
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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …
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 …
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 …
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: …
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 …
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 …