“As an athlete, you can lose yourself so easily.”

Matt Charbonneau
Special to Spur Ottawa

One might think a university athlete would have aspirations of a professional sports career or a job in the business or marketing side of their sport. For Paul Huggins, however, God had a different plan.

After playing football with the Carleton University Ravens, Huggins went on to complete his theology studies and became an ordained minister. Rather than finding a church to pastor, Huggins went back to the field as a sports chaplain.

“I’m absolutely there for their soul care,” he explains. “I’m very open about who I am. There’s never really any misunderstanding—I’m the God guy.”

Huggins underscores all the stresses and demands placed on athletes from so many outlets. With the joys of fame, money, and adoring fans, athletes also get the challenge of questioning if people genuinely care about them, as an individual.

Huggins tries to model Christ by simply caring for them without any hidden agenda.

“He’s been a huge influence for my life and my career.”

“Our society can be so self-consuming and self-absorbed,” says former Redblacks quarterback Trevor Harris, who worked closely with Huggins for three seasons. “A lot of times, we can treat people better if they can do things for us, and Paul is not that way.”

A sports chaplain for over 20 years, Huggins has provided ministry to the athletics programs at both Ottawa universities, the University of Guelph, and through Athletes in Action, a branch of Power to Change Ministries.

The last few years, however, he has focused on the players and staff affiliated with the Ottawa 67’s, the Ottawa Fury, and the Ottawa Redblacks.

“Paul is so much more than a chaplain,” says Fury defender Eddie Edward. “He has encouraged me to take a bigger step in my faith and has instilled confidence in my faith walk. He’s been a huge influence for my life and my career.”

“To have trust extended to me by players, coaches, and management is very humbling.”

“As an athlete, you can lose yourself so easily,” Harris adds. Having a chaplain supporting you in that environment “gives you perspective in realizing what is most important”.

Huggins says he strives to nurture and encourage each individual in their personal development. Through Bible studies, he helps them explore topics such as the purpose of life, godly character, perseverance, and strength in their faith.

“To have trust extended to me by players, coaches, and management is very humbling,” Huggins says. “It’s a very sacred trust that I take very seriously. It warms my heart to see players move forward, living with God.”

His work involves everything from offering team prayers to doing personal counselling. But while grateful for the opportunity to “touch the heart of teams,” Huggins says he gains just as much as he gives.

“It definitely challenges my growth so that I am steadying my life,” he says. “It works both ways, for sure.”