Sport Faith Life 2025: Inspired and equipped beyond the game

Charlotte Tanner (London DHQ) reports on this year’s Sport Faith Life weekend.

There’s something really special about coming together to celebrate sport, faith and life – not just as separate things, but as parts of a bigger picture. This year’s Sport Faith Life gathering was exactly that. It was a chance for people from different backgrounds and churches to connect, grow and be encouraged in how sport and faith work together in everyday life.

Held on a sunny summer day, the event kicked off with laughter and energy on the artificial turf. Adults jumped into games including crazy dodgeball and Danish longball, and their smiles said it all: sport brings joy. Seeing people play freely and without worry reminded everyone why sport matters. It was the perfect way to start a weekend that was more than just a conference – it was a celebration of friendship, faith, and purpose.

Right from the start, the theme was clear: connection. The first speaker shared how sport brings people together, builds friendships and breaks down walls – and, importantly, that there’s a sport out there for everyone.

To help us reflect, the group was asked two simple questions: What’s your sport story? What’s your first memory of playing sport? These opened the door for personal stories that brought everyone closer together.

Major Nick Hanover (Community Chaplain, Elgin), one of the main speakers, shared how sport is a gift from God – not something to worship in itself, but something we can use to honour him. He shared Bible verses that helped shape this idea: sport as worship (see Romans 12:1), sport as a testing ground (see Matthew 5:16), and sport as a way to share faith (see 2 Corinthians 5:20). But he also reminded everyone with 1 Timothy 4:8 that, while sport is great, our faith is even more important.

Maisy, who was new to the event, shared how her nerves quickly disappeared: ‘I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the talks, the different stories, and the chance to meet people from all over showed me how sport is being used to build God’s Kingdom. I’m excited to see what God does next.’

Other highlights included talks from the Rev Natalie Andrews, Vicky Hendry (Stowmarket) and Mark Oliver (Scripture Union). Natalie encouraged people to think of sport as a way to experience grace – a physical way to worship and connect with Jesus.

‘When we think this way,’ she said, ‘our sport can help us grow in faith and bless others too.’

Vicky talked about something many struggle with: comparison.

‘We compare ourselves all the time,’ she said. ‘It can push us, but it can also hold us back.’

Her message was clear: we are already enough, just as God made us.

Mark’s focus was on mental health, and he shared five simple habits to support wellbeing: connect, be active, take notice, give and keep learning. These tips gave people real tools to use in their own lives and to support others.

Throughout the weekend, honesty and trust stood out. Thanks to leaders such as Rob Moye (THQ), Richard Witham (Sportily), Mark and Natalie, the event felt like a safe space where people could open up about challenges they’re facing – both in their faith and the rest of their lives. One powerful moment came when someone said: ‘Maybe sport is my language.’ It was a reminder that sport can be more than a game – it can be how we connect with others and with God.

As things wrapped up, Rich left everyone with a final question to think about: if God is extraordinary, how do we live out our faith in the middle of everyday life?

This weekend was full of joy, honesty and hope. More than anything, it reminded everyone that sport, faith and life don’t need to be separate. They can move together – and help us follow God in every step, every game and every moment.