Missionary Athletes International

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Missionary Athletes International

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The vision for using soccer to reach a lost world led to the inception of MAI by Tim Conrad in La Habra, California in 1983.

Missionary Athletes International (MAI) is a Gospel-centered ministry that introduces people to Jesus Christ, teaches them to follow Him, and empowers them as leaders through the global environment of soccer. The fall of 1986 brought Dave Irby to MAI as its first full time staff member. In the fall of 1987, six other men joined MAI’s staff. That growth in personnel and programs has continued steadily since. MAI became a charter member of the International Sports Coalition in 1985 and has been a member with the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability since 1989. The fall of 1990 brought the opening of MAI’s first divisional ministry office outside of the Los Angeles area. This office was headed by Jon and Ruthie Ortlip in the town of Bolton Northern England. In 1991, Brian and Chris Davidson opened MAI’s third ministry office in Charlotte, North Carolina. MAI’s fourth ministry location, the Czech Republic, was opened in 1993, led by Bill and Lisa Galipault. The fifth office opened under the leadership of Rick and Janice McKinley during 1997 in Wheaton, IL. In the late 90’s, MAI’s office in England became an independent organization under “Ambassadors in Sports.”

Today, MAI has three office locations in the United States, two of which also house MAI headquarters functions. Executive functions are located in Charlotte, North Carolina and Mission Support Services in La Mirada, California. Ministry sites include La Mirada, California; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Chicago, Illinois with additional ministry programs occurring in other states. MAI’s main methods of evangelism and discipleship have been the organizing of soccer teams, conducting soccer camps and taking short-term soccer tours overseas. These programs are augmented by other ministries, including: clinics, school programs, prison and inner city ministries; training leaders to be sports ministers and sending them out to partner with other Christian agencies. We thank the Lord for His blessings in allowing us to grow from a few summer soccer camps, one international tour and a men’s amateur team thirty years ago to impact the lives of thousands of people each year through multi-faceted, year-round ministries that comprise MAI today.

10/28/2026

Did you know?

90% of people make decisions about faith before age 18. That’s why investing in youth matters now more than ever.

10/19/2026

From local fields to fields around the world, God is using soccer to reach hearts all around the world.

10/15/2026

Our vision is to see lives transformed through teams that motivate people to follow Christ.

10/13/2026

Soccer connects people in a way few things can. We’re using that connection to share the Gospel.

10/10/2026

Every practice is an opportunity for discipleship and mentorship. Through the game, coaches have the opportunity to build relationships, invest in players, and point them toward Jesus.

10/06/2026

Families are often drawn to MAI because of soccer. And then their involvement leads to deep relationships, mentorship, and lasting life change.

Melanie and Rob are examples of this. They have many years of connections to MAI ministry: their son is on staff with HQ and their grandsons have played on our teams.

More recently, they have hosted summer interns who were international students. As a host family they went above and beyond just opening their home to these young men.

They took an interest in their scholastic endeavors, provided fun Southern California excursions, and even helped them enroll in business seminars to learn how to open businesses in their home countries. Melanie and Rob are a beautiful example of the body of Christ teaching the next generation to follow Christ and empower them as leaders.

10/02/2026

Coaches training in South Africa and Zambia with ministry partner, Doxa Deo.

In Johannesburg, South Africa we met with school administrators, teachers, and coaches to share MAI's vision for using sport to reach youth. In Pretoria, South Africa and just outside Lusaka, Zambia, we led Coaches Trainings for educators who also coach full time across netball, soccer, basketball, chess, badminton, volleyball, and Jukskei.

09/30/2026

MAI is pleased to share a first of its kind international affiliation in Brazil. Working with our long-time friend and partner (and former Lady Eagle!) Mafe Campos and Agape Project, we officially announce the Agape Eagles!

We believe this affiliation will provide increased ministry opportunity for Mafe and Agape to lift up the name of Jesus Christ to many more youth in and around the Sau Palo area of Brazil.

09/22/2026

We believe a game CAN change the world.

At Missionary Athletes International, we use soccer to introduce people to Jesus, teach them to follow him and empower them as leaders.

Join us!

09/18/2026

We are so thankful for those of you who serve, give, pray, or play.

And would love for you to join the mission today if you haven't already.

Check the link in our bio to see how you can partner with us.

Address

9303 Monroe Road, Suite L
Matthews, NC
28270

Website

http://www.maisoccer.com/, https://coachesonmission.com/, https://www.facebook.com/share/18ZUV4wFoH/?mibextid=wwXIfr, ht

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