So just in case you're new to what I am doing, I've decided to write a basic info blog that may bring you up to speed.
It started in college, Trevecca Nazarene University, where I found my love for ministry, specifically sports ministry. Obviously I love soccer and have had some success in he past so my dream of becoming a professional player was still in my future plans. I finally got my chance my Senior year to play for the Charlotte Eagles during one of their offseason tours to South East Asia. It was there where I realized this is what I want to do with my life.
Soccer teams are owned/operated by companies, hence the logos on the jerseys. You probably already know but currently I play for the Southern California Seahorses (intimidating I know...) We are owned by Missionary Athletes International (MAI) and are the farm team/ sister team of the Charlotte Eagles. The Eagles play in the professional league while SoCal plays in the development league (similar to AAA baseball). We are different than every other team in the entire world. What sets us apart from a normal club is that we operate as a Christian Ministry. Our entire staff, Coaches, and players are all Christians that strive to live out what Gods called them to do, sports ministry. We like to see ourselves as Christians who happen to play soccer rather than soccer players who happen to be Christians. Our team competes at a very high level and arguably the toughest conference in the entire league. We have brutal practices, tough sessions, and extremely hard fought matches but what's most important to us is that we use soccer as a platform of ministry. This is seen in number out ways, treating the other team and referees with respect, as well as respecting the game itself. We do not cheat, play dirty, waste time, or take dives. During the season we make multiple visits a week to local schools, churches, and after school programs where we tell our stories and play games with children. A major contributor to our ministry are the 5-8 camps we hold during the summer in which close to 500 kids attend each year. Last year alone we saw more than 60+ kids make decisions to follow Christ for the first time and that is better than any soccer trick I can teach. Camps are run by Seahorse players. Each player goes through Sports Ministry training (SMT) after every practice for 3-5 hours a week throughout the summer. During these times we learn to use our gift of soccer and make it pleasing to The Lord. Ministry and Soccer are not two separate things/times for us. Soccer is our ministry and our ministry is soccer, they are one. SMT is also a time where we have our small groups and bible studies together as players. We are a family and some of the best moments come from being open and vulnerable with your brothers.
Here is why I need some help. As a player, I do not get paid. Instead, all money that potentially would go to the player goes to the ministry/charity. I can not explain how rewarding this is for me. I get to see kids come to camp and learn to love soccer AND find a love for God all within one week. Some kids can not afford to go but with cheap registration and scholarships this is made possible. So instead of having a pay check from the team, I am attempting to raise support (similar to a missionary). I have been blessed with a place to live for the four months while I'm there however I still have to find a way to survive financially. California has much higher prices then Tennessee and so I am attempting to raise $5,000 for a 4-5 month span. This would cover registration fees, equipment, food/essentials, gas, and a one week mission trip to Mexico with the team. Currently I am about 65 percent to my goal and I am SO extremely blessed to have even gotten that far! God has been very good.
If you feel lead to help OR would like to know a little more and other ways to help please contact me (information below) I would love to give you a brochure and talk about my story. I am in need of a few more financial sponsors, but please do not feel pressured if you cannot donate. I too know the struggles of living and saving money and the last thing I want to do is give to a tall funny looking bimbo like myself. That being said a definitely recommend praying about it and if you feel led to give I would gladly walk you through the very simple process.
Thank you for reading and for the love and support you all have shown me over the last few months.
Please contact me whenever you please, I love talking to people!
God Bless!
Hayden Coffman
(615)268-9571
Haydencoffman1@gmail.com
141 Wessington PL
Hendersonville TN, 37075
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