In fact, for many, football is their god. But what is its relevance to WER as a Christian relief and development charity?
Well, I have just received my invitation to a special 'Thanksgiving for Football' service as part of the 150th anniversary celebrations for Sheffield FC, recognised as the oldest football club in the world. I have to admit that the concept of thanking God for football was new to me but it's particularly relevant in relation to a project in South Africa that WER is helping to fund.
World Emergency Relief is working with Monte Christo Ministries in Paarl, South Africa on a sports programme entitled 'Coaching 1000', which is aiming to use football to address many difficult social issues in various townships. Sheffield FC and their associate charity 'Boots for Africa' are linked with us in this and thus the connection to this special thanksgiving service.
With South Africa hosting the 2010 World Cup there is great interest across the nation communities but little or no resources to develop sports programmes, especially in the poorer communities.
Post-apartheid there have been many changes for good in South Africa. But the reality is that millions of people still live in townships, often in very basic conditions, and there are clear problems with gang culture, drugs and other poverty-related issues.
