Football Culture
By David Oakley
Ambassadors in Sport
Football Culture
• Context – Definitions,
history and philosophy
• Specialness of Football
• Football Culture
a) Categorisation
b) Mapping
• Christian Approach
a) Generally
b) Personally
Specialness of Football?
Universal
Language
Relevancy
to Culture
Microcosm
of life
Medium to
communicate
the message
International
social
phenomenon
Fun and
healthy!
Cultural Categories of Football?
Spectators
Novice
Learners
Leisure
Recreation
Players –
Amateur to
semi pro
Elite - Pro
High
Profile
McCown’s Sports Ministry Map
Discipleship Presence of Christ in Sport
10
In Christ
8
Discipleship of
recreational
footballers/fans
Presenting
Christ
Spectator
Profile
Novice
4
+2
Recreation
through
Mass appeal,
football
evangelistic
To Christ
6
programmes
Specialized appeal
following up
experienced players
Presence
of Christ
Player
-2
4
6
Elite
High
in
Evangelistic
football
outreach to
competitive players
8
10
Evangelism presenting Christ through sports
McCown’s Sports Ministry Map
10
Mission
through the
Mission
Missionpeople of
football
through
in the
In Christ
8
6
4
+2
Spectator
Profile
Novice
Recreation
Player
High
service
in
football
activityMission to
and through
of football
the
people
football activity
of football
-2
4
To Christ
Elite
6
8
10
Personal Engagement
1. Where are you on the Map?
2. Where are your target group on the Map?
3. What are the needs and interests of your
target group?
4. What do you need to do to have
acceptance within your target group?
5. What adjustments need to be made in
your activities to be acceptable within
your target group?