Quote

Your value doesn’t decrease based on someone’s inability to see your worth.

Zig Ziglar

Real Life

Max Noble was an outstanding young English footballer. By the age of eight he was in the Wimbledon academy on contract and by 14 was signed on scholarship with Fulham, he was training with the first side only a year later.

Noble suffered ongoing knee pain from when he was 12 years old, the management of which escalated to the club medical staff injecting him with pain killers before trainings and games. Sadly, during Noble’s time in football, he experienced bullying from club staff, including pressure to choose an agent the club approved, racism and exclusion. Noble says that at times the treatment he received would have him trembling in the toilets with fear.

As Noble progressed ever closer to a professional contract, his knees were diagnosed with severe tendonitis that needed surgery. The club refused to pay for the surgery and with his scholarship coming to an end, they informed Noble that they wouldn’t be renewing it. Just like that, Noble’s playing future was over and the club invested nothing further in him.

Noble’s story appears to show that some staff at elite football academies see these talented youngsters as disposable. This attitude is, of course, entirely unacceptable. The bible says that we are all made in God’s image, with His likeness (Genesis 1:26) and that we should treat each other with respect (James 3:9-10). It goes further saying we should be kind and compassionate to each other (Ephesians 4:32) and treat others as we would like to be treated (Luke 6:31).

Those who want to achieve at a high level in sport know that they will be tested to their absolute limit and beyond, that does not, however, justify abuse or bullying. To assume that such behaviour is acceptable is completely contrary to what the bible says about the inherent value of every human. A deep desire to achieve at sport does not overrule your right to be valued, cared for and treated fairly.

If you have experienced bullying or mistreatment and would like to access support, please get in touch with us at www.sportschaplaincy.co.nz

Bible Verse

Know that the Lord, He is God! It is He who made us, and we are His.

Psalm 100:3

Prayer

Lord I lift up to You all who have been treated poorly in the name of sport. Please minister to them and speak to their hearts about how deeply You love them and the inherent value You have placed in them.

Author: Sarah Auld   |   Content Editor: Phil Pawley