All Super League clubs and many Championship and League 1 clubs have dedicated club chaplains - but what does a chaplain do?
In this short video, Glen Rickard, the club chaplain at Wigan Warriors, discusses how chaplains get involved in a wide range of situations, with players, their families and staff members.
"We are not here to hit people over the head with the bible!" says Glen. "We're just interested in your welfare.
"We're not here to help your performance - although it's always good to see you play well - we are interested in you as a person.
"I'm a listening ear: I meet people at the club, and often away from the club for a confidential chat over a coffee."
Glen is also involved with Sports Chaplaincy UK, which selects, trains and supports sports chaplains across the country.
Players and match officials are all high performing athletes who live in an environment where there is huge pressure and some hostility. Jesus teaches us to be there for others, to love and to care for people who need support and that's where Sports Chaplaincy UK comes in.
Further Reading
- Sports Chaplaincy UK
- Manchester United insider who Sir Alex Ferguson wanted, Paul Pogba liked and Gary Neville helped
- What it’s like to be a rugby chaplain
Quote
"Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive"
- Dalai Lama
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