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SCORE TO ADD RUGBY UNION CHAPLAINCY COORDINATOR
There is growing momentum around chaplaincy provision within sport; nowhere more so than within Rugby
Union. Over 50% of the professional clubs in the UK now have SCORE chaplains and there are many opportunities to expand the work across Rugby in a variety of ways.
 Chaplains work on a voluntary basis providing
pastoral & spiritual support to all in the club irrespective of religious belief or none. This is a service offered in the name of Christ, demonstrating the love of God in the world.
To maintain this momentum and ensure the highest
possible standard of chaplaincy, SCORE has appointed a full-time Coordinator for Rugby Union Chaplaincy. This role will involve placing more chaplains in clubs and supporting those already in post.
David Chawner (seen second from right with other rugby chaplains at the SCORE conference in
Lilleshall), started in this role in February 2007. For the past 6 years he has been chaplain to London
Wasps and is a minister of 25 years experience. He brings vast experience in pastoral & chaplaincy work, and in supporting & encouraging fellow ministers.
In addition to club chaplaincy, SCORE also is able to provide chaplaincy at rugby tournaments, as it did
for the U19 World Championship in Belfast in April 2007.
Our aim, over the next 5 years, is to grow this UK-wide network of pastoral and spiritual support so
that it becomes integral to the game at every level.
This project has wide-spread support across the game. Quotes:
"We appointed a chaplain at Newcastle because we recognised that the newer generation of players could benefit from having someone in this role - to support them, befriend them, and help them keep
a sense of perspective. With the high intensity of the professional game I'd commend the development of chaplaincy throughout rugby." (Rob Andrew - Director of Elite Rugby, RFU)
“The PRA welcomes the growing number of chaplains in the game as complementing its own player
welfare work. This new role will help develop that partnership, and it is a significant addition to the ongoing player support and will benefit all involved in Rugby Union.” (Damien Hopley, Chief Executive, Professional Rugby Players Association)
"Professional rugby can be a pressured world, and in my experience, particularly while at Wasps,
chaplains can really help. They provide an independent ear, and are a good place to get confidential counsel and advice. It's an important role." (Matt Dawson - England & British Lions)
"Chaplaincy gives a whole other dimension to our club. It brings a personal touch - people feel they
can be listened to as individuals. If chaplaincy was established in every club, I think it would be of huge benefit to the game as a whole" (Ian McGeechan - Director of Rugby, London Wasps, former
coach to Scotland & British Lions)
"I am delighted to endorse SCORE and their increasing involvement in sport. At Swansea we have
had a SCORE chaplain for 4 years and would firmly recommend such a relationship to any team environment. It's been great to have a confidential friend of the club on board. (Tony Clement - Wales & British Lions, Former Head Coach, Swansea RFC)
“The involvement of SCORE with Ulster Rugby has been significant.” (Michael Reid, Chief Executive, Ulster Rugby)
“London Wasps is delighted to support the chaplaincy initiative, which will assist in reducing the
effect of personal crises and stress experienced by many players in today’s professional rugby environment. This innovative project will go a long way to helping players adjust to the rigours of a
professional rugby career, as well as providing the personal and independent support necessary to make their club a place that individuals want to be a part of, and where they can develop their full
potential.” (David Davies – Chief Executive, London Wasps)
CONTACT:
To fund and develop Dave’s exciting new post, we aim to raise £60,000 per year over the next 5
years. For more information and details on how to contribute contact Dave at the email address or postal address below, or phone 07879 820601.
rugby@scorechaplaincy.org.uk
SCORE Rugby
C/O Haven Green Baptist Church
Castlebar Road,
Ealing, London
W5 2UP
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