Hear from those involved
Hear a few quotes from what people who have experienced the work of Sports care Aus
Chaplaincy & Support
Chaplaincy is the practice of providing pastoral care within a community, meeting people and responding to their physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs—as and when they want support. It is offered to all people, regardless of faith background, gender, or their place in the elite sporting pathway. All chaplaincy provided through Sports Care is free of charge, and our chaplains serve sport as volunteers.
At Sports Care, our focus is on sporting events. We provide chaplaincy at state, national, and international competitions, supporting athletes, coaches, officials, and support staff in the unique pressures of elite sport. Our chaplains are trained and accredited through Sports Chaplaincy Australia, or—when serving internationally—through Global Sports Chaplaincy.
While our connection often begins at an event, the care doesn’t end there. We continue to walk alongside individuals well beyond the competition, for as long as they choose to stay connected and seek support.
Becoming a Sports Chaplain
If you’re interested in becoming a sports chaplain, Sports Chaplaincy Australia is the best place to start. They train, accredit and appoint chaplains across all levels of sport—from local clubs to professional environments, juniors through to masters. www.sportschaplaincy.com.au
Chaplaincy & Support
Chaplaincy for all those involved in sport - the athlete, coach, staff, official and all their families
We make chaplains accessible at major events, during the in-between moments, the tough days, the ordinary days, and even into retirement.
The individual chooses the type of support they want and when they need it. We focus on emotional, mental, spiritual and physical.
If you’re involved in elite sport (including family of those) we see you as 'A Player' and a part of the Sports Care family. We’d love to support you on your journey.
Origins and Model of Chaplaincy
The roots of chaplaincy trace back to St Martin of Tours in the 4th century. As a Roman soldier, he famously cut his military cloak (cappella) in half to clothe a freezing beggar in Amiens, France. This simple act of compassion became the foundation for what chaplaincy is today: a ministry of presence, mercy, and care.
Elite sport may not present many freezing beggars, but the heart behind chaplaincy remains the same. It is about being present within a community, offering a familiar, trusted person who has no agenda other than to care. Chaplains walk alongside people in the high‑pressure world of sport, helping ensure their physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs are seen and supported—always according to what the individual wants.
Our chaplains are trained specifically for the sporting environment and undertake additional preparation for the elite sport context. They understand the unique pressures, complexities, and demands that athletes, coaches, officials, staff and their families face at this level, enabling them to provide care that is both informed and deeply grounded in empathy.