Linfield FC is delighted to announce the appointment of Paul Reid as the new Club Chaplain. Paul was pastor of CFC in East Belfast for over 30 years and has been in the business of caring for, mentoring, and looking after people for most of his life. He has been a lifelong Linfield member and is a very welcome addition to the football club, providing encouragement and support to players, staff, the board, and volunteers across the fan base. He is married to Priscilla, has 4 daughters and 12 grandchildren.
Paul takes on the role from Bill Lavery who became Honorary Club Chaplain back in August, having served as Linfield’s club chaplain for over 30 years. Paul heads up a Sports Chaplaincy team at Linfield which includes James Bell (Linfield Ladies), Johnny McKee (Linfield Boys Academy) and Amy Woods (Linfield Disability)
Paul is supported and trained by Sports Chaplaincy UK and Ireland https://sportschaplaincy.org.uk who are the Christian charity who train and equip chaplains to serve within sports settings. Chaplains are primarily encouragers but are also excellent listeners, trained to help people navigate through difficulties in life and to provide pastoral and spiritual care for everyone.
https://sportschaplaincy.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/SERVING-SPORT-IN-IRELAND-5.pdf
Welcoming Paul’s appointment Chairman Roy McGivern said
“I was delighted to welcome Paul Reid to Windsor Park on Saturday as our new Club Chaplain. He brings a wealth of experience to this pastoral role within the club and I look forward to working with him in the future.”
Newly appointed chaplain Paul Reid was looking forward to starting in his new role
“I count it a privilege to have been appointed to Linfield FC as Senior Chaplain. I’ve been a lifelong fan and club member and look forward to assisting the club in this important work.”
Philip Mitchell, Coordinator for Sports Chaplaincy in Ireland said
“Congratulations to Linfield for continuing to recognise the value that a chaplain can have, in providing encouragement and support to everyone at the club. Thanks to David Healy and Roy McGivern and the Linfield board for their input and their patience in the appointment of Paul, in whom they have found a kind, caring and wise man “