I deal with disappointment in my sport? | with Adam Pengilly and Debbie Flood
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We all get disappointed in our sport don't we? Whether it's from injury, loss of form or not being renewed for another year, sport is full of lows, probably more often than the highs. So we've got four-time Olympian Debbie Flood, and two-time Winter Olympian Adam Pengilly into to chat about their experiences of facing huge disappointments in their …
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The CEO of Skateboard GB, James Hope-Gill joins us today, on the day Sky Brown won bronze at Tokyo 2020 to become the youngest ever British medallist. In a fascinating short conversation, he explains the distinct culture that skateboarding has, how he's helped form a governing body from scratch and how his faith impacts his work.…
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The Rev’d Canon Dr. Ashley Null is an internationally respected scholar on the grace and gratitude theology of the English Reformation. He teaches regularly in seminaries and churches in the Americas, Europe, Africa and Australia. Meanwhile, Ashley serves as a chaplain to elite athletes and coaches, helping them to integrate the Reformation’s empha…
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In this re-release from 2016 in Rio, ex-athletes Debbie Flood and Adam Pengilly tell us what it is like to compete at the games. Debbie won silver medals as a rower at Athens and Beijing and also reached the final in London. Adam raced skeleton bobsleigh at Turin and Vancouver, winning a world silver medal in between. Here the pair offer an insider…
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E43 - Christian Taylor: Olympic triple-jump champion | The man who helped postpone the Olympics
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A brand new series for Tokyo 2020 as we speak to Olympians, chaplains and coaches about what it means to be a Christian in the pinnacle of all sport. In this episode we speak with Christian Taylor, the two-time reigning Olympic and four-time reigning world triple-jump champion. We speak about: - The impact of the pandemic on athletes - The forming …
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Michael Johnson joins our podcast from St George's Park a few days after the Euro 2020 final. Jonno is currently an England U21s coach, having held a number of other roles in football after a stellar playing career primarily with Notts County, Birmingham City and Derby County. In this powerful interview we speak with him about: - Systemic racism in…
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We sat down with Gavin Peacock, former professional footballer and pundit and now a pastor to discuss his story as he's just released his autobiography. Reflecting on an 18-year career as a pro playing for QPR, Gillingham, Bournemouth, Newcastle and Chelsea he talks about: - Coming to faith as a young pro - Why he took a risk and dropped down the l…
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