‘It strikes me that women choosing to come out on a dark and rainy Monday evening bears huge similarities to choosing faith in God. Amidst the swirling gales of life and the cold isolation of living in a broken world, choosing to take a step into an environment where we praise God for all his goodness is powerful,’ says Rebekah Walker.
The sound of cheers and laughter rises into cold air on a brightly lit football pitch on a Monday night in Coventry. The crowd erupts as the net of the goal ripples with a perfectly aimed strike. The woman behind the kick turns to me in glee, “I haven’t played in years!” she says, as both teams jog past to pat her on the back. What sound could be more delightful than a fellowship of women cheering each other on?
I sensed the Lord’s vision for a women’s football ministry while on a walk last summer
This scene is one of dozens that occur at the weekly women’s football training sessions run through the group’s home church from Christian Life Ministries (CLM) in Coventry. I sensed the Lord’s vision for a women’s football ministry while on a walk last summer, delivered with the specific anchor verse of Hebrews 4:12, ‘The word of God is alive and active’. I raced home and immediately researched existing opportunities for Christian women keen to get involved with football. I wasn’t too surprised to find very few – so, I thought I’d better get moving!
READ MORE: I Googled all the whole England women’s football squad to find out if they were Christians and here’s what I learned
Having played for AFC Wimbledon when I turned 14 years old and watching Bend it Like Beckham until I knew it backwards, I am and have always been a big fan of football. But, my faith as a Christian unfolded at a different pace. I always knew of God, but never really understood his desire for a personal relationship until my mid-20s. By his grace, the power of the Holy Spirit and the richness of church community, I have come to know him personally and now experience the joy of using the gifts he’s given me to grow his Kingdom and serve his people by helping them grow in their faith.
The purpose of this football ministry is to provide women with the opportunity to not only learn and develop football skills, but also to empower their physical and spiritual well-being through a Christ-centred community as a form of worship and thanksgiving to God. All while learning to laugh off a ball to the face.
READ MORE: As a professional footballer and a Christian, I want the momentum around women’s football to continue long after the World Cup
In the past decade, elite women’s football, including the Lionesses’ success, has fuelled interest and participation in the game, particularly for girls. However, there are still gaps in provision for adult women to participate in football.
In this specific ministry, each session focuses on a scripture, which is applied to practical football training drills and conversations that build team cohesion. For example, Ephesians 4:2 teaches patience, which is needed in football for ball control and decision-making. Rushing a pass can result in it being intercepted by the opposing team. Similarly, patience is important in our Christian lives, often requiring trust in God’s timing.
Feedback from the players has positively highlighted that this environment is an opportunity to meet new people of all ages and abilities and engage with the gospel whilst being active. Football incorporates many of the elements that women look for – joy, a sense of belonging, faith, growth, and fitness. What could be better? There’s a unique sense of sisterhood that buzzes in the air when Sunday morning church conversations are full of exclamations, “Did you see her right foot strike on Monday?!”.
It strikes me that women choosing to come out on a dark and rainy Monday evening bears huge similarities to choosing faith in God. Amidst the swirling gales of life and the cold isolation of living in a broken world, choosing to take a step into an environment where we praise God for all his goodness is powerful.
READ MORE: Why women’s football is the place to be this season
Did it need to be football? To be fair, this women’s ministry could have been any sport. Netball, basketball, cricket etc. Sport is a fantastic tool that can be used to reflect Christian values such as teamwork and unity, sportsmanship and respect. It doesn’t always have to be flower-arranging, although there is a place for that too.
In August 2024, a small team and I travelled to Rwanda to partner with the Rwanda Ambassadors Football ministry, where I witnessed firsthand the power of sport in highlighting God’s gospel, particularly in communities where forgiveness reflects Jesus’ grace and the forgiveness of our sins. Specifically, they utilise the program to support the community’s effort to protect girls from sexual abuse, incorporating scripture to address the issue.
I am working with Ambassadors Football to bring a national Football Festival on Saturday 8th March. This event will provide an opportunity for women can connect, pray, and play football at the Alan Higgs Centre, Coventry. For further details and sign up here.
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