Before Mark Paver, the Martyrs' player-coach, entered the seminary, he had a semiprofessional career in England's gritty lower leagues.

WSJ: American Team Reigns in This Devout Soccer League

Not so long ago, in 2002-2003, the Swans finished one point clear of relegation from the fourth tier of English soccer and into the semiprofessional ranks outside the Football League.

WSJ: The Swans Are Soccer's Rare Birds