Wirral 2001-2004

Following a successful 1st year in Wishaw, Wirral YFC invited Kick to set up a team with them. Paul Charles decided to stay on for a 2nd year and was joined by Andy Tuffnel

Andy joined Kick at the last minute, just 8 days prior to training starting. “I was at Soul Survivor and after little thought and much prayer I knew it was what God wanted me to be involved in during my gap year.”
During the year my relationship with Jesus soared, it was like been given a new heart and passion for serving Christ and young people. The opportunity to confidently proclaim and praise Christ was brilliant.
Lochinver and Ullapool High School were my favourite mission venues, it was here that I knew I really wanted to serve Christ by serving youth.
I have just graduated from Uni and will be starting teaching physics in Cheltenham in August. I am looking forward to serving God through teaching.
Another exciting development is my wedding to Claire which is also happening in August.
My favourite verse is Psalm 135 v 1. I also really like this quote from John Ortberg “you are what you are, but you are not yet what you will be.”
I believe England will win the World Cup.

Paul joined Kick, wanting a break from formal education. He was keen to make sport and Christianity fit together in his life. “I didn’t know what to expect from my year, it was great fun, I learned loads about my faith, the Bible and how to communicate it and 5 years on I am in full time Christian work with Wearside YFC.
The highlight of the Kick year was a mission with the Chinese Church where I had the privilege of leading someone to faith in Christ. Having said that Seattle is always a great experience and the awesome beauty of Lochinver, a small village in north west Scotland, is special. It’s really encouraging to see Luke, who’s in Seattle, join kick 4 years later.
I really feel that God showed me more of who He is, through being with Him and doing His will. He continues to help me learn by reading the Bible and spending time with Him and I’m gradually giving more to Him.
My favourite Bible verse is Psalm 73 v 26.
I reckon Brazil will win the World Cup, too much class for anyone else to cope with. My favourite player is Paul Robinson, he’s superb.
Anything else Paul – Yeah, if you think God’s calling you to a year out then go for it. It’s not always easy but it’s worth it.

Al joined Kick following a year out in Wales. " Kick was an opportunity to serve God and be a witness for Him using football, i had never seen or heard of any Christian group doing this in such a big way, i couldn't resist the opportunity!"

I discovered during the year that God can use you in whatever way you let Him. The highlight of the year was the opportunity to go to Seattle and coach at a soccer camp. I also had a really good time on a mission in Crieff.
God taught me so much more about Himself during my year, i learned i can worship Him in so many differnt ways and that God can use us despite our sin. My favourite part of the Bible is Psalm 37.

Since leaving Kick i have been developing my own business through football coaching and freestyle entertainment, www.ajsoccerskills.co.uk www.theurbanfreestyler.co.uk. During my year i met Beth and we recently married and live in Scotland.

I think Brazil will win the World Cup, although England and Italy will show well. I am looking forward to seeing Christiano Ronaldo perform at the highest level.

Dave joined Kick late on. He felt the opportunity to share his faith through football was too good to be missed. “The year was a valuable life experience and helped me to rely on God more”.
The highlight during the year was definitely the trip to Seattle. A great time, meeting loads of brilliant people and some great kids. The church there is good too.
I am currently working in the Wirral with kids aged 2 – 11 in an after school club, doing some football & teaching. I hope in the future to get some child care qualifications of some sort. I have seen God do some amazing things in my life, the way He has provided for me has been miraculous.
I don’t have a particular Bible verse, it’s all good stuff.
I believe England will win the World Cup, hopefully with Teddy Sheringham there somewhere.

Having been to a Soul Survivor camp where he heard about Kick, Paul thought the idea of doing a football based year out a great idea.“I learned so much during the year, how everyone can use their own gifts to serve God and made many new friends”We had a great drop in centre at Bebington and it was brilliant to see youngsters some closer to knowing Christ. My favourite mission venue was Seattle, to travel so far and be so blessed by the local community. God gives me a real purpose, I know that I will be used for something important My favourite verse is Philippians 4 v 6. I am working at the moment but planning to go to Uni in September to study music.

I hope that England can win the World Cup, even though my favourite player is Theirry Henry.