Bringing Hope through Soccer
info@surgesoccer.org
Board of Directors
Board of Directors
Dave Smith
Board Chairman
Tustin, CA
David Irby
CEO, Surge International
Salem, Oregon
US Soccer “A” Coaching License; M.A.T. – University of La Verne (CA) , Social Science & Physical Education Major & California Teaching Credential - Azusa Pacific University
A native of Southern California, Dave played soccer on the first team at Azusa Pacific University. At the age of twenty-three, he became the Cougars Head Coach, twice being named Coach of the Year, while playing with the Athletes-in-Action soccer team. A pioneer of soccer ministry he has literally crisscrossed the global as a soccer coach, player, and missionary. He was the first coach for the Sports Life Ministry team (WA) and the original full-time staff member, and founder of the Seahorse soccer team for Missionary Athletes International (CA); before going on to found Surge International (formerly Vanguard Ministries). Dave and Christian soccer teams he has led have traveled to over thirty-five countries of the world, bringing hope to those they meet. He is the CEO of Surge Int’l and oversees the Global Player Initiative, which primarily sends players to minister to refugees in Austria alongside EU citizens, in a true multi-national effort.
Currently, Dave resides in Salem, Oregon with his wife Susan and splits time between the Northwest, Southern California (where he recently coached youth soccer with the LA Galaxy and the Southern California Seahorses of the National Under-23 League (PDL); and Salzburg, Austria. Dave and Susie have three grown children: Nathan (wife-Kate, and son Beckham) and son Ryan, who live in Southern California and daughter Hayley who lives in the Northwest.
Allen Lotz
Senior Vice President
Rome, Georgia
B.A. in Liberal Studies & M.S. in Christian Education
Allen represents Surge International from Atlanta, Georgia. Allen has been a career missionary in MK education in the context of cross cultural church planting. Al played soccer at Azusa Pacific University (CA) and also with one of the first soccer ministry teams before entering the world of MK education overseas. As teacher, coach and administrator in three different countries on two continents, he brings expertise in organizational leadership, multicultural settings and member care. Using soccer as a tool for outreach has been a common thread in these endeavors. More recently Al has travelled extensively as a consultant for MK education which has provided a broad range of international experience and networking that will prove beneficial to expanding the impact of Surge International.
Likius Hafeni
NEW to the Board
Salem, Oregon
B.Sc. in Exercise Science
Likius grew up in Mariental, Namibia where he was involved in his local church and Youth for Christ. As the pioneer of soccer ministry in his country Likius became the facilitator for sports ministry in Namibia and Church Sports Coordinator for Southern Africa with the International Sports Coalition.
In 2009 Likius played for Surge International’s Cascade Surge PDL team in Salem, Oregon leading to him settling in Salem to pursue his education at Corban University. Likius graduated from Corban with a B.Sc. in Exercise Science; is working on his Master’s Degree while coaching the Women’s Soccer Team. Through Surge, in partnership with Calvary Chapel founded the Grass Roots After School program that is currently serving ten elementary schools. For more on Likius go to: CorbanWarriors.com
Doug DeVries
NEW!
Bellingham, WA
B.A. in Cross-Cultural Communications & Linguistics
Doug joins the Surge Board with over 15 years experience in business & various non-profit ministries. He has lived in both Ecuador & Bolivia as a missionary and teacher. His business life has focused on helping local businesses succeed with their IT and web presence. He is currently working to develop Solomon’s Porch – a web portal to connect people with what God is doing around the world.
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