Songs of Praise: Faith on the Touchline.

The Rev Kate Bottley marks 2025's spectacular summer of women's sport by celebrating female athletes and the role that faith can play from grassroots to grand finals. Keen rugby player Kate is star-struck when she meets former England rugby international Lt Col Ann O'Flynn at her army base. Kate joins in a training session and chats to Ann about her faith and playing career as a pioneer in the women's game when matches were watched by only a handful of people. She reflects with pride and gratitude as she and Kate look forward to the Women's Rugby World Cup, soon to be broadcast to millions around the world. Kate then joins the UK's first female football team to also act as a church ministry, discovering from coach Rebekah that you can preach from the pitch as well as from the pulpit. And England Roses netball star Ellie Rattu shares her deep faith and how connecting with Christ helped her through a crisis of confidence. With rousing hymns to make our sporting spirits soar. 1. When the Saints Go Marching In - The Wight Proms, Isle of Wight 2. I Vow to Thee, My Country - Military Wives Choir 3. In Christ Alone - Down Cathedral, Downpatrick 4. How Great Thou Art - Laura Wright 5. This Is Amazing Grace - Aberystwyth Arts Centre 6. Jerusalem - St John the Baptist, Tideswell