SURGE INTERNATIONAL

 

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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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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.

Surge Soccer Liberia – 2023 Summary Report

Surge Soccer Liberia appreciates God almighty for his gift of life and many opportunities he had given us to work for his kingdom purpose. We also extend our thanks and appreciation to Surge International Board members and all others who contributed towards the growth and development of Surge Soccer Liberia throughout last year 2023. This report summarizes all of our activities as it relates to the following programs and financial breakdown.  During the course of the year (2023) it was agreed that we have an online meeting once every month …

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Year End + Matching Grant 4 Liberia + Anaheim + UN Conference

Dear Friends, MEET OUR LIBERIAN INTERNS IN THE ATTACHMENT Many years ago we received a $30,000 matching grant. This Year End matching grant is a mere $3,000 — but what an impact your prayers and year end donations can have in Liberia. We are starting a Christian Leadership Training program and have five young Liberians ready to GO! We appreciate the Year End Gifts we have already received and we are praying for a few more so we can start the new year in Liberia with a Bang! Imagine for …

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Surge News October 2023

“We use the power of soccer to connect with people around the world; assess their needs and form partnerships to meet those needs.”  – Surge Soccer   Attached letter shares how you have helped us impact 1,500 orphans in Mexico…Jorge never learned to read, but he is now! I remember my trip to Israel so many years ago. Thank you for praying, please donate to support surgesoccer.org

POSTPONED: Tecate for the Orphanage Charity Match

Tecate Soccer 2023 Greetings Lads, We have a match scheduled against the Tijuana/Tecate Old Timer’s for Sunday, December 10th at 11:00 AM. This is a 65 and over game, but we will make a few exceptions. If you are 62 or older, you are eligible to play. As usual, a great Carne Asada party will be held afterward at Casa de Hank. The suggested donation is $150, and all proceeds will benefit the San Juan Bosco Orphanage, including assisting 5 of the older orphans (age 18-20) in their University Programs. …

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