The Word of Life Bible Institute is excited to have Omar Catalán joining us this year as the Head Coach of our men’s soccer team. Omar has an extensive and extremely successful soccer career, including scoring the championship-winning goal in the South American Cup in 1988.
1987-88: Racing Club of Avellaneda. “SuperCopa” Champion 1988 (Today called “South American Cup”)
1986-87: Quilmes Athletic Club. First Division “B” Champion
1980-86: Club Atlético Almagro. First Division “C” Champion
Click here to see footage of that memorable goal.
After retiring from his celebrated soccer career in 1989, a friend invited Omar to speak about his professional experience at a brand new place: Word of Life Argentina. After Omar shared his part, a Word of Life staff member opened God’s Word and began to teach. That night, at thirty years old, Omar heard the Gospel for the very first time. While he didn’t make a salvation decision that night, he walked away very impressed with Word of Life and the genuine love that he felt from the people he met. Over the next two years, that same friend continued to reach out to Omar, eventually inviting him to more Word of Life activities where the Gospel was always preached. He received Christ on September 7, 1992.
“That decision changed my eternity and my life forever, giving new meaning to my existence.”
After spending three years studying at the Bible Institute in Argentina and fifteen years serving in the local church, the Lord provided an opportunity for Omar to serve in Kurdistan (northern Iraq) for a year, where he founded two soccer schools.
After that year, he returned to Argentina and finished his degree in professional coaching. He helped coach and manage the River Plate Club in Puerto Rico, leading them all the way to a league championship.
Omar and his wife of two years, Noemi, are now serving full time with Word of Life in Argentina as well as faithfully serving in their local church. God has used his background in soccer to open up doors for Omar to travel around the world serving, sharing, giving instruction, and running clinics as a means to preach the Gospel.
“Today, I have two well-defined passions: football and preaching the Gospel.”
We are so thankful to have Omar and his family join our New York family this year, and are excited about all that the Lord has already done though his ministry with our men’s soccer team at the Bible Institute. Over 100 players from opposing teams have heard the Gospel already this year through the ministry of this team.
1 thought on “Omar Catalán: Using Soccer to Reach the World”
As a mother of a sophomore team member, I want to thank these seniors for being great role models and support to the younger players who joined the team. You have been gracious, accepting and encouraging. Thank you and blessings as you move beyond the soccer field to new fields of dreams!