The ‘Spirit in Sport’ Team are
Chris Cox
Chris is qualified as an FA coach, RFU coach and is a Community Sports
Leader trainer. He has over 40 years of sporting background including semi-professional football experience and playing at Portsmouth Rugby Club.
Chris has served on the board of CSRM, another sports ministry group. By attending the annual conferences of CRSM in America he gains a wealth of knowledge and how to apply a Christian focus to sports.
Chris has been running youth activities in Portsmouth and the surrounding areas for many years and has built up a good reputation for organizing varied and successful sporting events for both young and old over the years. His gifts have encouraged many, of all abilities, to participate and enjoy sport. Chris’ passion for Christ and sport is the key essential to the Spirit in Sport ministry.
Jon McCabe
Jon is a qualified FA coach. He loves all sport and has been on the Spirit in Sport (SIS) team since the ministry began. He is currently studying his second degree, this time in youth work at Chichester University, which allows him to have lots of experience of working with young people in the community. Jon’s strong Christian faith and natural leadership skills are most seen when he is diligently holding up the SIS mission statement.
Josie Cox
Josie graduated from Bangor University with a BA in Primary school teaching with a focus on Physical Education. Her passion for the Lord and sports has seen her accomplish many things including working for Christians In Sports during her gap year. This gave her the opportunity to work with young children between the ages of 4-16 teaching them how Christianity and sport can go hand in hand with each other. Josie now uses her qualifications and background to use sport as a platform for sharing the good news for SIS. Josie’s love and enthusiasm is an attribute that we are excited to have on the SIS team.
Ben Cowdrey
Ben is in his first year of working with SIS and in a short time has made a big impact with his enthusiasm and willingness to give everything a try. He is a graduate of Nottingham University Ben loves football and is the captain of ‘Newbies’, which plays in the SIS 5-a-side football league and as everyone who will listen will know, is an ardent Pompey fan! Ben does like other sports but describes himself as a ‘keen amateur’. His greatest gift is his natural ability of being a people person and engages really well with almost anyone on any level. This is evident when coaching with SIS and the demonstration of how young people can engage with sport and the Good News. His work in schools has helped his personal growth after seeing how many of life’s lessons can be learned on the sports field.
Gareth Wessels
Gareth came to SIS after working for an international Missions Organization in his home country of South Africa. Gareth and his wife who now reside in England both have a passion for Jesus and it was this love combined with Gareth’s love for sport, which caught the eye of SIS. Gareth has always been involved in sport and loves playing, watching, and debating it! Being involved in SIS has been the perfect way for him to combine his passion and love for God with his love for sport and people. SIS values the international flare Gareth brings to the ministry and is grateful for the seeds sown by his hard work and enthusiasm.
Ruth McCabe
Ruth is responsible for the finances and
administration within Spirit in Sport.