Premier League defender Joel Ward kneels to pray before games.,,,
Defender of the faith Joel Ward is on an “exciting journey” with Premier League Crystal Palace while rooted in a Christianity that puts football into perspective.
Yes, he loves the beautiful game, but the wing back’s beliefs trump even the top-flight career that has so far included 280 appearances for Palace.
Ward, now 32, kneels on the pitch in prayer before every game and has a verse from Corinthians tattooed on his arm. It’s a testament to his priorities and his upbringing in the New Life Christian Church, Emsworth, Hampshire.
“It’s given me a moral compass,” Ward told the Daily Mail. “It’s given me an anchor besides my family and my circle, my wife and kids.
“The church has given me an anchor to hold on to, somewhere I can get away from things.
“I can cast my burden, so to speak, and just talk and have support, which has been the biggest thing, just having that community. It’s been a constant throughout my life and kept me steady and consistent.”
Palace, too, have been a constant for the last 10 years, with Ward signing at Selhurst Park after four years at Portsmouth, where he started in 2008, the year Pompey won the FA Cup.
Nine of his Palace years have been in the Premier League, and he’s again been a regular this season for the south London outfit, saying it’s one of the most thrilling periods of his career.
“Now we are in a position where it’s been a big transition period. We’ve changed the style, the philosophy, we’ve changed a lot, but the culture has remained in many ways: the way we go about things, how we do things, the standards, the drive from the chairman right down to the players and staff and everyone that’s involved at the club.
“It’s not a journey where you come up and splash cash and that’s it and drop back down. It’s been a real gradual building process and I think it’s been exciting to go on that journey, to see so many different faces come through the building and so many big characters.
“We’re all on the same page, we all know what we want, and that’s to improve, set standards and continue to raise the bar.”
Whatever happens on the pitch, Ward will be on God’s side, starting with those pre-kick-off prayers.
“It’s to have a bit of a still moment. It’s nothing overly spiritual or crazy,” he explains.
“I like to give the glory to God and that’s my way, before the storm of the game comes. I would not be in the position I am if it wasn’t for my faith, and for that I am blessed.”
