In 2025, the New Cities Eurasia Strategy set out to reach 100 cities and 300 neighborhoods—and, by God’s grace, exceeded that goal. Sports-ministry teams launched in 89 new cities, work began in 23 more, and active ministry took root in 307 neighborhoods across 15 hard-to-access countries and territories. A total of 446 new leaders were trained and supported by 30 mentors, more than 53,000 people were reached through sports events, and over 350 leaders completed the new Impact Academy.

A year ago, outside of a small ministry in Baku, there was almost no sports disciple-making activity in Azerbaijan. Nearly 98% of churches were concentrated in the capital, leaving the remaining 78 cities with virtually no Christian presence. Today, through the growth of the sports movement and a renewed focus on new GAP cities, we are witnessing remarkable transformation in 10MM people region with 0.2% evangelicals’ believers.

What began as 1 ministry location has multiplied to 10. The missionary potential has grown dramatically, the number of leaders has increased fivefold, and 6 sports discipleship clubs now operate weekly. Hundreds of teenagers train regularly and hear stories from Scripture 2–3 times each week. This year, 13 Bible Discover Study groups began, and 20 people were baptized.

Inspired by Holy Spirt, 2 families moved to the city of Ganja, one of the least reached places in the nation. They immediately began applying simple disciple-making principles through sports. They connected with locals, launched the first house church, and within months more than 300 people from another faith background heard the Gospel.

Sports Catalyst is a faithful partner of The Bolick Foundation.