Last fall Paul Shedd spent 3 weeks in Michiocan, Mexico on an Isaiah 6 Short Term Mission Project. During that time Paul was impressed by the great enthusiasm the children have for soccer, as well as their desire to hear about God through the telling of Bible stories. Though the desire and enthusiasm are there, there is a great need for infrastructure and organization. Since that time the LORD has been impressing upon his heart and mind, the concept of developing a Soccer Academy Curriculum. The curriculum  includes a well thought out soccer program along with Bible stories.  Our goal for the Soccer Academy material would be that it be simple, teachable, understandable, and adaptable to many cultures and settings (from La Mirada to the ends of the earth--Mexico, Amazon Basin, Asia) with the primary purpose of following the LORD's Great Commission--preaching, discipling and baptizing.

A foundation for a Soccer Academy in Michiocan has been in progress for over a year now, through the efforts of our co-worker Mark Schrock and the Seahorse PDL team who went there during the 2004 and 2005 seasons.  Paul will be there from September 30th until October 27th with two soccer academies; one in San Antonio Guaracha and one in Chorinzeo.  He will be partnering with Pastor Jose Vega and the local church. The children will meet 2-3 times a week and have soccer training and Bible teaching.
 A key component of the Academy is that Paul will be training local Sport Ministry leaders in Sports Ministry so that, LORD willing, once he has gone the Sports MInistry will continue with the children.