“It is important to be totally available.”
That’s when you can be part of a ripple effect and leave a legacy that touches lives for generations.

Years ago, I had the privilege of meeting Coach Bill Bell at an FCA camp in Hilton Head, South Carolina. We were serving together, and right away I was drawn in—not just by his Scottish brogue or his playing career with Leeds United and the Scottish National Team—but by his joy for serving others. Coach Bell, or “Willy Bell” as they knew him in the UK, had the spirit of a servant-leader: humble, gentle, and passionate about sharing the love of Christ.

He was one of the first “coaches on mission” I had ever met. His life was his ministry.

He shared two stories with us. One of them involved Pele. Yes, THE Pele. Naturally, we all leaned in a little closer.  Coach described a moment in the World Cup. One of his teammates played a poor pass into Pele, who was immediately fouled. Coach Bell laughed and said, “It might have been me who fouled him!” But what stuck with him—and with us—was Pele’s response. He didn’t scold the opponent or make excuses. Instead, he turned to his own teammate and said, “Play a better ball next time.” He challenged his team to hold themselves to a higher standard.

“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” — Philippians 2:4 (ESV)

Coach Bell used that story to coach us that day: “Let’s give our teammates the kind of passes they can do something great with.” As iron sharpens iron so one man sharpens another – Proverbs 27:17

Even in retirement, Coach Bell remained totally available. He and his wife Mary poured themselves into prison ministry in England. Later, as age and health brought them back to Lynchburg, Virginia, he didn’t slow down. He simply looked for the next mission.

At his local church, he initiated a free soccer league for kids in the urban neighborhoods.  Cleats, shirts, snacks, fun, and most of all—Jesus. No cost. Just love in action.  Plans were set. We were ready to launch in January 2023. Then suddenly… silence. A few weeks later, we found out Coach Bell had suffered a stroke and had gone home to be with the Lord.

We were stunned. Saddened. But we quickly thought: What would Coach Bell want his legacy to be?

The Rivermont United Soccer Club has now been running for three years—every fall and spring—for several Saturdays. What started with 15 players has grown to 86. Our college players use it as their game-day activation, leading stations, sharing their testimony, and loving on kids through the language of sport.

“And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.” — 2 Timothy 2:2 (ESV)

Final Reflection:

Being a coach on mission doesn’t require a stadium or a spotlight. It requires a surrendered heart, a love for people, and a willingness to say “Yes” when God calls….being totally available as Coach Bell would say.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:21 (ESV)