July 5, 2023 | by Maranatha Athletics

TOKMOK, Kyrgyzstan -- Coach Jeff Pill blows a whistle and calls out a welcome for the first day of soccer clinics, and 25 eager soccer players eagerly jog in towards the center of the small, enclosed turf field in the North side of Tokmok, Kyrgyzstan as soon as they hear the welcome.

Through their translator, that is.

In a few minutes, the field will come alive with activity, sweat, laughter, and focus, as Coach Jeff Pill and the member of the 2023 Kyrgyzstan Mission Team get to work teaching soccer and - as best they can through the language barrier - connect and build meaningful relationships around the game. As the session begins, the team embarks on the core of a 10-day journey from late May into June - a journey that will take them to four different locations as they teach soccer to some 150 players.

The sun reflects off the snowy peaks of the Tian Shan mountains of Northern Kyrgyzstan, providing a beautiful backdrop to the same drills that Coach Pill and the team execute during their preseason. Now, the focus is on the kids in front of them. It feels like a different world because of the snow-capped peaks, the different nationalities, and the 6,407-mile distance between Maranatha and Tokmok, but as soon as the session begins, all of those differences fade away under the familiar feel of dribbling, passing, and shooting. 

It's halfway around the world, but it's the same game.

And the game is what instantly connects total strangers from 11 time zones away.

During breaks, the members of the Sabercats Men's Soccer Team sit and laugh with the local players as they type greetings and conversations into their phones using Google Translate. While they may not be able to hold a natural conversation, they aren't letting that stop them from seeing these players as people.

"Part of it is wanting to dive right into their culture," said team member Matthew Waller. "It is their culture, and you want to be there to help them in any way that you can. And while you can show them skills in soccer, being able to communicate with them on and off the field... any type of way that you can connect helps bridge the gap and form a relationship. We want to show them a heart for soccer and for them. Everyone was always so happy whenever we would say any small thing in their language. Connecting with them is the main drive."

"It was definitely challenging in trying to connect," said team member Mike Davis. "Not only because of the language barrier but also because there are so many differences in our culture. But even though we didn't speak the same language, we still really connected through our passion for soccer. And even though we only spent a few training sessions together, it was still really hard to say goodbye to everyone." 

From a coaching standpoint, the work is, well, exhausting. Not only do you have to coach through a translator, but you also have to present instruction that is simple enough to understand but meaningful enough to help players develop.

"Finding the strength to serve when we are all tired is something that these trips really bring out," said Coach Jeff Pill. "It was a challenge to coach and teach in a difficult environment where I didn't know the players or the language. And it was important to do that with warmth, enthusiasm, and effectiveness."

Coach Pill's nationally recognized coaching knowledge is put on full display in the classroom, as local club coaches host a coaching clinic - one that lasts 6 hours over the course of two days - as Pill shares his expert knowledge with eager coaches. They listen carefully as they ask him about everything from coaching methodology to best practices, practical advice, psychology and relationships, and team building.

"Coaching education has been a passion of mine for 30 years," said Pill. "I always enjoy sharing ideas with coaches who have a similar desire to improve their craft. I know that good coaching often will lead to better players, and thus greater enjoyment of the game. So, when the opportunity came up to meet with their coaches, it was an obvious and easy 'yes.'"

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But enough talk about soccer.

The team may be here because of the game and the chance to enjoy it across a cultural barrier, but the real reason they came is to cultivate gospel-focused relationships. The team will strengthen relationships between local, believing coaches, who will then reinforce gospel relationships with their players.

And as a bonus, there's no language barrier. 

There's more to this trip than the game. Thanks to the team's guide, Eldiiar Amankulov ('20), and team lead, Dr. Matthew Davis, the team dives into multiple ministry and relationship-building opportunities, including singing the Star Spangled Banner at a local high school graduation, fellowshipping with local pastors and Bible translators, speaking and sharing in church services and school events, and equipping local church leaders with the sharing of ministry tools and philosophies.

Soccer was just the bridge that took them there.

"We go on these trips to fulfill the Great Commission, of making disciples," said Pill. "And it challenges our faith as we are daily challenged to do difficult things that cause us to rely on the strength that can only come from God."

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For an On Mission Podcast sneak peek at the trip with Dr. Matthew Davis, Taylor Pill, and Mike Davis, go here.

Kyrgyzstan Team Members:

Dr. Matthew Davis, Jeff Pill, Taylor Pill, Eldiiar Amankulov ('20), Mike Davis, Thomas Holloway, Grant Kirchner, Hudson Sturm, Matthew Waller, Joshua Wright