Faith and Football: Crusaders defender Howard Beverland says times like these really shape you

People look for a constant, a real foundation in their life, to guide them through difficult times like this.

Faith and religion is key for many around the world.

For Crusaders defender Howard Beverland that is certainly the case.

A devout Christian since he was 15 years old, Beverland feels it is times like this that shape you.

“Really since the age of 15 I encountered Jesus in a real and meaningful way where I placed my faith and trust in him as saviour and Lord of my life,” said the Ballymoney man.

“People say in life that they have found God but that evening as a 15 year old God found me.

“It’s a journey and I look back now as being a Christian for 15 years.

“Right now a time like this really shapes you and causes you to realise that’s only God and having faith in Jesus is the only true and reliable foundation in life. People say God is only a prayer away and right now that is precious.

“I want to make the best use of this time to continue to seek God through prayer and reading his word. It is also a time to pray fully and practically consider others and how best to encourage them.

“I really hope many will encounter God in the still and quiet spaces we find ourselves in.”

With social gatherings suspended during this epidemic, places of worship have had to change the way they deliver services.

The internet and social media have provided access for groups to get together from people’s homes.

“I have recently started attending Central church in Belfast city centre since moving up to live in Belfast.

“The leadership has ensured that we still gather together albeit in a very different form through a screen.

“It is no substitute for the real face-to-face gathering and fellowship at worship each week but it’s great to still have connection.

“I find myself normally running late to church but the past three weeks I’ve been early!

“Adapting to and becoming more comfortable online I think in the long run will be helpful for churches as it is another form of keeping in contact and reaching people.

"Much good will come out of this time and I think it will remind people that ‘the church’ has never been about the building but rather the people within and their hearts thereof!

“It’s amazing that the presence of God is with us wherever we go, whether that be in our churches but also our own homes, the countryside, parks and workplaces.

“It has been a great form of encouragement and provided much stability at this time.

“I am part of a home group through church that gathers regularly and that has been a great way of support by meeting through Zoom and encouraging each other at this time.

"It is important that you don’t become isolated in your faith but rather run together through a strong sense of community and connection with others.

“I am also part of an organisation called Christians in Sport which has been a great support at this time also as we reflect upon reaching out to others at this challenging time as well as looking after ourselves.”

As well as looking after our physical health Beverland is all too aware of the importance of looking after our mental wellbeing.

In his role as a social worker for the Child Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) in the Northern Trust area Beverland recognises this lockdown could have a detrimental impact on the younger generation.

But he is pleased to see services continuing to help support those going through difficult times during this unprecedented time.

“I think it is inevitable that some young people’s mental health will deteriorate,” he said.

“Increased anxiety and low mood.

“Obviously spending time with friends, the routine of education and the outlet of being part of community groups and sports teams is no longer which will impact young people’s mental health.

“I think it could be a challenging time for families and some households who struggle to deal with the stress of it all and being in such close proximity most of the day.

“We have seen the reports from Women’s Aid about increased violence in some households so it’s important to be mindful that not all families will thrive from spending more time together.

“Services continue to be available to help support young people and families with many staff making significant efforts and sacrifices.

“This is incredible to see and each deserves a huge amount of credit.”

Beverland has also urged parents and carers to continue to monitor children’s screen time with more relying on that as a way to keep in contact with the outside world, which could impact on their mental and physical health.

“There is much debate about the impact of social media these days,” he said.

“I think it is an issue for both young people and adults. I am sure in most households screen time has increased dramatically.

“Some people rely very heavily on it and that is often not a good thing.

“I think like a lot of things moderation is key.

“I think it is important at times to be at one with yourself and allow yourself to think and reflect rather than filling silence always with social media to distract ourselves.

“It’s something that especially with younger children and teenagers should be monitored and appropriate restrictions put in place by parents.

“Online and social media is not always a kind and safe world.”

Everyone’s world has been turned upside down due to the pandemic as people try and implement measures of social distancing to try and stop the virus from spreading.

Unfortunately this has led to many feeling isolated due to social gatherings, like football matches, being suspended.

But Beverland has been pleased to see football clubs, including his own, rally around the local community and look out for the vulnerable at this time.

“The one thing about football is it united people from so many backgrounds,” he said.

“It also gives both players and fans a sense of belonging and community.

“People’s weekend revolves around football and it is a huge part of people’s routines.

“I’m sure Saturday routines are now very different for many households.

“It’s great to see the sense of community develop during this time.

“It’s a great opportunity for clubs to connect with fans and the local community.

“Players and clubs have been highlighting government guidelines at this time and urging people to stay at home.

“Clubs have been showing their support for NHS staff and also practically helping some of the most vulnerable within their communities through food package deliveries.

“Clubs are often the most central part of their communities and it’s good to reach and set an example.”

The Crues last game was a 2-1 win over Institute on March 7th.

But the club has been in constant contact with the players making sure they have the support they need during these challenging times.

“The club has been excellent,” said Beverland.

“They have certainly been a real support at such a challenging time.

“Our chairman rang round all of the players a couple of weeks ago to check in on us and our families which was a nice touch.

“The manager and non-playing staff have been in contact to advise of programmes and fitness sessions to help keep active and look after our bodies.

“A time like this can create a stronger sense of togetherness.”

A debate has been raging across the globe about how to conclude the current football season.

The Danske Bank Premiership stopped with seven games remaining to play this term.

But Beverland says the only important thing at the moment is people’s health and wellbeing and that football can take a back seat at present.

“The main thing right now is the health and wellbeing of each individual worldwide,” said the former Coleraine skipper.

“We want to look back and say we did all we could and made the necessary sacrifices to save lives.

“If that means football having to take a back seat that is a sacrifice we must make.

“The time will come when our stadiums will be occupied and players will cross the white line and that is a time we are excited for.

“Until then we must follow government and health guidelines.”

During this time of crisis people seem to be learning what is important in life and appreciating what they have.

Beverland is hoping that it will lead to a more selfless society in the future.

“It is interesting to hear in conversations of how people are interrupting these times.

“Many have highlighted the sense of stillness, silence and a break from the fast pace of life.

“An opportunity to ‘be’ rather than ‘to do.’

“I think at present people are perhaps reflecting on life and the direction their life is going in.

“Hopefully this will lead to healthy and positive lifestyle choices and consideration of what life is truly about.

“This is a time to really capitalise on this moment to pursue dreams and make some plans for the years ahead.

“I hope in moving forward as a society we become more selfless, considerate of the needs and feelings of others and be more grateful for what we do have.”