Background:

Chattanooga Sports Ministries (CSM) seeks to transform Chattanooga communities of at-risk youth through athletics, life skills training, and the formation of intentional, Gospel-centered, and cross-cultural mentoring relationships. Founded in 2005, CSM began as an experiment in inspiring young adults to mentor at risk youth by using the sport of soccer. As our program has grown and expanded over the years, our vision has as well. We now envision Chattanooga’s inner city transformed by providing safe, supportive, and healthy environments for our children, where every child has access to nutritious food, safe activities, an active and intentional support system, and are fully prepared to enter into adulthood.

CSM reaches a large number of kids ages 8-18 throughout our summer soccer program. In recent years, we have also added a fall and spring after-school soccer program. CSM focuses on the neighborhoods of East Chattanooga, Westside, Highland Park, East Lake, and Wheeler Homes. CSM serves a very diverse group of youth including kids from Latino, African American, and Caucasian backgrounds.

Ministry:

One of the keys to cross cultural ministry is having a common interest. CSM has found through years of service to the Chattanooga community that sports is a tool that can be used to foster a common interest between differing cultures and communities. CSM seeks to use this connection as a means to establish relationships in order to share the Gospel in a meaningful and influential manner. "Like Jesus, we want to connect with all parts of our community. We want the rich and the poor to become friends, Spanish and English speakers, disciples of Jesus and people who want nothing to do with Him. We have chosen to do this through the powerful tool of soccer, also known to be the universal language of the world."

www.chattsportsministries.org

Prayer Requests:

• For wisdom and effectiveness for Director Katelyn Newsome and the CSM Board
• For faithful coaches and volunteers especially for summer programs
• For the needed funding and supplies for year-round programs 
• For opportunities to share the Gospel with all participating kids and families