THE thought of a Christian football tournament gives the impression that all 22 players on the field in any match are saved and that the environment looks different from what most would expect in a secular Jamaican football setting.

This, however, does not hold true for Christian Brethren Football League (CBFL), now in its 11th season.

When the Jamaica Observer attended the final between Harbour View Gospel Chapel and Bethany Gospel Hall at the Rockfort Field on Saturday it was greeted by an atmosphere much like any other in a Jamaican lower-league setting. Pot covers clanged and vuvuzelas blared off the field while on it, the intensity of the action matches what you’d find in any other football tournament, with players even getting heated and in each other’s faces about tackles and calls against them.

That’s because most players are unsaved. But CBFL Chairman Altino Facey would want it no other way, or he would be preaching to the choir.

Facey does not think fellowship should be limited to the confines of a church service on Sundays, and instead wants to speak to Jamaica’s young males through a way he believes resonates most with them — football.

He says although enabling football development across Jamaica is one of the league’s missions, one of its priorities is “winning souls for Christ”.

Some match days feature double-headers, which means that over 50 players will be present, and Facey says you may find up to 30 unsaved players in that number.

“Winning souls is our goal,” he said. “One of the things we say is food, fun, and fellowship. In every game that is played, the gospel is shared. Apart from the final (because it is neutral), we have a thing where we share a meal – one team is responsible for that at each game. The gospel of Jesus Christ is shared at every game. It’s not just about football, but to tell them about Jesus — and we make it a part of our league.”

Facey says decision cards are brought to games should any of the players respond to the messages shared about Christ.

“We have avenues for them,” he said. “We offer counselling and provide support for them. Over the years we’ve had players coming in, giving their lives at the games, and also being baptised and going into fellowship.”

Facey says he has seen positive changes in the communities represented in the league. He cites Rockfort as an example.

“It has had a good impact on them,” he said. “It brings about peace in the community. When they know it’s about church and Christ it’s a good thing that’s happening.”

Harbour View defeated Bethany 3-1 through a hat-trick from Rohan Brown.

Brown, more known for representing Harbour View FC in Jamaica Premier League (JPL), opened the scoring with a flamboyant back heel into the net in the 21st minute, before returning in minute 43 to finish off a flowing move from a tight angle. He completed his hat-trick in the 55th minute by beating the offside trap and finishing from a one-on-one situation with Bethany’s goalkeeper.

Bethany did not give up, and found a consolation goal in the 75th minute through Owen Gillare, also of JPL with Molynes United.

Former Reggae Boy Sean Fraser coaches Harbour View. He knew he was in for a difficult game after playing and defeating Bethany a week before.

“Bethany is a tough team, very defensively organised,” he said. “They play with the wingers on the counter-attack so we stopped the supply to the wingers and it shut down their play.”

Fraser described Brown, who took the Leading Goalscorer award with 12 goals this season, as magnificent.

“That’s why I brought him to Harbour View FC when I was there,” Fraser said. “For me, personally, the sky is the limit for him. I wish he could take this performance in the church league over to the premier league because he’s a good player.”

Brown said his pastor motivated him ahead of the game.

“He told us to just go out there and have fun and bring back the trophy for the third-straight time to Harbour View,” he said. “My performance was great. It was a team performance and I’m happy with it.”

Brown says his focus now turns to pre-season training this week, ahead of the JPL season.