Prince George coach, parent speak on controversy of bible verse on soccer jerseys

PRINCE GEORGE COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — A local youth soccer team sponsored by Prince George County is at the center of a growing controversy after a Bible verse was added to players’ jerseys. The county is now stepping in to determine what is and isn’t allowed on team uniforms.

Youth soccer coach and parent Andrew Collins, a devout Christian, added the Bible verse John 14:6 to the jerseys. The verse reads: “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life — no one comes to the Father except through me.’”

Collins said his faith is deeply connected to how he coaches the game.

"It's my mission that I can be on the soccer field and teach kids that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life,” Collins said. “My goal on the soccer field is really just to talk to kids about where they stand with Jesus, and we kick the ball around while we do that.”

He said he discussed the idea of adding the verse with parents before the season began and believed there was support.

However, one parent, Zach Devlin, said he was caught off guard when he saw the jerseys at his daughter’s first game earlier this month. Devlin, who is not a Christian, said the jerseys conflict with his personal beliefs.

“I didn't feel that that has any place on the soccer field,” Devlin said. “I'm a big First Amendment supporter. Freedom of religion is important. That's freedom from religion as well. So, I don't think it's appropriate to be proselytizing on the soccer field.”

Devlin has since removed his daughter from the team and is asking the county to implement a formal policy regarding what can be displayed on uniforms.

“If the practice of your religion infringes on other people's rights, we can't say that that's okay,” he said.

Despite the disagreement, Collins said he harbors no resentment and hopes for a peaceful conversation.

“I'll give him a big hug if he'll give me a big hug,” Collins said. “And offer to sit down and drink a cup of coffee with him.”

As county leaders review the issue, they’ve stated that players are allowed to participate as long as their uniforms are approved by a parent or guardian. In the meantime, they are encouraging everyone involved — coaches, players, families, and fans — to “uphold mutual respect.”