Date: 31 May 2022
The Archbishop’s FC beat the Times Newspaper FC 9-2 at the Dorking Stadium this weekend.
The side was made up from clergy, some of whom had traveled from as far away as Newcastle, to take part.
Team captain and Rector of Fetcham, the Revd Pouya Heidari scored one goal and assisted in two more. Centre forward Jon Holder from London, scored a hat trick for the Archbishop’s side. The team also included Charlie Moloney (St John's Leatherhead) and Jacob Harrison (Chaplain at Cranleigh School) representing the Diocese of Guildford.
“It was not an easy win,” says Pouya. “Credit to the Times’ team. It was a good quality game. We just took our chances, particularly in the second half,” he says.
The result is not as important as the mission and vision of the Archbishop’s team.
“Football and faith go hand in hand,” says Pouya. “They are both about passion and commitment which leads to friendship, unity and support. Football is a 'love language' for people of all generations and backgrounds. Any full stadium is a representation of that. For Christians, loving God and loving your neighbour are the two most important commandments. So love of God and football go together really well,” he maintains.
The game was made possible with the support of St John’s C of E Junior school and the Surrey FA.
The Archbishop’s squad members now turn their attention to the autumn. They hope to travel to Rome for matches against a number of Vatican City sides including the Swiss Guard. The trip also potentially promises the privilege of meeting His Holiness the Pope.