Pro and elite soccer athletes, coaches, and executives are made for more.
Pro and elite soccer athletes, coaches, and executives often reach the height of their sport only to realize something is missing. They’ve hit the goals, gained the recognition, and achieved success, yet still feel disconnected. Their faith sits on the sidelines. Their identity is tied to performance. And their deeper questions about God and life go unanswered.
At Bigger Than Boots, we believe they were made for more. These are not just entertainers. They are image-bearers of God with a calling that reaches far beyond sport. That’s why we invest in the whole person: mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. We help them rediscover who they are, where they belong, and what they were created to do.
We’ve lived the struggle. Led by Jonathan Van Horn, our team has decades of experience walking alongside pro and elite performers in college, pro, and national soccer. Through coaching and discipleship, we help them move from internal chaos to rooted identity, from isolation to belonging. From performance to calling.
When you partner with Bigger Than Boots, you’re not just supporting a program. You’re helping real people find freedom in Christ from the constant pressure to prove themselves. You’re making space for them to be seen and known. And you’re investing in an eternal impact. The kind that starts on the inside and moves outward to bless the world.
These pros were made for more. Together, we can help them discover it.
Jonathan and Rachel Van Horn, Co-Founders of Bigger Than Boots.
FAQ
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Bigger Than Boots is a Christ-centered sports ministry using soccer as a platform to disciple athletes, coaches, and executive leaders; shaping identity, character, and influence for lasting impact on and off the field. The reason for “Boots” is the technical ability; dribbling, shooting, and passing are all affected by the foot of the athlete. “Boots” are what cleats/shoes are called in soccer. And we exist to impact beyond the performance of athletes. We are Bigger Than Boots!
Why soccer?
Soccer is the world’s most global sport. It opens doors across cultures and communities, giving us relational access to places where identity, pressure, and purpose are already being formed.
Who do we serve?
We serve athletes, coaches, and sport leaders/executives at the academy, university, professional, and global levels, both locally and globally.
What does discipleship actually look like?
Long-term, relational investment through coaching, small groups, team chapels, leadership cohorts, and consistent presence in key life and career moments.
How is Bigger Than Boots different from other sports ministries?
We prioritize relational depth over volume, whole-life formation over performance alone, and scalable discipleship, creating transformation that works cross-culturally.
How do you measure impact?
Through both numbers and stories, ongoing discipleship relationships, leadership multiplication, spiritual growth, and transformed lives that influence others.
Is Bigger Than Boots faith-based?
Yes. Our foundation is Christian, and we seek to live out the Gospel through authentic relationships, discipleship, and service.
Do you work with people who are not Christians?
Yes. We meet people where they are, building trust through respect, presence, and integrity. Faith conversations are relational, never forced.
What is your long-term vision?
A global network of athletes and leaders living as faithful disciples of Jesus, redeeming the game and transforming communities for generations.
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Gifts are what fuel direct ministry with athletes, coaches, and executives, leadership development, travel and presence in key soccer spaces, and the infrastructure required to steward growth with integrity.
What percentage of donations goes to ministry?
We balance direct ministry investment with healthy operations to ensure sustainability, accountability, and long-term impact.
How are you governed and held accountable?
Bigger Than Boots is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a governing board, financial controls, and compliance with all federal and state nonprofit regulations.
Why should I consider becoming a financial partner?
Your generosity fuels discipleship in places most people never reach, and multiplies impact through leaders who influence far beyond sport.
What types of financial partnerships do you offer?
Monthly partners, annual or special gifts, major donors, and churches or foundations aligned with long-term Kingdom impact.
How can I stay connected if I give?
Partners receive regular updates, stories, prayer needs, and opportunities for deeper engagement with the mission.
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Pray, reach out with questions, or give a one-time or recurring gift. We’d love to begin a conversation about partnership.