Fr. Martin Ma Na Ling gives a medal to diocesan seminarian Tuần Nguyen at the conclusion of the third annual Catholic Soccer League Tournament on July 11, which was held in Bowling Green. Nguyen’s summer assignment was at St. Pius X Parish in Owensboro, where Fr. Ma Na Ling serves as parochial vicar. DIJANA MUMINOVIC | WKC

Catholic Soccer League unites parishes through local ‘World Cup’ tournament

BY DIJANA MUMINOVIC, THE WESTERN KENTUCKY CATHOLIC

While, for the first time in history, FIFA World Cup matches were being played across Mexico, Canada and the United States – bringing together nations and millions of fans from around the globe – another World Cup unfolded locally in Bowling Green, Kentucky, uniting Catholics from different cultures through the game.

Eight teams from five cities across the Diocese of Owensboro gathered for the third annual Catholic Soccer League Tournament on July 11, 2026. The excitement, intensity and determination echoed the world’s greatest soccer tournament. But before the first whistle, the players came together not as opponents, but as brothers in faith.

On the grounds of Holy Spirit Parish in Bowling Green, before the opening match, priests and deacons reviewed the tournament rules and blessed the players. Moments later, the players stepped onto the field as rivals.

The Catholic Soccer League was founded in 2024 by Fr. Martin Ma Na Ling, then-parochial vicar of Holy Spirit, after he saw soccer becoming increasingly popular among young adult Catholics throughout the Diocese of Owensboro. Many players had already been practicing and playing recreationally for years, but he believed soccer could become something more: a way to build relationships across parish boundaries and express faith through sport.

A goalie stands ready as players from Sts. Joseph and Paul Parish in Owensboro approach him during the July 11, 2026 Catholic Soccer League Tournament, held at Holy Spirit Parish in Bowling Green. DIJANA MUMINOVIC | WKC

His vision quickly gained the support of fellow priests in the Bowling Green Deanery.

The first Catholic Soccer League Tournament in the diocese was held June 15, 2024, with six teams from five cities. The second tournament, held Aug. 3, 2025, brought together four teams. This year’s tournament welcomed eight teams from Bowling Green, Owensboro, Sebree, Russellville and Morgantown. Teams represented Holy Spirit (two teams), St. Joseph in Bowling Green, St. Pius X in Owensboro, Sts. Joseph & Paul in Owensboro, Holy Trinity in Morgantown, Sacred Heart in Russellville and St. Michael in Sebree.

For many returning players, the tournament has become an annual tradition.

Peter Saang, who has played soccer since fifth grade, represented St. Pius X in Owensboro for the third year.

“The best part is the fellowship and being here together,” Saang said. “I have known most of these people since I was a young boy, and now I get to play soccer with them once a year.”

On the field, the players competed with the intensity of professionals. Not even the steady morning rain could keep them off the field. They fought for every possession, defended every goal and celebrated every point. There was the joy of watching the ball reach the net, the relief of a goalkeeper making a difficult save and the disappointment of seeing a shot slip just beyond the goalkeeper’s reach.

The youngest players chased the ball with no less determination than the adults, creating matches of their own just beyond the sidelines.

A woman with a small child walks across the field at Holy Spirit Parish in Bowling Green while watching the third annual Catholic Soccer League Tournament, held on July 11. DIJANA MUMINOVIC | WKC

Before each tournament begins, players are reminded that while competition is expected, faith must always come first.

“I always tell them, ‘If you cannot control your anger during the game, you had better not play, because we are all Catholics,’” Fr. Ma Na Ling said. “‘We are called to love one another, even during the game.’”

The message came to life throughout the day.

One moment captured the spirit of the tournament. When Fr. Ken Mikulcik, pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, fell during the match, members of the opposing team immediately came to help him back to his feet.

The presence of priests, deacons and seminarians was not limited to organizing the tournament or offering blessings from the sidelines. They participated throughout the day, supporting the players and, in some cases, joining them on the field. Five priests and three seminarians attended this year’s tournament.

Another memorable moment came when Fr. Chris Kight of St. Joseph’s scored a goal himself, drawing cheers from players and spectators alike.

The players may have spoken different languages and belonged to different parishes, with jerseys separating them into teams, but their faith continued to unite them.

For Nicholas Pau, who represented Holy Spirit for the second time, that unity is what makes the tournament unique.

“We are all Catholics, yet we come from different cultures and different churches. Now we get to meet each other. This is really good for the future and for unity,” Pau said.

Fr. Chris Kight, parochial vicar of St. Joseph Parish in Bowling Green, gives a medal to Fr. Martin Ma Na Ling, parochial vicar of St. Pius X Parish in Owensboro, during the July 11, 2026 Catholic Soccer League Tournament, hosted on the campus of Holy Spirit Parish in Bowling Green. DIJANA MUMINOVIC | WKC

Among the tournament’s first-time participants was Edwin Rivera of St. Joseph in Bowling Green, originally from El Salvador. Rivera’s team went on to defeat St. Pius X in the championship match, capturing the 2026 Catholic Soccer League title.

Fr. Ma Na Ling expressed gratitude to God and to the priests, deacons, seminarians, diocesan staff and everyone who has supported the league during its first three years. Looking ahead, he hopes to rotate the tournament throughout the diocese, with Owensboro a possible host for next year’s event.

The FIFA World Cup shows how soccer can bring nations together. On one field in Bowling Green, the Catholic Soccer League showed how the same game can bring parishes, cultures and communities together through faith.

For Bernardine Naing of Holy Spirit, that spirit is what stands out most.

“When I see all of us coming together, I feel happy and blessed,” Naing said.

Before the first whistle, they prayed as one Church.

During the matches, they competed as rivals.

At the final whistle, they remained one Catholic family.

Dijana Muminovic writes from Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Check out more photos below!

The players of the July 11, 2026 Catholic Soccer League Tournament are seen before the games began on the campus of Holy Spirit Parish in Bowling Green. DIJANA MUMINOVIC | WKC

Players and Fr. Chris Kight cheer as Fr. Martin Ma Na Ling lifts up the trophy for the July 11, 2026 Catholic Soccer League Tournament held in Bowling Green, Ky. DIJANA MUMINOVIC | WKC

A player helps another player to his feet during the third annual Catholic Soccer League Tournament, which was held this year on July 11, 2026, at Holy Spirit Parish in Bowling Green. DIJANA MUMINOVIC | WKC

Players react while competing in the July 11, 2026 Catholic Soccer League Tournament held at Holy Spirit Parish in Bowling Green. DIJANA MUMINOVIC | WKC

Holy Spirit Parish in Bowling Green is seen in the background as players compete in the July 11, 2026 Catholic Soccer League Tournament, which was the third annual event of its kind. DIJANA MUMINOVIC | WKC

Members of the St. Pius X soccer team from Owensboro, Ky., including parochial vicar Fr. Martin Ma Na Ling, play in the July 11, 2026 Catholic Soccer League Tournament in Bowling Green, Ky. DIJANA MUMINOVIC | WKC

A player tries to steal the ball from another during the July 11, 2026 Catholic Soccer League Tournament hosted this year at Holy Spirit Parish in Bowling Green. DIJANA MUMINOVIC | WKC

Seminarian Hunter Dickens (fourth from the right) stands with Fr. Ryan Harpole, pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Bowling Green, while observing the July 11 Catholic Soccer League Tournament held at Holy Spirit Parish. Dickens’ summer assignment this year was at St. Joseph. DIJANA MUMINOVIC | WKC

A player kicks the ball during this year’s Catholic Soccer League Tournament at Holy Spirit Parish in Bowling Green. The tournament took place July 11 and featured teams from parishes across the Diocese of Owensboro. DIJANA MUMINOVIC | WKC