Chicago Eagles - Bobby McColl

Steve Rigby

Summer Academy 04

My name is Steve Rigby and I’m currently involved with soccer ministry in Nairobi, Kenya with Ambassadors in Sport. I was first introduced to soccer ministry when I participated in the Chicago Eagles tour to Denmark during the summer of 2000. In 2004 I joined up with the Eagles again for the full Summer Academy. That summer with the Eagles marked a start in my career as a soccer missionary. The next year I went to Oregon for a summer internship with Professional Soccer Ministry. My experiences there eventually led me to the work that I am currently doing in Kenya… using soccer as a way to develop leaders out of the slums of Nairobi. I have been serving here in Kenya since I graduated from Wheaton College in 2007 and I have served in many capacities. I was the first American to ever play in the Kenyan Premier League. Currently I am the General Manager of a professional team, the Nairobi City Stars, which uses its platform to permeate the Gospel into all aspects of soccer in Kenya. I have been on a marvelous journey of faith with important groups and organizations that have equipped me for the work that God has me doing now. The Eagle’s Summer Academy was a great experience for me and I’m thankful for what God taught me during my time in that program.

Bobby McColl

Summer Academy 07, 08

Bobby grew up in Scotland, where he developed his skill playing in the Motherwell and Aberdeen youth programs. In 2004, he came to the U.S., to play collegiately. After spending the 2007 and 2008 summers with the Chicago Eagles, Bobby went on to complete his undergraduate degree in Sports and Wellness management at Trinity International University. Upon graduating, Bobby spent 6 months in Charlotte where he interned as the Director of Away Camps for the Charlotte Eagles. During that time in Charlotte, he also coached Metrolina Christian Academy’s varsity girls soccer program and assisted with a u16 boy’s travel team.

Bobby is currently the graduate assistant soccer coach at Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, New York where he is studying towards his Master’s degree in Strategic Leadership. He is also coaching for Doug Miller Soccer Club where he works with the u15 and u16 girls teams.“I can honestly say the Summer Academy has changed my life forever, said Bobby.

"The Academy is a great place to grow closer to God and learn how to truly serve him in all areas of life. My experiences on and off the field with the Chicago Eagles were life changing. I will never forget how God used the Eagles to turn my life around”.

Shelley Lyle

Summer Academy 07

After spending the summer with the Eagle’s Summer Academy, Shelley returned to the University of Florida for her senior year, helping the Gators make it to the Sweet 16. That Spring, she was invited to the U.S. National U23 team on four different occasions. However, Shelley’s vision for soccer had grown far beyond the playing field. In her words, the Summer Academy experience had “opened my eyes to using the gifts God has given me to share His love, grace, and compassion. Sports are a platform, but God is everything.”

In the summers of 2008 and 2009, Shelley took the field with the Charlotte Lady Eagles in the W-League. Between seasons she has continued her overseas ministry focus, traveling to Uganda (March ’09) and soon departing for Haiti. Both trips are with MAI’s partner ministry, Sports Outreach Institute. Shelley is currently substitute teaching and coaching in Charlotte, NC. She is raising support to join staff with the Charlotte Eagles, working in Community Relations.