sharing hope through soccer

 

News

Togo / Trauma / Orphanage / Vacation Bible School

Liberia: This month we launched a virtual new program to tackle a horrific lingering problem in Liberia. Twenty-four Liberians, double the amount expected, joined Roy and Roberta Reed and key trauma experts from Liberia and the USA for our first training. “According to studies conducted by organizations like the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, 40% of Liberians suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and other mental health conditions. These disorders have taken root deeply in the national consciousness, affecting people’s ability to heal, rebuild, and move forward.” — Sistershospitallers.org Your prayers …

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June 2025 Update from Surge Liberia

We present our compliments and we appreciate God for the wonderful time spent together as afamily as we worship God in the beauty of holiness. On behalf of the entire Surge Liberia team, we appreciate the continued support from SurgeInternational Board and all those who are helping to make our work in Liberia a success thatGod’s kingdom will be glorified. We are very excited to share with you the successful graduation of Lovetee and Lucinta, whograduated with an AA degree respectively in Business Administration and Public Health.We look forward to …

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Update from Dave’s trip to Liberia

The weekly long training for the 60 young Liberians had gone well. From field sessions in theNational Stadium, to devotions, lectures, and prayer time in the conference room. Saturday wasthe day the coaches would train children and receive their certifications of completion; inpreparation for going back to their 20 locations, across Liberia, to begin the DT6 Saturday Schools(Bible lessons, scripture memory and fun soccer games). Read More…

Liberia Next April 19-28 / Your Prayers Requested

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Dear Friends, Over forty years ago the Lord connected Al Lotz, Jon Ortlip, and me through our love for Jesus and love for soccer—to pioneer a new form of …

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a fractured wrist, a cancelled trip, a new opportunity

Dear Friends,The new font I’m using for our theme verse is Dreaming Outloud. At Surge International we dream silently, we dream out loud, we pray silently, we pray out loud – that we could connect with people through soccer so that we can meet their needs in Jesus’ name. One of my recent dreams didn’t come true – I didn’t go to Liberia on January 27th with Al Lotz and David Welk. I woke up the night before my flights at a hotel by the Portland airport with a whooshing …

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We Made It $ / Liberia Next / My New Record

In this fatherless generation, we are sensitive to the deep wounds and scars a lot of children are suffering from…Sports plays a pivotal role in restoring hope and happiness in the hearts of children. 2025 will be massive, as we will be in every street corner, sports park, school, and gymnasium with our Learning for Life Program. (L4L). – Darius Barolle, Surge Soccer Liberia Please see the letter below for more INFO and great photos of my two travel partners! sharing hope through soccer, Dave IrbyUS Soccer ‘A’ License

From “How Soccer Explains Leadership” podcast with David Irby, CEO of Surge Soccer

Wonder why we do soccer? Why it matters? Check out David Irby’s recent conversation with howsoccerexplainsleadership.com. Bringing Hope Discover the powerful story of a Christian soccer team risking everything to bring hope and unity to war-torn Sudan—an inspiring testament to faith, courage, and reconciliation. Leadership Leadership, often overlooked in coaching, is now my focus. Inspired by a podcast and coaching in Liberia, I emphasize vision and empathy as key to building cohesive, inspired teams. Full Transcript from Podcast: Do Hard Things in Hard Places with David Irby, CEO of Surge …

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Christmas may come early for us?

Dear Friends, We are approaching the most important month for us financially as December is the month when we make up deficits and usually have a small financial cushion as we enter the new year. For the first time we have received a Christmas Year End Match Grant of $15,000.  Every dollar we raise up to that amount by December 31th will be matched. At the same time we received news that one of our largest monthly donors may have to suspend their donation due to severe health issues and the costs …

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Sammy Surge: Teaching Life Principles through Soccer

In the world of Surge Soccer, there’s a beloved figure who plays a special role in our mission to inspire and educate children: Sammy Surge, our energetic and ever-enthusiastic mascot. But Sammy is more than just a fun character—he’s a teacher of essential life principles that help shape young minds and hearts. Through Sammy, we bring powerful lessons of integrity, teamwork, and kindness to children around the world, using the universal language of soccer to make these lessons engaging and memorable. The Origins of Sammy Surge Sammy Surge was born …

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Join Us on a Mission: Soccer and Ministry Opportunities with Surge Soccer

At Surge Soccer, we believe in the transformative power of soccer not only as a sport but as a vehicle for ministry, healing, and community building. Our mission extends far beyond the soccer field, reaching into the hearts and lives of people around the world who need hope, encouragement, and a sense of purpose. Whether you’re a coach, player, supporter, or someone simply passionate about making a difference, there are countless ways to get involved with Surge Soccer and join us on our mission to bring the love of Christ …

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Revolutionizing Education in Liberia: Soccer as a Tool for Literacy

In Liberia, a country where the scars of civil war are still visible in every aspect of society, the need for educational reform is more pressing than ever. With a significant portion of the population under the age of 16 and an alarming number of teachers unable to read, the future of Liberia’s youth hangs in the balance. At Surge Soccer, we are tackling this challenge head-on through an innovative approach that combines the power of soccer with the crucial need for literacy education. Our mission is simple yet ambitious: …

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The Power of Partnerships: Surge Soccer’s Global Impact

At Surge Soccer, we believe that the key to making a lasting difference in the world lies in the power of partnerships. Over the years, we have seen how strategic collaborations with local communities, churches, and organizations can amplify our impact and help us reach more people with the message of hope, love, and unity through soccer. From the bustling streets of Vienna to the remote villages of Indonesia, our global partnerships have been instrumental in transforming lives and spreading the gospel through the beautiful game. Our journey of building …

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SOS Soccer: Answering the Call in Central Asia

In the remote mountains and isolated communities of Central Asia, where poverty and hardship are everyday realities, young people face a future filled with uncertainty. In these regions, opportunities are scarce, and the challenges are immense. But amidst the difficulties, there is a glimmer of hope—and that hope often comes in the form of a simple soccer ball. Through our SOS Soccer initiative, Surge Soccer is answering the call to bring joy, unity, and opportunities to these underserved areas, using soccer as a powerful tool for change. The SOS Soccer …

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Training the Next Generation of Sports Ministers: Surge Soccer’s Liberia Internship Program

At Surge Soccer, we believe in the transformative power of sports—not just as a game but as a ministry that can change lives and communities. Our commitment to this vision has led us to establish the Liberia Internship Program, a unique initiative designed to equip the next generation of sports ministers with the skills, knowledge, and spiritual foundation they need to make a lasting impact. This program is a critical part of our mission in Liberia, where the need for leadership, mentorship, and positive role models is more urgent than …

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Inspiring Hope through Soccer: Our Work in Tecate, Mexico

For nearly three decades, Surge Soccer has been bringing hope and joy to the children of Tecate, Mexico, through our ongoing partnership with the Rancho San Juan Bosco Orphanage. Located just south of the U.S. border, this orphanage has become a place where countless children have found love, care, and the transformative power of soccer. Our work in Tecate is a testament to the impact that consistent support and dedication can have on a community in need. The story of our involvement in Tecate began in 1993 when a worker …

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Expanding Our Reach: Surge Soccer in Liberia

Surge Soccer has long been a beacon of hope, using the world’s most popular sport as a tool for outreach, development, and transformation. In recent years, one of our most impactful ventures has been in the heart of West Africa—Liberia. What began as a single trip to this post-conflict nation has blossomed into a full-scale operation, serving as a hub for our efforts across the continent. The journey of Surge Soccer in Liberia is a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and the universal language of soccer. Our introduction …

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From the Field: Stories of Impact from Liberia

At Surge Soccer, every day on the field brings new stories of hope, resilience, and transformation. Our work in Liberia, a country still healing from the ravages of civil war, is filled with moments that remind us of the incredible impact soccer can have on individuals and communities. These stories are not just about the game—they are about lives changed, futures shaped, and hope restored. As we continue our mission in Liberia, we are excited to share some of the inspiring stories from the field that highlight the difference we …

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Heading Back to Liberia Thursday

I’m making my fourth trip to Liberia on Thursday to assist with football development along with our education and trauma relief specialists. (September 12-23)  (30 hours of travel each way,  lol) Top of the list is the seminar I will be giving for approximately 68 football trainers (grassroots & academy) and observation & consulting with the U17 & U20 Boys National Teams. Meetings with: the Liberia Football Association, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Beautiful Beginnings School (our pilot/partner school for grassroots football), and Elite Teacher Training. We will also host …

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