Hi, my name is Danilo Felix, and I work for Athletes in Action (AIA), a ministry of CRU, formerly Campus Crusade for Christ. I am the Director of Care and Development for AIA Pro Soccer, serving in the Tampa Bay, FL area. My primary role is to be the team chaplain for the Tampa Bay Rowdies - since 2010, a professional soccer team in the United Soccer League (USL), and the Tampa Bay Sun - my wife is my co-chaplain, a women's professional soccer team that started playing in August 2024. I provide spiritual support and guidance for the players, staff, and community through Bible studies, chapels, discipleship, outreach, and other services. Additionally, I hold a leadership role within AIA and the USL, acting as the liaison between the league chaplains and the USL headquarters in Tampa. I oversee the care and wellness of the 30+ USL chaplains and am part of the AIA International Chaplaincy Team, which trains and equips chaplains to serve professional and Olympic athletes worldwide.
Beyond my chaplaincy duties, I collaborate with other AIA/CRU staff in the area to support their ministries as needed. I also use soccer as a platform to impact the local community with the Gospel through coaching, mentorship, and speaking engagements. My vision is to see everyone in professional soccer have a chance to hear about Jesus Christ and to transform the spiritual culture of soccer in North America through Christ. There are Christians on every team, and chaplains are investing in their lives, encouraging them to reach their teammates, clubs, communities, and those they influence for God’s Kingdom and Jesus Christ’s love and truth. With over 15 years of experience in sports ministry, I have witnessed God work in amazing ways through the lives of athletes. I also mentor and disciple young leaders who aspire to serve God through sports.
I hold a Mental Health Coaching certification by the American Association of Christian Counselors to better serve the players, coaches, and chaplains I work with. This training has equipped me to provide emotional and spiritual support, as well as practical tools and resources, to help them cope with the challenges and stressors of their profession. I have also partnered with local churches and organizations to offer mental health workshops and seminars for athletes and coaches.
My wife Robyn and son Jackson are my biggest supporters, joining me in praying for and ministering to the athletes and their families. We love spending time together as a family, playing games, watching movies, and going on adventures.