Mixing It Up With Football: 12 Sessions on Faith for 9-13s

Kick off faith-based learning with "Mixing It Up With Football: 12 Sessions on Faith for 9-13s," a dynamic and engaging resource by Owen Smith, designed to connect with pre-teens and early teens where they live on the football pitch and in a world of burgeoning independence. Recognizing the significant role football plays in the lives of young people aged 9-13, Smith cleverly bridges the gap between their passion for the sport and core Christian principles. This book isn't just another Sunday school lesson; it's a carefully crafted playbook for youth leaders seeking to make faith relevant and exciting. This resource acknowledges a crucial reality: the 9-13 age group is often underserved within churches. These young individuals are rapidly developing their own identities, becoming increasingly aware of trends, media-savvy, and keen to establish their place in the world. "Mixing It Up With Football" understands this transition and provides a framework to nurture their spiritual growth in a way that resonates with their evolving maturity and interests. Inside, you'll discover 10 thoughtfully designed sessions, each drawing parallels between aspects of football and fundamental Christian beliefs. Imagine exploring God's boundless love through the lens of passionate fans, or understanding the church as a cohesive body mirroring a well-coordinated team. Smith goes beyond superficial comparisons, delving into the theological significance of each analogy to provide a meaningful and lasting impact. This book doesn't shy away from the realities of football culture. Instead, it equips leaders with the tools and guidance to navigate potentially problematic aspects, fostering healthy discussions and encouraging godly character development. Health and safety, and child protection are addressed, providing a secure and well-considered framework for all activities. Each session is structured for ease of use and maximum engagement, featuring five distinct parts: * **Beforehand:** This section empowers leaders with comprehensive preparation materials, ensuring they are well-equipped to facilitate a smooth and impactful session. * **Opening Activity:** Capture the attention of your young audience with interactive and enjoyable activities designed to introduce the session's theme in a memorable way. * **Football Focus:** Dive deeper into the theme, fostering thoughtful discussions and encouraging participants to share their insights and perspectives. * **Bible Focus:** Explore relevant Bible verses that provide a Christian perspective on the theme, connecting the football analogies to scriptural teachings. * **Prayer Response:** Conclude the session with a meaningful prayer activity, allowing young people to respond to the theme and express their faith in a personal way. With readily photocopiable materials included, "Mixing It Up With Football" offers a practical and versatile solution for Sunday school teachers, youth group leaders, and anyone seeking to connect with young people on a deeper level. Author Owen Smith is dedicated to crafting resources that speak directly to young people and make bible study approachable. This book is published by Hymns Ancient & Modern Ltd, a reputable publisher dedicated to promoting the word of God. Give your youth group the tools they need to engage with their faith with the same passion and enthusiasm they bring to the football pitch. Order your copy of "Mixing It Up With Football" today and witness the transformative power of connecting faith with culture. Perfect for Christian religious instruction, Sunday school resource material, or Christian education for children and youth.