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UGM recognizes that participants from many
Christian denominations and backgrounds travel on the teams, and
therefore UGM strives to avoid areas of theology or teaching in
which there is controversy. Teaching and training are centered on
issues of missions, understanding cultural differences, seeking
a closer walk with God (including prayer, Bible reading, personal
spiritual growth), sharing your faith, and becoming a World Christian.
We hope our participants will experience another culture, become
more aware of God's working and calling in their lives, and become
World Christians, resulting in finding satisfaction in knowing God
used them to tell others about his love and salvation. Daily devotions
and quiet times are a part of each day's activities. To view UGM's
Statement of Beliefs, Mission Statement, Purpose, Core Values, and
Vision Statement please see ABOUT UGM
on this web site.
Our purpose is to use the sport of soccer
as a tool to draw people, build relationships, and share Jesus Christ.
Everything focuses around that purpose. Not every ministry related
event is soccer related. Because we are a visiting soccer team in
the host country, you have a platform into many other avenues of
ministry. (See "Types Of Ministry" below)
Ultimate Goal works closely with existing
churches, pastors, missionaries, and mission organizations on our
trips. We believe in partnering with them so we can encourage and
strengthen their already-existing ministries.
Everyone is given the chance to witness and
share their faith, and training will prepare you for this. Some
of the ministry takes place after each game by bringing the other
team together, giving them small gifts, and then asking for 15 minutes
of their time. Usually a short introduction to our team and why
we are there is followed by 2-3 players testimonies and then an
opportunity to accept Christ. Sometimes you are only sharing with
the other team, other times with the team and the crowd. There may
be times when you do a soccer related skit to share a gospel point.
Often you are invited to an after game get together with the other
team where personal, one-on-one sharing can take place. Players
are trained to look for opportunities to share their faith whenever
they come up. Team meetings are held throughout the trip to discuss
matters relating to the trip, to give you an opportunity to make
suggestions, to make changes if we need to, for prayer, team encouragement,
specific ministry training, and so on.
To be fully prepared, we ask that you come
expecting God to do great things in your life and in the life of
the team, and that you stay open and flexible to whatever may happen
on the trip. It may be possible you will be on a trip with less
than the 11 players needed to complete a full team. In that case,
we join with other local players to make up the team or we plan
other soccer related activities in order to still accomplish our
mission of "Making the soccer field our mission field."
On U.S. outreaches the basic schedule is
morning devotions and worship followed by soccer clinic outreaches.
The afternoons are for training and guest speakers. The evenings
are geared to go back out into the community and play organized
games and tournaments(11 v 11, 6 v 6, 3 v 3), as well as other soccer
outreaches.
The final Saturday we host an indoor soccer
tournament and the final challenge. Each Sunday is set aside to
visit a local international church.
More details on your specific outreach will
be in your acceptance packet or you may call or email us for additional
information.
Yes, if you already have an existing team
or a youth group who would like to travel together outside our scheduled
trips, contact us and we’ll work with you to organize a customized
trip to help fit your needs. Included are outreach opportunities
for non-players.
Ultimate Goal has developed outreach opportunities
for non-players. Please contact us for more details of how an individual
or group can join in one of our outreaches.
The application process includes a player
application and up to two recommendations depending on the outreach,
one from a coach and the other a pastor. To apply, the participant
will send in his/her player application along with a recent photo
and application fee. After review, a letter of acceptance will be
sent to the applicant. It is to be signed and returned within two
weeks along with a deposit in order to make the acceptance “official”.
The application fee is returned if you are not accepted and put
towards the cost of your trip if you are accepted. Specific details
pertaining to the outreach accepted to will be either available
on our web site or be sent in the mail.
Most foreign trips begin with several days
of training in Nashville or other city of departure. Training is
included in the cost of the trip. Training is divided into three
categories, soccer training, ministry training, and cross-cultural
training. Soccer training includes putting the team together and
practicing. Ministry training includes teachings and practice on
how to give your testimony, witnessing, and evangelism. Cross-cultural
training includes lessons, games, and fun activities to help prepare
entering a different culture. In most training sessions there will
also be some hands-on ministry taking place where the teams will
go out into the community and practice what they are learning. This
also aids in preparing for the ministry on the trips. These several
days of training are a time of preparation for the team to get to
know each other, come together, and prepare to minister. As for
training on the trips, some trips include special training by the
mission organization, pastor, or missionary on various types of
ministry. Each trip includes times of team reflection, feedback,
evaluation, and debriefing. For U.S. outreaches, the training is
incorporated into the daily schedule, and is not done up front.
UGM accepts players based on the recommendations
and application of the player. Players are chosen in the order their
applications are received. Because UGM is so focused on ministry,
we try to balance both the talent level and spiritual walk of the
player, considering both important.
Soccer is the main tool UGM uses to open doors,
start relationships, and share Jesus Christ. The following types
of ministry (not all are soccer related) are just some of the ways
in which a player might have an opportunity to share his/her faith:
door-to-door, prayer walking, soccer games, clinics, soccer camps,
friendship evangelism, coffee house, street ministry, school assemblies,
and sharing in Sunday schools, churches, & youth groups.
The purpose of each UGM trip is to share the
gospel through the open doors the sport of soccer gives us. Players
do not have to play on "organized" teams in order to travel
with UGM. In that case, anyone who knows the skill level of the
player may be the coach reference.
UGM always partners and works closely with
existing and established churches, missionaries, and pastors while
on the mission field. UGM believes in coming along side and working
with those God has already put in place on the mission field. UGM
works closely with anyone who has a common vision and are spiritually
sound. UGM has partnered with such groups as Operation Mobilization,
Greater Europe Mission, and Youth With A Mission. We believe strongly
in follow up and realize that these mission agencies, pastors, and
missionaries are the ones to do the follow-up ministry once our
teams are gone.
If a player should have to cancel his/her
trip, the money they have raised, minus any expenses incurred and
the application fee, can (1) be refunded, (2) be kept in their account
for one year should the player decide to travel the next year with
UGM, or (3) be given to UGM to use as deemed necessary for the trip.
UGM reserves the right to cancel a trip should circumstances arise
that would affect the safety, the effectiveness of the trip, or
for any other reasons. In the event a trip is canceled, the player
will have the option of (1) transferring to another trip, (2) receiving
a refund, or (3) having his/her money held in the account until
the follow year should they decide to travel with UGM the next year.
If a player transfers to a trip that costs more, they will be responsible
to raise support equal to the cost of their new trip. If a player
transfers to a trip that costs less, any extra money will be handled
in the manner explained above.
Each trip is supervised by Ultimate Goal staff,
adults who travel with UGM and by the adult missionaries and pastors
we work with. Youth are never unsupervised. No questionable activities
are participated in which might distract from the purpose of the
trip. Youth who either willingly go against the guidelines set up
by UGM, or against scriptural principles, may be sent home. Adult
leaders go through a process of application, and are subject to
background checks and screening. Guys’ teams are staffed with
men leaders, and women leaders staff girls’ teams. A leader
will always be with the youth on our trips. UGM chooses leaders
who have had experience in missions, soccer, foreign travel, and/or
youth work.
Safety is a priority. UGM will check with
the U.S. State Department and our contacts living in the country
to carefully assess its political and physical environment before
travel and throughout the trip. In the event that travel is not
advised or a situation becomes unstable, players will be switched
to a different country of similar trip price.
Each player is required to have a completed
medical release form filled out and to make sure he/she is in physical
condition to participate in the ministry. UGM will inform each player
of the shots that might be required for their particular trip. Details
of how to get medical help in the case of an emergency are worked
out before each trip (i.e. locations of the local hospitals, info
on the local nurses and doctors in the area, and so on.) The leaders
of each trip keep information such as insurance policy numbers,
emergency numbers, and contact people. At least one adult leader
per trip will be required to have taken a general course in CPR
and First Aid. UGM also travels with a general first aid kit for
small injuries. In the event that a player needs medical attention,
UGM will make sure they get the treatment they need. After the trip
the player and his/her parents or legal guardians will be responsible
to reimburse Ultimate Goal for any expenses incurred to treat a
medical situation. Again, UGM will inform each player of the shots
that might be required for their particular trip.
For foreign trips the price includes international
airfare, group insurance, pre-trip training in Nashville, lodging,
meals, transportation, day off activities, entry fees, set up costs,
ministry materials (Bibles, tracts), full jersey, any exit taxes,
and an awesome experience. Costs do not cover passports and/or visas,
travel to Nashville or other departure city for training, spending
money, snacks, telephone charges, and souvenirs.
For U.S. outreaches the price includes lodging,
meals, transportation, day off activities, set up costs, ministry
materials (Bibles, tracts), t-shirt, and an awesome experience.
Costs do not cover travel to the outreach city, spending money,
snacks, telephone charges, and souvenirs.
Each case is taken on an individual basis.
Consideration will be taken based on the effort of the individual
in their personal fundraising, the amount already raised, any payment
plan discussed, and so on.
A list of phone numbers, addresses, and/or
e-mail addresses will be sent to each player and their parents before
each trip.
UGM encourages all players to be adequately
insured for medical expenses, baggage loss or damage, trip cancellation,
and/or interruption. This is the individual responsibility for each
tour participant. We will also purchase group insurance for each
outreach.
UGM sends a list of ideas and suggestions
to help the player begin the fundraising process. Included is a
sample support letter that may be used as a guideline to write a
personal letter to possible supporters. Also included will be a
promotional video (if we have them available) that can be shown
to possible supporters. Once money begins to come in for a player,
they will be kept up to date by receiving reports on the amount
they have raised and who gave.
Donations to UGM are tax-deductible, as UGM
is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Each player is considered
a fund-raiser and raises support equal to the amount of his/her
trip. Should a player receive more money than what is needed for
their particular trip the extra funds will go into the general account
of the trip and be used in a way deemed necessary by UGM. Donors
will receive a year-end statement from UGM for tax purposes stating
how much they gave.
No. But if they are not then the donor does
not receive a tax deduction. Some players choose to have the money
sent to them and then send it to UGM with one check. The name of
the player should not be on the check if written to UGM, rather
include a note stating whom the donation is for.
Ultimate Goal believes in doing every thing
in the light, with honesty, faithfulness, consistency, and integrity.
We are committed to having integrity in areas of finances, sexuality,
and spirituality. We believe in having a spirit of excellence in
all we do. We seek to represent Christ in all we do. We are committed
to answering every question you may have concerning the ministry.
We have a board of directors who hold the ministry accountable in
all areas, and who give prayerful guidance and direction in all
matters. Ultimate Goal is an IRS 501(c)(3) non-profit organization,
therefore we report to the IRS and the State of Tennessee concerning
our ministries finances and direction.
At your request we can provide you references
of parents who have had youth travel with us, as well as former
participants, board members, and those who know UGM well.
UGM purchases all transportation, hotel accommodations,
restaurant services and other services from various independent
suppliers that are not subject to its control. UGM CANNOT, THEREFORE
BE LIABLE FOR ANY PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE that may occur
due to (1) delays or cancellations, acts, omissions and errors made
by suppliers, including, but not limited to, air, sea, ground transportation,
war, weather, quarantine and strikes or (2) defects in or failures
of any aircraft, vessels, automotive vehicle or any other means
of transportation that is not under its control.
UGM reserves the right to take video and photographs
during its trips, and to use those photos and video in promotions.
By traveling with UGM each player agrees to allow their image to
appear in such promotions. Players who prefer that their image not
be used are asked to notify the leadership of their particular trip
at the commencement of the trip.
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