sharing hope through soccer

 

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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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Liberia’s Fatherless Generation: How Surge Soccer is Making a Difference

In Liberia, a country still grappling with the aftermath of two brutal civil wars, the scars of conflict run deep. Among the most tragic legacies of these wars is a generation of children who have grown up without fathers—often referred to as Liberia’s “fatherless generation.” This demographic, which makes up more than half of the nation’s population under the age of 16, faces a daunting future with limited access to education, mentorship, and positive role models. At Surge Soccer, we are committed to addressing this urgent need by using the …

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Local Soccer Coach Authors Books, Coaches in Africa

Dave Irby Co-Authors first of its kind University textbook and heads back to Africa to help develop soccer at all levels Dave Irby burst onto the Salem area soccer scene as the Cascade Surge Head Coach back in 1997. Along the way he coached soccer at: Salem United, Keizer Soccer Club, Blanchet Catholic High Scho0l and Corban University. While not seen on the local soccer scene in a number of years Irby has crisscrossed the globe to multiple countries helping with soccer development. Training coaches in grassroots soccer in Ecuador and …

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Liberia is Next! ~ September 12-23

Please read the attached letter and as always we appreciate your prayers and financial support. sharing hope through soccer, Dave Irby

Orphanage+Cancer+Crazy Roads+100,000 Leaders+Swimming Pool+No Cleats

While it is a little early for Christmas music, or my Christmas coffee mug – even for me; thesethoughts from Bob Goff’s LIVE IN GRACE, WALK IN LOVE: A 365 DAY JOURNEY are relevant all yearlong: “The story of Christmas tells us a lot about how God rolls. When the angel came to Mary totell her what would happen, that message didn’t come with a playbook of everything thatwould come after… [or for Joseph]; The same goes for the wisemen…God doesn’t give usthe play-by-play of what’s to come when He …

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