Howard Campbell, Gleaner Writer

André Virtue, organiser of Bigga Ballaz Camp, is flocked by campers at The Priory School in St Andrew on August 8, 2005. - File

FOR MUCH of his 31 years, André Virtue played football for the glory. But in 2001, the lanky midfielder went through a life-changing experience that transformed his opinion of the sport he loved.

"After travelling around the world and getting an appreciation for different cultures, I found out there was more to life than just scoring goals," Virtue told The Gleaner.

The former Jamaica College, Howard University, Harbour View and Waterhouse player said that emptiness led him to Christ, and he became a born-again Christian seven years ago. He not only took that renewed focus into his personal life, but to the Churches Football League of which he is a director.

The league is contested in two parishes and is open to all denominations. An average of 20 teams compete in two divisions of the Kingston and St Andrew leg, while the numbers vary in St Catherine.

The Reverend Merrick 'Al' Miller of Whole Life Ministries kick-started the league 23 years ago. It has become quite popular, attracting players from the National Premier League, but not even its religious banner has prevented unsavoury elements from breaching its ranks.

Indiscipline woes

André Virtue makes a presentation to the winners of the Division Two Churches Football League, Maranatha, who were drawn from the Kingston communities of Vineyard Town and Franklyn Town, last July. - Contributed

"Indiscipline is the most difficult thing we have to deal with. It's a societal problem and we have had incidents," Virtue said.

Several teams in the church league are from areas that have experienced high levels of crime such as Windward Road, Waltham Park and Swallowfield. Virtue said there have been times when things have got out of hand.

"There was this situation where Life Tabernacle Church complained about getting to train, Side A was having difficulty getting over to Side B and it could have got ugly," Virtue recalled. "We met with those involved, prayed with them and the matter was resolved."

Virtue has the credentials to deal with tough situations. In 2003, he went to South Africa where he attended the International Leadership School in Cape Town for six months. He said the stint opened his eyes to the importance religion and sport in nation-building.

"It made me see that sport is a vehicle to engage youth, so when they go back to their communities they can make a difference," he said. "I also believe that as individuals in ministry, we have to have lifestyles that lead by example."

The 24th season of the Churches Football League starts in two months. It is scheduled to last 10 weeks.

howard.campbell@gleanerjm.com