The OCAC are here to help those involved in the community of sport or those who would like to help this wonderful community. There are hundreds of chaplains in the UK and Ireland, providing pastoral and spiritual care to professional and amateur sport. The OCAC helps train and facilitate the appointment of sports chaplains.

What a chaplain can offer

• The OCAC offer pastoral and spiritual support to everyone, people of faith and people of no faith. This generally involves visiting the club’s offices, training facilities or gym on a weekly basis and being available to listen and bring support to all players/staff.

• This regular presence/ contact is a very important aspect of our role, by being visible and available we are able to build relationships. When times of crisis arise, we are a trusted port of call and are an important part of player and staff welfare.

• Each chaplain will bring with them a vast range of skills, knowledge and individual expertise. From a general perspective the OCAC are extremely supportive and bring a non-judgmental, listening ear and an empathetic and compassionate presence. With wisdom and learning from their particular faith walk they bring the gifts of encouragement, support and comfort in the challenging arena of sport and fitness. On the playing side this may mean supporting a player with a long-term injury or helping a young player cope with the disappointment of being released by the club.