James Lusted appointed Assistant National Director for Wales 

 Sports Chaplaincy UK & Ireland strengthens its work across Welsh sport

Sports Chaplaincy UK & Ireland is pleased to announce the appointment of James Lusted as its new Assistant National Director for Wales, helping to strengthen and develop sports chaplaincy across the nation.

In his new role, James will work to grow Sports Chaplaincy's presence throughout Wales, developing relationships with sports clubs, governing bodies, churches and community organisations, while supporting existing chaplains and encouraging more people to explore a calling to sports chaplaincy.

Sports chaplains provide pastoral and spiritual care within sporting communities, walking alongside players, coaches, staff, volunteers and their families through both the highs and lows of sport and everyday life.

James said:

"I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve Sports Chaplaincy UK & Ireland in Wales. Sport is such an important part of Welsh life and brings together people from every background and every part of our communities.

"Behind every player, coach, volunteer and member of staff is a person, and sometimes people simply need someone they can trust, someone who will listen and someone who will walk alongside them.

"My hope is that we can see sports chaplaincy continue to grow across Wales, from grassroots community clubs through to the professional game. I am particularly excited about building stronger relationships between local churches and their local sporting communities and encouraging Christians with a heart for people to consider whether sports chaplaincy could be something for them."

A key part of James's role will be engaging churches throughout Wales and encouraging them to see sport as an important part of their local mission and community engagement.

Sports chaplains do not need to be ordained or professional counsellors. They are trained and supported to provide a consistent pastoral presence within sporting environments, serving people regardless of their faith or background.

James continued:

"There are churches in communities across Wales with football, rugby, cricket and other sports clubs almost on their doorstep. I would love to see more churches asking a simple question: Could somebody from our congregation serve our local sports club as a chaplain?

"This is not about bringing people into a church building. It is about Christians being willing to go, serve, listen and build genuine relationships with people where they already are."

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Warren Evans, CEO, Sports Chaplaincy UK & Ireland, said:
“We are genuinely excited to welcome James to the Sports Chaplaincy UK & Ireland team. James brings a real passion for people, for sport and, above all, for seeing the love of Christ demonstrated through authentic relationships and compassionate care.

We believe God has brought James to us at a significant time, and I am excited to see how He will use him to be a tremendous blessing across Wales and beyond.

There is such an opportunity before us to see sports chaplaincy grow, churches engage with their local sporting communities, and more people supported through the highs and lows of sport and life. I am delighted that James will be helping us take that vision forward.”

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Martin Lewis, National Director for Wales, said:

“We praise God for answering our prayers of many years in making a way possible to help develop this amazing ministry across Wales. To have Jay onboard and utilise his God given skill set and breadth of contacts will be brilliant for us. We are excited to have James work with us and pray God’s blessing on him as he makes an impact for God’s glory.”

The appointment comes as Sports Chaplaincy UK & Ireland continues its work of equipping and supporting chaplains serving across a wide range of sports and levels of competition.

James will also be encouraging churches across Wales to participate in National Sports Sunday on 9 May 2027, an opportunity for churches to celebrate the role of sport in their communities, pray for those involved in sport and consider how they can engage more intentionally with their local sporting community.

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An invitation to Welsh sport and churches

James would welcome conversations with sports clubs, governing bodies, leagues, churches, businesses and individuals across Wales interested in supporting or becoming involved with sports chaplaincy.

This could include clubs interested in exploring the appointment of a chaplain, Christians interested in becoming chaplains, churches wanting to partner with local sport, and businesses or individuals interested in supporting the development of sports chaplaincy across Wales.

"There is a tremendous opportunity ahead of us. I want to listen, build relationships and work collaboratively with people across Welsh sport and the Church. Ultimately, our heart is very simple: supporting the person behind the sport."

For further information, interviews or enquiries please email us at info@sportschaplaincy.org.uk