City chaplain's new calling

[Thracian]

Leicester City are to lose their football enthusiast chaplain.

The Reverend Bruce Nadin, who spent nine years in charge of Sutton Elms Baptist Church near Broughton Astley is to leave Leicestershire for a new life in Cape Town, South Africa.

Mr Nadin visited South Africa on a sabbatical and mentioned how much he enjoyed his time there so his decision comes as no great surprise but I'm quite sure the whole club will be sad to see him go.

He really does know his football and has a terrific enthusiasm for the game.

And that enthusiasm clearly rubbed off on the congregation at Sutton Elms where a spokesman told the Leicester Mercury:

“Bruce’s ministry has coincided with an exciting time of growth for the church. Congregations and church membership have increased by 125 per cent. The age profile has dropped dramatically, with the number of children and teenagers attending the church increasing by 500 per cent, and the church’s community programme has grown exponentially too.

“The church now employs a full-time youth worker, as well as offering programmes that support a variety of people in the community including a luncheon club for the elderly, a support group for single parents, marriage preparation, kids and youth clubs, and much more.”

After Mr Nadin's sabbatical in South Africa the Christian sports charity Ambassadors In Sport approached him about working there permanently.

Joined by his doctor wife, Louise, Mr Nadin will be supporting the charity’s work in townships, orphanages and prisons.