Beloved reader,
My name is Mathieu ten Dam, founder of Play His Way and national director for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in the Netherlands. Deeply humbled and with great honour is it my privilege to serve in the mission field of sport in the Netherlands.
Sport is one of the most influential environments in Dutch society with over 25,000 well-organized Voluntary Sport Clubs (VSC’s). But, despite this immense reach, most athletes and coaches remain unreached by the Gospel. At the same time, we are witnessing something very powerful: God is using 3D coaches as shepherds and teams as communities where hearts are opened.
Play His Way exists to come alongside the local church. To strengthen and extend its reach into the world of sport. We believe deeply in the role of the local church (Acts 2:42), and it is our desire to become an official Soulcenter in the Netherlands.
It is our prayer to establish five Soulcenters in strategic locations across the nation, following the missional example of the apostle Paul. Engaging, equipping, and multiplying communities of faith. Our first location is rooted in Sportcentrum De Kooi in Bemmel, where vision is already becoming reality.
“For we are God’s fellow workers” (1 Corinthians 3:9).

A Vision Rooted in Christ
Play His Way carries a clear and compelling vision:
To see the Netherlands transformed by Jesus Christ through coaches and athletes who live, lead, and disciple others in truth and peace.
This is not simply about sport. It is about identity, purpose, and transformation. It is about raising men and women who reflect Christ in performance and character, relationships and leadership.
“Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called sons of God" (Matthew 5:9).

A Mission That Moves People
At the heart of Play His Way is a simple yet powerful mission:
To engage, equip, and empower coaches and athletes to become disciples of Jesus Christ, leaders in their environments, and ambassadors of reconciliation in sport and society.
This mission aligns directly with the Great Commission:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19–20).

Through intentional discipleship, relational coaching, and Spirit-led leadership, Play His Way seeks to meet people where they already are,
on the field, in the gym, and within their teams.

A Calling Lived Out
Behind this movement is a strategy build on a calling.
Mathieu has spent years developing coaches, athletes, and leaders through a unique integration of faith, high-performance coaching, and holistic development. His work within sports, education, and discipleship has shaped a vision where coaching becomes ministry and leadership becomes discipleship.

Alongside him stands his wife Olga, a vital and complementary presence in both life and ministry. Together, they carry a shared calling: to create environments where people are not only trained, but truly seen, known, and spiritually formed.
Where Mathieu often builds vision, structure, and leadership pathways, Olga brings depth in care, relational strength, and a nurturing presence that reflects the heart of Christ. Together, they embody a model of ministry that is both strong and compassionate, structured and Spirit-led.
Their partnership reflects a deeper truth: that sustainable ministry is not built on gifting alone, but on unity, calling, and obedience to God.

The Six Core Programs: A Holistic Framework
At every SoulcentPlay His Way operates through six integrated programs:
• Coach Formation & Certification
Training coaches spiritually, pedagogically, and professionally
• Athlete Discipleship Pathway
Forming identity, resilience, and faith through sport
• School Partnerships
Bringing character-based sport and mentoring into education
• VSC’s & Community Outreach
Strengthening inclusive, values-driven sports environments
• Christian Life & Leadership Pathway
Developing leaders without performance idolatry
• Safeguarding, Care & Pastoral Support

Protecting hearts above performance
“Let all that you do be done with love" (1 Corinthians 16:14).
This framework ensures that every individual, coach or athlete, is developed not only in skill, but in spirit, character, and purpose.

Peacefire Ambassadors
One of the defining elements of Play His Way is the integration of the Peacefire framework.
In the world of sport, conflict is inevitable between players, coaches, expectations, and identity. But instead of avoiding conflict, Play His Way trains leaders to meet it with Christ-centered wisdom.
Through Peacefire:
• Conflict becomes an opportunity for growth
• Leaders learn to respond with grace instead of reaction
• Teams develop cultures of unity and trust
“God… has given us the ministry of reconciliation" (2 Corinthians 5:18).
Every staff member and volunteer will be trained as a Peacefire Ambassador. Becoming a leader who brings peace, restores relationships, and reflects Christ in every environment.

Raising Leaders for the Kingdom
Play His Way is about reaching people with special attention to raising young leaders.
Through alignment with Christian Leaders Institute and Christian Leaders Alliance, every staff member is equipped to become a credentialled minister. This ensures that leadership is not only practical, but also theologically grounded and spiritually accountable.

Each Soulcenter functions as:
• A training center
• A discipleship hub
• A sending base for ministry
“Commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also" (2 Timothy 2:2).

From Vision to Mission
Play His Way a movement that bridges the gap between church and sport, between Sunday morning and everyday life.
It is about:
• Reaching the unreached
• Discipling the willing
• Equipping the called
• Sending the faithful
Play His way is about raising the next generation that will not only play a game, but play it His way.

An Invitation
The invitation is simple but profound:
• To partner.
• To pray.
• To participate.
Together, we can see the world of sport transformed, not by performance alone, but by the presence of Jesus Christ. Will you join us in our Soulcenter?