Resources

We get sport from the inside.

Our resources are specially designed for Christians active in competitive sport. Find what you need here, put it into practice, and watch God at work.

How can I start well at university?

Starting uni

6 top tips for kicking off your time at university

6 tips as you move from University to the world of work

AskCIS

How to make the transition well

She is born to play

Delighting in an awesome summer of women's sport

Can god be glorified in violent sport?

Should Christians compete in combat sports?

How can I glorify God in my sport?

AskCIS

What does it mean to 'give God the glory?'

It's not always easy to be a woman in sport

It’s not always easy to be a woman in sport. But do you know what? It’s worth it.

Can I really do "all things" in God's strength?

AskCIS

Is the Bible the place to find motivation for sporting pursuit and thus sporting greatness? Am I really able to do “all things” with the strength of God as my enabler?

An open letter to those not selected for the FIFA World Cup

Where is God amidst serious disappointment in sport?

The blood that speaks

60% of women report that their period affects their performance in sport yet the world of sport is almost silent on this issue. But the Bible is not...

Iron sharpens iron

Gospel community in the cutthrouat world of professional football coaching

This match does not define you

It’s the biggest match of your lives. It’s the match you’ve been building up to for years. But it’s a match that doesn't define you.

Ben Stokes, LIV golf and five subs in football…an unlikely commonality

What have Ben Stokes' retirement, LIV golf and the introduction of five subs in football got in common? It's all about work... and rest.

He performed - so you don't have to

Your value, your worth does not lie in what you have done, or what you will do, on and off the sports field.

The trainee vicar who rowed in The Boat Race

Every September forty trialists line up at Oxford University Boat Club for their shot at ticking off one of rowing’s hottest bucket list items – victory at The Boat Race. This year one of those hopefuls was Chris Rimmer, a Vicar in training at Wycliffe Hall.

Inclusion, fairness and transgender athletes in women’s sport

The inclusion of transgender athletes in women's sport is a prominent debate. The sporting world is re-evaluating the balance of fairness and inclusion in competitive sport. As Christians in the world of sport it's important to understand how the Bible helps inform how we engage in this conversation.

Why are sportspeople so superstitious?

AskCIS

Whether it’s putting kit on in a certain order, always getting changed in the same place or having to enter the pitch last - sport is full of quirky routines. So why is it that sport is full of superstition? Can we look at the make-up of the world to find out? Does the Bible have any answers for us?

What is it like to be a Christian at the Winter Olympics?

Two time Olympian Adam Pengilly shares his Winter Olympic story.

Should Christian sportspeople boycott events in controversial places?

AskCIS

What is the Christian competitor to do when they are being sent to countries accused of human rights abuses?

Who Are You?

What does it mean to have your identity in Christ? How does this change the way we play sport?

Ep. 48 - Jake Peacock: Mixing Muay Thai Boxing with Christian Faith

How can you be a Christian and a fighter?

Ep. 47 - Suzanne Ferreira: Coach to paralympians

Suzanne Ferreira was won over 70 medals through the athletes she coaches at the Paralympic Games, World Championships and more. In this podcast she speaks to us about her coaching philosophy and how her faith impacts how she trains elite athletes.

Ep. 46 - Anna Tipton: Paralympian goal-ball player

Danno sits down with goalball player Anna Tipton (nee Sharkey) about elite sport, the Paralympics and how her faith shapes how she views her sport and disability.

How can I deal with disappointment in my sport? | with Adam Pengilly and Debbie Flood

How can I deal with disappointment well?

It's a problem we all face if we're involved in sport - the inevitable failures and injury that come with the competition. How can we deal with them as Christians? What comfort does God offer in these times of extreme disappointment?

Ep. 44 - Ashley Null: Olympic chaplain | Pastoring elite athletes

Five-time Olympic chaplain Dr Ashley Null joins the podcast to unpack his experience of pastoring athletes.

Dear Olympian...

A letter to all Olympians as they prepare to experience the rollercoaster of the Olympic Games.

Ep. 43 - Christian Taylor: Olympic triple-jump champion | The man who helped postpone the Olympics

Christian Taylor, two-time Olympic and four-time World Champion join us to speak about the Athletics Association, a newly formed body looking out for the interests of track and field athletes.

Ep. 42 - Michael Johnson: England football coach | Football, leadership and race

England U21s coach Michael Johnson joins us to speak a few days after Euro 2020 about diversity, leadership and how his faith impacts his coaching and roles in senior leadership within football.

A letter to the mourning

Olympic squads are being finalised. What can you say to someone who has worked 4 years to not get the call up?

Agony and ecstasy at the Olympic trials

This weekend saw the thrill of the British Olympic trials. The ecstasy and the agony of sport was palpable as athletes saw years of training for one plane ticket decided by centimetres and seconds. What help can God bring at times like this?

Ep. 41 - Gavin Peacock: From Pitch to Pundit to Pulpit

We sat down with Gavin Peacock, former professional footballer and pundit and now a pastor to discuss his story found in his recently released his autobiography.

Ep. 40 - Andrew Wingfield Digby: The Cricketing Vicar

The Rev. Andrew Wingfield Digby is with us today in a special podcast hosted by Hit for Six.

Ep. 39 - Donnie Campbell: Ultra runner

Donnie Campbell is a mountain and ultra runner who has taken on some of the world's hardest challenges. He sat down with Lancs to chat about his sport and more about what it means for him to be a Christian in his world of sport.

How do we deal with referees and officials? | with Pete Browne and Graham Daniels

How should I treat officials and referees?

How on earth does a Christian navigate the hot topic of referees and officials? What does this look like at the top end of sport when everything is on the line?

Ep. 38 - Michael Bennett: Director of Player Welfare at the PFA | The Mask

This Mental Health Awareness Week we sit down with Director of Player Welfare at the PFA, Michael Bennett.

How do we cope with pressure in sport?

How can I handle pressure in a godly way?

Ali Nicholas and Debbie Bruwer get pressure. Listen in as they tell us how they coped with nerves and pressure at the top of their sports.

Why does sport bring so much disappointment?

Sports Plus: Big Questions

This month, join Phil as he digs into the Bible to answer the question: Why does sport bring so much disappointment?

Strava: friend or foe?

Last year Lancs took his first steps to discovering the virtual pulls and mysterious pushes of Strava. Nearly 12 months on, what’s the verdict? Strava - friend or foe?

Does God really care about my sport?

Sports Plus: Big Questions

Join Lancs as he digs into the Bible to answer the question: Does God really care about my sport?

Behind closed doors: the unseen pressures on elite sportspeople

The current pressures on elite sportspeople are growing. How can we support them at this time?

Good news in a sporting year full of bad news

In a year full of sporting difficulties, how can a Christian say they have joy this Christmas?

Preparation is everything

Preparation and waiting. The majority of sport is spent in these two states. This time of advent for the Christian sportsperson is no different. So what does it look like to prepare well this Christmas time?

No More | More than Sport

Episode 2 looks at racism in sport. Including the powerful story of Troy Townsend, Head of Development at Kick it Out - a man courageously committed to fighting racism.

Cricket is back!

As recreational cricket returns, Rob reflects on why he loves to play cricket and be part of a team, as the only Christian in his club.

Ep. 37 - Stephen Liggins: The Good Sporting Life

We sat down with Stephen Liggins, author of a new book 'The Good Sporting Life' about why he wrote the book and some of the major themes he pulls out.

Identity formation and performance in top level sport

Danno is interviewed by Pete Nicholas about elite sport, identity and mental health. This includes a Q+A.

Mental Health Awareness Week | Sky Sports

As Mental Health Awareness Week comes to an end Danno reflects on Sky Sports on two great Christian men in the world of football, Cyrille Regis and Lord Brian Mawhinney, former chairman of the EFL.

Ep. 34 - Having good mental fitness: Mental Health Awareness Week

How is the gospel good news for those in sport suffering with mental health concerns?

Sport, mental health and the Christian faith | Sky Sports

Danno speaks to Sky Sports News about sport, mental health and the Christian faith

Life as a mother of a sport-mad family

Sally and her husband Peter have four children, all of whom have competed and trained within elite sporting pathways. What are some of her top tips for those supporting a sporty family?

Thinking about pride in sport

How do I deal with pride as a sportsperson?

Former rugby professional Peter Browne and badminton player Lisa Elliott join us to discuss pride as a sportsperson.

Retirement, identity and mental health in elite sport

A recent article in the Daily Mail outlined the large number of British athletes struggling with mental health problems following their retirement. Speaking with UCB Radio on this topic, here is a summary of our conversation.

Should a Christian be competitive?

What does the Bible say about winning?

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.

Five resolutions for a Christian sportsperson

As a New Year rolls around again, we go back to the 18th century for some inspiration.

Ep. 30 - The joy of being a sporty Christian family

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.

Ep. 29 - A parent's wrestle with Sunday Sport

We sit down with Gaynor this week, a parent of top-level teenagers to chat about the wrestle she's had with her family on the issue of sport and church.

Should I play sport on a Sunday?

We sit down with Rev. Pete Nicholas to discuss the question of Sunday sport and church in our latest podcast.

Ep. 28 - Peter Browne: Professional rugby player

Danno interviews former professional rugby union player Peter Browne about his career and his faith.

What does the Bible say about sport?

How do sport and faith fit together?

Graham Daniels and Jonny Reid look at a very simple question - What does the bible actually have to say about sport?

4 tips as you join a new club

How can we, as Christians in sport, make the most of the new opportunity joining a club provides? Jesus’ great commission in Matthew 28 to make disciples remains the same, but the place we are doing that, our club, has changed.

The identity battle in a performance dominated world

For a sportsperson, their identity, their sense of worth can be completely wrapped up in their performance. What does it then mean to have sport in its right place, to help our identity be solid and secure in Christ and not based on performance?

She's born to play

With the Women's World Cup, the Netball World Cup and loads more women's sporting events on this summer, there's a huge buzz around women's sport. In all this excitement, is this a bandwagon Christians should be jumping on?

The Cricket World Cup: Pressure to Perform

It’s been a rollercoaster to reach the final of the World Cup for England, with pressure from all sides. Pressure isn’t unique to Morgan’s squad - it’s universal across competitive sport, so how are Christians to respond in these clutch moments?

Ep. 27 - Paul Brush: West Ham footballer | Dealing with on and off field pain in elite sport

Danno sits down with former West Ham footballer Paul Brush to chat about his career and faith in the midst of adversity

How do I share my faith with my friends?

Essentials

What does it look like to fully integrate our faith and sport as we seek to encourage sportspeople to believe in Jesus?

How can I be competitive in a godly way?

Essentials

Some of us change so much when we compete that we worry that we shouldn’t compete at all. How can we compete in a godly way in our sport?

How can I handle pressure in a godly way?

Competing

The pressure to perform in sport will have been felt by all of us at some point or other. Whether it is the pressure of a coach, a parent, the crowd. How do we handle pressure as Christians?

How should I treat officials and referees?

Competing

In the heat of competition, we can react negatively both in what we say and in how we act towards an official who has penalised us or - in our eyes - acted unjustly. How are we to understand a godly attitude towards sports officials?

How can I deal with disappointment well?

Competing

There will always be disappointment in sport. But how we navigate these as Christians in competitive sport is an important witness to our faith in Christ.

How do I deal with pride as a sportsperson?

Competing

In sport, coaches, parents and other teammates can encourage us to be proud. Sometimes this is for encouragement but at other times it is done deliberately to inflate our ego. But how should I view my sporting talents and achievements as a Christian?

How do I act wisely amongst opponents?

Competing

Without opponents, our sport wouldn’t exist. But how do we love them as our neighbour rather than hate them as our enemy in opposition?

Bible Study: Matthew 25

Why is it essential for me to share my faith?

What is it that motivates you to stand out as a Christian competing in the world of sport?

Bible Study: Colossians 3

How can I be competitive in a godly way?

A key question to ask whenever we reflect on a competitive situation is not ‘did I win or lose?’ but ‘did I glorify God in my attitude and actions?’ This is easier said than done, so how can we do it well?

Bible Study: Genesis 1-3 & Romans 12

How do sport and faith fit together?

How does what I read in the Bible fit together with how I play my sport?

How do sport and faith fit together?

Essentials

How is playing my sport different as a Christian?

Essentials

Connecting sport & faith

Competing

Competing in sport

Bible Study: Philippians 2

How do I deal with pride as a sportsperson?

How should I view my sporting talents and achievements as a Christian?

Bible Study: 1 Peter 2

How should I treat officials and referees?

How are we to understand a godly attitude towards sports officials?

Bible Study: Genesis 2, Romans 12 and Hebrews 10

How can I balance church and sport?

We are often caught between Sunday services and sporting events as, more and more, sport in our culture clashes with timings of church. How do we get the balance right?

Bible Study: 1 Peter 5

How can I handle pressure in a godly way?

How do we handle pressure as a Christian?

Bible Study: Philippians 1 & 4

How can I deal with disappointment well?

There will always be disappointment in sport. Someone always loses - and that is not taking into account injury, being dropped, not improving, etc. But how we navigate these as Christians in competitive sport is an important witness to our faith in Christ.

Bible Study: Romans 12

How do I act wisely amongst opponents?

Competition is an important part of sport but how are we to view our opponents? Without opponents, our sport wouldn’t exist. But how do we ‘love’ them as our neighbour rather than hate them as our enemy in opposition?

Ep. 26 - Steve Spooner: Football journeyman and Birmingham City coach

An inspirational interview with former professional footballer Steve Spooner

Living distinctly in a body obsessed world

In our culture, our looks and our bodies and our diets seriously matter. How do we live distinctly as Christians in this world?

Ep. 25 - Wayne Jacobs: Bradford City legend | Why being a Christian doesn't make you soft

An interview with former Bradford City legend, Wayne Jacobs

What does the Bible say about sports psychology?

What does the Bible say about...

Psychology is a big deal in modern sport. From Steve Peters' now famous 'chimp paradox' to the in-house sports psychologists employed by many professional clubs. Now it is almost as common to have a therapist as it is a personal trainer. What are we to make of this from a Christian point of view?

Ep. 24 - Gavin Peacock: Newcastle and Chelsea midfielder

An interview with former Premier League footballer Gavin Peacock

A mother's view of the Sunday sport dilemma

As the Christian mother of four children who love the Lord and love sport I have found myself living through a very real dilemma. The structures of Church and the structures of sport seem to be poles apart and pulling in opposite directions creating a gap!

What does the Bible say about ambition?

What does the Bible say about...

How can I make the most of my sporting talent as a Christian? Can I strive to get to the top, while still following Jesus? `

Ep. 19 - Adam Pengilly: Winter Olympian | The danger of worshipping your sport

Danno dives into the adrenaline-filled world of skeleton to meet Adam Pengilly. In this gripping podcast, Adam shares the highs and lows of a career that saw him represent Team GB at Turin 2006 and Vancouver 2010

Ep. 17 - Alison Nicholas: Sleepless nights as the Solheim Cup captain

Danno catches up with former US Open champion and victorious Solheim Cup captain Alison Nicholas. From the outset, Alison shares how Christian faith has shaped her leadership at the pinnacle of her sport

Ep. 16 - Chris Jones: Coaching as a Christian at the House of Pain

Danno catches up again with former rugby wildman turned youth coach Chris Jones. The podcast sees Chris share how he learned to coach in the hard but fair style that has brought his Rhondda Valley teams great success

What does the Bible say about injury?

What does the Bible say about...

There are few harder things to deal with in sport than injury. So how can we approach this perennial enemy as Christians in sport? What does the Bible say about injury?

The call to radical sporting leadership

We can all think of great sporting captains and leaders. But what should it look like when a follower of Jesus steps up to lead?

Ep. 14 - Ann O'Flynn: England women's rugby international

Ann tells Danno of her highs and lows on the rugby stage from reaching the World Cup final to missing out on the next tournament due to injury

Ep. 12 - Darren Moore: Premier League footballer and experienced manager

Danno meets former West Brom, Derby and Portsmouth defender Darren Moore

Ep. 11 - Niel Louw: South African Paralympian | Running amidst adversity

An accident at 16 years old saw Niel have his left arm amputated below the shoulder. Having been a keen athlete and rugby and tennis player, his promising sporting career looked in doubt...

Ep. 10 - Jane Powell: England cricket and hockey player

Having played badminton, hockey and cricket for England, Jane Powell is now helping her country's lacrosse teams rise up the rankings. Hear Jane tell of her walk with Jesus through 40 years of top-level sport

What does the Bible say about fairness?

What does the Bible say about...

Sport has a love-hate relationship with justice and fairness. On one hand it cannot function without it, but so much debate circles around the many unfair decisions and outcomes. So what does the Bible say about fairness?

Ep. 8 - Life in the Olympic Village w/ Debbie Flood and Adam Pengilly

As the Rio Olympics get under way today, ex-athletes Debbie Flood and Adam Pengilly tell us what it is like to compete at the games

What does the Bible say about winning?

What does the Bible say about losing?

The legendary American football coach Vince Lombardi once said “Winning isn’t everything, but wanting to win is”. This might be overstated but have you ever had the nagging feeling that wanting to win is inherently ‘un-Christian’.

What does the Bible say about losing?

What does the Bible say about...

Should Christians be those who recite the old amateur mantra ‘It is not about the winning, but the taking part’? Does ‘turning the other cheek’ mean that we shouldn’t even want to win in the first place?

Can you be an elite sportsperson and a Christian?

Having met a series of elite sportspeople over the course of the year, we now discuss this key issue that comes out of many of the interviews. Maybe it’s something you’re asking yourself as you seek to follow Jesus or are considering doing so?

Ep. 7 - Parys Edwards: South African triathlete and physio

Parys Edwards has competed at the top level in two different sports over a 20-year career that is still going strong.

What does the Bible say about doping?

What does the Bible say about...

Turn to the back pages at the moment and it is difficult to get away from doping scandals. How as Christians should we think about these issues?

What does the Bible say about sport?

What does the Bible say about...

The Bible says lots of things...but what, if anything, does it say about sport?

Born to Play

A short film explaining the gospel for sportspeople

Ep. 4 - Linvoy Primus: Pompey Premier League legend

Linvoy Primus played professional football for 16 years including nine years for Portsmouth where he became a cult hero. In a wide ranging conversation with Graham Daniels, he talks about life as a professional footballer

Ep. 3 - Garin Jenkins: Welsh rugby's hard man

Garin Jenkins is a Welsh rugby union player capped 58 times by his country. In this podcast, he tells us about his battle with misdirected passion and aggression and how is growing faith remained steady in some massive ups and downs

Ep. 2 - Debbie Flood: Olympic rower

Danno meets Olympic rower Debbie Flood as she narrates her unlikely start in sport and how her faith has fundamentally impacted her life in a career full of highs and lows

Ep. 1 - Cyrille Regis: footballing legend and pioneer

Cyrille Regis is a former international footballer and FA Cup winner. In conversation with Graham Daniels, he reflects on a professional career spanning 19 years and shares how his faith has influenced his career and life

Finding practical solutions to the weekly tension of Sunday sport and Sunday church services

There’s no doubt that the tension between Sunday sport and Sunday church services is a significant problem for the church. How do we decide what to do? Well we need to be clear on the biblical principles at stake here.