FAC as One: Meet Cavalry FC’s Chanan Chanda
On June 8, all 5 FAC campuses are coming together for a special worship gathering at Spruce Meadows, home of Cavalry FC. For Lead Pastor James Paton, FAC as One represents a dream that’s been in his heart for a long time:
“I love that we are a multi-everything church. Multi-generational, multi-campus, multi-lingual. Our reach is ever expanding as we join Jesus in what he is doing in our city. Sometimes I’ve wished we could all be together in one place at one time to worship our Lord Jesus. But where, and when, and how?
Spruce Meadows and Cavalry FC became the answer I was looking for. They have been amazing to partner with. They have helped us plan and advertise. They have moved the time of their match to accommodate us. They’ve even built a financial model that makes this affordable.
Although there are thousands of us on this day, we can be ‘As One.’ You won’t want to miss this! We will worship together, eat together, and have a fun afternoon together ‘As One’ big family. And… we get to cheer on my team, the current Canadian champions, Cavalry FC. It’s going to be an amazing day.”
That dream—of gathering and worshiping “as one”—is coming to life on the very field where Cavalry FC plays. For Chanan Chanda, a forward signed under the club’s Exceptional Young Talent contract and a passionate follower of Jesus, it’s a moment that means a lot. We sat down with him recently to learn more about his story.
FAC: Chanan, thanks for being here. Could you introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about your journey to and with Jesus?
Chanan: My name is Chanan Chanda, and I play for Cavalry FC. I was blessed to grow up in a Christian home. Growing up, I tried to read my Bible every day. We did a lot of family Bible studies, which was really nice. When I was 5 or 6, I started playing in youth recreational soccer programs. When I was seven, I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior and it was the best decision I’ve ever made. When I accepted Jesus, I started praying before games. And I have kept that going.
As I got older, my faith grew stronger. When I was 16, I first got involved with Cavalry, and that’s when I really took a step back and thought: it’s so important what I do with my time—whether I read my Bible, how much time I spend with Jesus—because soccer can easily become an idol. It can become something I put above God. I realized I needed to get my priorities straight, because I could become the best soccer player in the world, but it would all mean nothing if I lost my soul.
So, at 16, I started reading my Bible more, spending more time with Jesus, and just re-evaluating my priorities. If I don’t read before training, I don’t feel as confident. A lot of the guys will see me go to the other dressing room to read my Bible before a session. If I don’t do it, I just don’t feel ready. It’s super important for me.
My confidence comes from reading my Bible. Jesus says, “Come as you are,” so that’s what I do. I mess up sometimes, but I keep going to Him as I am.
FAC: You talked about how faith impacts everything you do—from your practices to game day. Do you have a specific moment where you really felt Jesus with you? A specific memory on or off the pitch?
Chanan: I’d say my first game—the first time I made the squad. I was in the locker room and really nervous. I always wear wrist tape with a Bible verse on it—usually Colossians 3:23: “And whatsoever you do, do it heartily, as unto God and not unto men.” It’s a way for me to dedicate the game to God.
I remember running onto the pitch for the first time, looking up at the crowd, and thinking, “Wow, this is all Jesus. There’s no way I could’ve done this without Him. This is such a blessing.” And I still feel that way; every time I look up at the crowd, I think, “God is so good.”
That mindset, putting God first in everything I do, every thought I have on the pitch—is what keeps me grounded. As long as He’s first, I know I’ll be alright.
FAC: How do you see unity play out on and off the pitch, in your life or as a team?
Chanan: Unity as a team is so important. It’s about always having the guy’s back—next to you, in front of you, behind you—and working for everyone. Whether it’s in training, giving your max effort so the person you’re training with can go out and have a good game on the weekend, it matters.
For me, unity also shows up in church. Knowing that there are people there who have my back—just like on the field. Everyone at church is supportive, kind, easy to talk to. During worship or the sermon, we’re all united—listening, singing together. There are so many parallels between being on a soccer team and being part of a church. Unity matters in both.
FAC: Do you want to talk a little bit about your injury and how your faith grew during that time?
Chanan: Yeah, I’d love to. The first three weeks after my injury were so hard. Mentally, I was in the gutters. I didn’t want to work out, even though I had to. I didn’t feel like training. But after the third week, it kind of just clicked. I realized I could use the injury as an opportunity to grow closer to God and to better myself for the season, whether it was in the gym, tactically, or watching game film.
There were also struggles I was going through off the pitch. So I decided to sit down, read my Bible, and find ways to be proactive about those things. I spent probably four weeks just reading and looking for Scriptures. That helped so much. I have a little diary where I write everything down. I wrote down steps to follow, Scriptures to turn to. And now, no matter what the struggle is, I go to those and feel peace, knowing that Jesus has me.
Honestly, I wouldn’t change what happened. I wouldn’t be where I am today without that injury.
FAC: What’s it like knowing that this event—FAC as One—is bringing a worship gathering to your home pitch?
Chanan: When I was told this was being set up, I was so excited. It’s amazing. I’ve never heard of anything like this happening before—and for it to happen on a field I train and play on? That’s a dream come true.
When I first heard about it, I just felt like it was the right thing to do. To have people come out to our soccer field—it’s powerful. And again, it ties back to faith. If that’s happening at a football field, then where two or three are gathered in Jesus’ name, He’s there too. I think only good can come from that—good for the people and good for Jesus.
FAC: What impact do you hope FAC As One will have?
Chanan: First and foremost, I hope people are blessed and that the worship time is meaningful. And secondly, I hope people come back and watch the game—and maybe get exposed to football in a new way.
For the people who already come to games, I hope they can see the connection between faith and professional sports. There are always guys on the team who believe in Jesus, so it’s exciting to see that connection. Hopefully the worship and the game together make that even more clear.
FAC: Thank you so much, Chanan, for taking the time to share the impact Jesus has had on your life and on the sport that you love.
Callum Montgomery, Cavalry FC player and Account Executive & Business Development Lead , shares Chanan’s excitement:
“We are extremely excited to welcome First Alliance Church to ATCO Field for this historic event. Spruce Meadows has a long history of being a gathering place for people from all backgrounds in celebration of sport and togetherness. I encourage everyone to stay around after the service and take in all that the day has to offer from the prestigious horse jumping to the excitement of Cavalry FC!”
“As One” we get to exalt Jesus together. “As One’” we get to see what God has been doing in and through FAC over the last few years. Whether you’re a long-time member or visiting for the first time, there’s a spot for you at FAC! And remember— the 11:15 am church service on June 8 is completely FREE.
After the service, we’d love for you to stay and keep the celebration going! Let’s fill the stands with support and cheer on Chanan and the Cavalry FC Team—grab your tickets for the 4:00 pm game! We can’t wait to be together ‘As One’ for Pentecost Sunday at Spruce Meadows.
