Summer Academy Player Profiles

Steve Rigby - SA '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.