Finding an Elim church was the most important thing for Tobi Sho-Silva when he was transferred to Carlisle.,,,
Carlisle United forward Tobi Sho-Silva loves football, but his Instagram bio reveals there’s something much bigger in his life than even the beautiful game, proclaiming: “Football is Great, Jesus is Greater!”
The 27-year-old is quickly becoming a fan favourite after joining the Cumbrian League Two outfit in this season’s January transfer window and contributing four goals.
But the well-travelled former England U18 international, whose other clubs include Charlton, Bromley, Sutton and Inverness Caledonian Thistle, was more interested in finding a church in Carlisle than attracting the fans’ adoration.
“I always make sure I’m looked after as an individual through my faith, then I can give everything else to the world,” says Sho-Silva. “That’s where I am, as Tobi as a person before I’m Tobi as a player.
“[My faith] is everything to me. For me it’s the anchor to my soul.
“As much as there’s so much change in life, Jesus and my relationship with him is that place of peace, of purpose, of identity and comfort.”
He found that place of worship in Carlisle – at Elim Community Church.
“I found another Elim branch up here and they’ve been welcoming,” he says. “I’ve been to a few down south. They know a couple of people I’ve known from down south which has been a nice connection, and hopefully good words were spoken about me! It’s just community really; people I can grow with and do life with.
“I think that’s the most important thing about a church: where you feel you can belong, be heard and supported.”
That’s close to Sho-Silva’s heart, so he’s become a trained counsellor and is supporting young footballers through mentoring.
Along with a snapped Achilles that kept him out the game for seven months, it’s helped him place football in perspective.
“I think everyone has to redefine success, because success for some people is winning the Champions League or the World Cup or Ballon d’Or, but for many footballers they can still have a successful career without reaching that height.
“So, for me success is maximising my potential and getting to the best level I can achieve and play at, whether that’s League One, Championship or Champions League, really churning out everything in me to progress in my career.
“That’s on the pitch, but off the pitch I just like that I have different experiences to many players, whether it be injuries, being released, doing a degree or education alongside my football.
“I want to share that, to encourage boys to maximise their potential, not just on the pitch but off the pitch.”
