News

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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Liberia Interns – April 2024 Update

Our interns in Liberia are amazing and could use your support. Find out how. “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” Winston Churchill (1874-1965) United Kingdom Prime Minister Intern Updates Intern Update for April Winifred Gaye-Positives: Engaged in a 15 country tournament focusing with the local teams on Sammy Surge guidelines of fair play. Continuing to introduce the fair play program to other teams Would like to continue to develop: basic computer skills preparing to learn more to support my future …

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Do Hard Things in Hard Places with David Irby, CEO of Surge Int’l, Former APU Head Coach, and Author

In Episode 143, David Irby, CEO of Surge Int’l, Former Azusa Pacific University Head Coach, Author of Undefeated: We are More Than Conquerors Through Him Who Loved Us, Sammy Surge, and Sports Ministry, husband, and father, talks with Phil and Paul… Listen now at https://www.howsoccerexplainsleadership.com/davidirby/ In Episode 143, David Irby, CEO of Surge Int’l, Former Azusa Pacific University Head Coach, Author of Undefeated: We are More Than Conquerors Through Him Who Loved Us, Sammy Surge, and Sports Ministry, husband, and father, talks with Phil and Paul about his ministry and coaching journey and …

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Spring Update for 2024

Surge Project in Salzburg, Austria is Thriving. It began when Surge sent two soccer players to Vienna…it led to this. It started with one visit by Al and Dave. Jorge Marquez joined our old Cascade Surge Soccer Team to “play soccer.” Just named Mexican Citizen of the Year last year, he and his wife now serve in Indonesia, with soccer being the great connector.

Back in the Liberian Schools / My Story

We made our first school visit…so much more ahead in 2024. In three minutes you can see and hear my story, it all started at Azusa Pacific University.

Lotz Teaching in Bolivia Again

Surge VP Al Lotz is wrapping up his teaching in Bolivia today (February 8-17) Al is in Bolivia, and has been  teaching in two locations: San Isidro and Santa Cruz. He has been presenting Genesis and the life of Peter.