What is a Sports Chaplain?

Sports Chaplains are volunteers in sports communities providing free, accessible pastoral care, support and mentoring to athletes, staff officials and their whānau on site and at the point of need irrespective of religion, lifestyle and beliefs.

The effect of Sports Chaplains placed in sports communities is improved mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing leading to better people, better lives, better outcomes and better communities.

Sports Chaplains are not sports psychologists, replacements for player welfare officers or trained counsellors. Sports Chaplains act as first responders to assist people in need to professional services.

We provide pastoral care and support to Aotearoa New Zealand’s sports communities. We do this by identifying, training, appointing and guiding Sports Chaplains who are available as volunteers to serve sports communities at all levels.