Uncommon Sports Group seeks to develop Christ-centered future leaders of the college and pro sport industry. A large part of how USG develops future leaders of sport is by funding its members to attend international mission trips that help develop them in their walks with Christ. In June of 2024, USG traveled to Nairobi, Kenya, with a group of nine of its members and two staff for an eleven-day short-term trip. While in Kenya, USG served alongside local ministry partners in a variety of ways, as well as experiencing the local culture and scenery in Kenya. If you want to learn more about the trip to Kenya, you can read a detailed summary here . Jacob Neu was one of the attendees on this summer's trip to Kenya. Jacob is a part of the USG community and currently works at Taylor University. Below is a testimony from Jacob reflecting on his experience in Kenya: "The Uncommon Sports Group Kenya trip was so fruitful for me in my faith. The opportunity to serve a different culture on the other side of the world does not come around very often. This is why I am grateful for my experience last summer when we helped out at a local school in Nairobi and ran sports camps. It was such a joy to see the smiles on the kids' faces when they were handed a football or playing volleyball. The first few days of the week were spent at the school, we spent another day working with a local church to evangelize in the surrounding community. It was great to be able to see the similarities in the approach to evangelism despite being a 15-hour plane trip away. The coaching clinic was so much fun to be able to worship and discuss the best ways to coach in a God-honoring manner. The discussions were worthwhile and eye-opening. Where some of the difficulties in coaching at home involve a lack of turf or a subpar weight room some of the issues we discussed were finding cleats for a player and making sure we had a ball. One of the best things about the trip and experience was the team building along the way. The relationships built as we served alongside each other were very life-giving despite the physically tiring work. As a team, we studied the book of Galatians with a nightly Bible study. The study was nice way to rest in the evening and debrief the day. While our primary purpose was to serve we also were able to take in the sights of Amboseli National Park where we took a safari guided by our drivers who had provided transportation for us all week long. We saw lions on the prowl, elephants spraying water, and even a glimpse of a cheetah. Our drivers were great all week long, and we got to know them very well. To anyone considering going on this trip, I would highly recommend you consider applying as God is certainly at work at Huduma School, and there is no better way to partner with them than taking time to help serve." Does Jacob’s testimony inspire you? USG is excited to announce another mission trip to Kenya in 2025! This year’s trip will take place from June 19 to July 2. Interested in joining? Apply here by February 8th. If you’d like to learn more before applying, we’re hosting an informative Q&A webinar on Tuesday, January 28th, at 7:00 pm CST.  Register today to join the conversation and have your questions answered!

Uncommon Sports Group seeks to develop Christ-centered future leaders of the college and pro sport industry. A large part of how USG develops future leaders of sport is by funding its members to attend international mission trips that help develop them in their walks with Christ. In June of 2024, USG traveled to Nairobi, Kenya, with a group of nine of its members and two staff for an eleven-day short-term trip. While in Kenya, USG served alongside local ministry partners in a variety of ways, as well as experiencing the local culture and scenery in Kenya. If you want to learn more about the trip to Kenya, you can read a detailed summary here . Will Bale was one of the attendees on this summer's trip to Kenya. Will is a part of the USG community and currently is an Athletic Equipment Graduate Assistant at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Below is a testimony from Will reflecting on his experience in Kenya: "Before the mission trip, I had never experienced African Christian culture or traveled outside the Western Hemisphere. I vividly remember sitting in a church service on our first Sunday in Kawangware, listening to a sermon about overcoming fear. The central message was based on Psalm 56:3-4: "When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you, Lord." Hearing those words thousands of miles from home and feeling them resonate deeply in my heart opened my eyes to the limitless power of the Holy Spirit—a power that connects all believers, no matter where they live.  The hospitality and care shown by the local churches encouraged me to partner wholeheartedly in sharing the love of Jesus with children in the school and throughout the Kawangware community. I felt both challenged and emboldened to carry the Gospel to others, walking alongside fellow believers. The spiritual intimacy within our team further amplified our mission, as we uplifted and encouraged one another in Christ.  I am profoundly grateful for the life-changing experiences of this trip and the ways it has shaped my mindset. It deepened my approach to sharing the Gospel and being a faithful witness to Jesus. The Lord’s work extends far beyond what we can imagine, and I was privileged to witness His glory on a greater scale.  Noah and Erin’s leadership created an environment where each team member could thrive in our interactions—with one another, with the children, and with our partners in Kenya. I hope to continue reflecting the same care and consideration that the believers in Kenya showed me and our team in my own communities here in the United States." Does Will's testimony inspire you? USG is excited to announce another mission trip to Kenya in 2025! This year’s trip will take place from June 19 to July 2. Interested in joining? Apply here  by February 8th. If you’d like to learn more before applying, we’re hosting an informative Q&A webinar on Tuesday, January 28th, at 7:00 pm CST.  Register  today to join the conversation and have your questions answered!

AD's 4 Christ Convention brings together Christian Athletic Directors from across the country for a weekend Spending the weekend connecting with other like-minded Christians who are well-revered in their respective new job, moving across the country, and being days away from starting my first football season, this weekend Additionally, the weekend provided a chance to connect with a handful of other USG members from across Seeing how the Lord impacted Lauren and the entire group of future Christ-centered Athletic Directors

from and meet other coaches in women's basketball is a major opportunity to take what I learned and impact Keiderling, Graduate Assistant at Grand View University It is encouraging to see the many ways that God is impacting

below: Uncommon Sports Group has many partners to thank and who have helped us grow to support our impact This is one of many examples of the impact of USG's Clean Out for a Cause program and the value of local

to attend an in-person event called an Impact Weekend . Below are short recaps of each Impact Weekend in 2024. Dallas Impact Weekend- February 16-18: This Impact Weekend brought together ten USG Academy graduates You can read a more detailed recap of the Dallas Impact Weekend here . Minneapolis Impact Weekend- June 21-23: This Impact Weekend brought together nearly 40 USG Academy graduates

Wright Kimbro, Covenant College Student Assistant It is encouraging to see the many ways that God is impacting

However, I never could have imagined the impact this trip would have on my spiritual life. Seeing the impact that the Lord brought about from this trip, both on Natalie's life and on the individuals

It is incredibly encouraging to see the many ways that God is impacting future leaders of sport through

Seeing the impact that the Lord brought about from this trip, both on Justin's life and on the individuals

are so many great people involved in USG and they make the fellowship on trips like this so much more impactful I’d highly recommend becoming a USG member because I’m living proof that it can have a lasting impact - Brady Flynn, USG member and Assistant MBB Coach at Crowley's Ridge College Seeing how the Lord impacted

Seeing how the Lord impacted Rusty and the entire group of future Christ-centered coaches at the 2024