Timothy Shaner
Early Development Manager - Tshaner@phoenixeagles.com
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I grew up in Central Indiana in a family of six, with my dad serving as a youth pastor and my mom homeschooling me and my siblings. After high school, I attended Warner University in Central Florida, where I played soccer and studied Exercise and Sports Leadership.
After graduating from Warner, I moved to Chicago to begin working with the Chicago Eagles. In the fall of 2024, I met my now‑fiancée, Bekah. After a little less than a year of dating, I moved to Phoenix to be closer to her and to start working with the Phoenix Eagles.
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As one of our early Development Managers, I oversee the growth and direction of our Challenge Program. This program is designed for kids who want to continue developing their soccer skills beyond recreational play. It serves as a bridge for players who are ready for a more competitive environment but may not yet be prepared for full club-level soccer. It’s a joy to lead this program. We are intentional not only about providing an excellent soccer experience, but also about clearly sharing the gospel and walking alongside players and their families as they grow in their understanding of what Jesus accomplished on the cross and how that transforms their lives.
I also have the opportunity to pioneer our Camp Program, and we are incredibly excited for our first season of camps. Camp is a special time where we get to spend extended, meaningful time with players—creating a fun, energetic soccer environment while also clearly and intentionally sharing the gospel.
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In high school, there were three things I loved: Jesus, soccer, and serving in kids ministry. I always hoped I could one day use all three together, but I wasn’t sure if that was even possible. During high school, I had the chance to help with a sports ministry at my church, and when I went to college, I received another opportunity to lead a sports ministry at the church I was attending.
In the summer of 2019, I attended the Chicago Eagles Summer Academy, and that experience truly transformed my life. I discovered what authentic Christian community looks like and learned how the environment of soccer can be used to clearly share the gospel and disciple others. After that summer, I knew I wanted to return to Chicago to learn more about sports ministry.
Four years later, I was still in Chicago, continuing to grow in how to use soccer as a platform to share the gospel with kids and their families. Six months ago, I had the opportunity to move to Phoenix to
take everything I’ve learned over the past four years and begin implementing it in a new community with new families and new opportunities for ministry.