Council Competition
The council Soccer Challenge chairman should follow these guidelines:
● Always use the program’s official name: Knights of Columbus Soccer Challenge.
● Order the Knights of Columbus Soccer Challenge kit (#SC-Kit) using the order form on page 3 of
the Council Report Forms Booklet (#1436). Complete and submit the form to the Department of
Fraternal Services, 1 Columbus Plaza, New Haven, CT 06510-3326; Telephone: (203)752-4016;
Fax: (203)752-4108. This kit can also be ordered online at www.kofc.org/forms.
● Set a time and place. Contact schools, community centers or youth centers and reserve a soccer field.
Ask local sports teams, colleges or universities to work with your council on the Soccer Challenge as part
of their community outreach program. While September is the recommended month for conducting a
council competition, councils should be flexible and work around the schedules of local school’s teams.
All local competitions should be held so that the winners can participate in the district competitions.
● Contact the schools in your area to explain the program. Seek permission of the principals,
athletic directors, and superintendents to conduct the program as part of their physical education
or intramural program, or ask for an endorsement encouraging students to participate in this
community sports program. High school athletes should be reminded to check with their state
high school athletic association/athletic director about possible eligibility conflicts. Contact officials
from the town recreation department or local youth soccer leagues to promote the competition
among their players. Teams and schools can hold preliminary competitions to determine winners
by age groups to advance to the council competition. Make sure that entry forms/score sheets are
distributed in advance to the officials of the leagues or coaches of the teams.
● Display program posters prominently to generate attention and participation. Ask to display posters
in schools, youth centers, church halls, libraries, Boys & Girls clubs, shopping centers, YMCA and
YWCA buildings and the council meeting place. On the poster indicate the name of the contact
person; the date, time and location of the competition; and a telephone number to call for additional
information. Supplement these posters with newspaper ads, radio and TV spots and other publicity.
Additional posters are available at no charge from the Supreme Council office.
● Preregistration of athletes will boost the number of participants and save time at the actual event.
Distribute entry forms/score sheets to approved locations. Make sure the teachers know your council
number and contact info. Personally deliver entry forms/score sheets to physical education teachers
and coaches when possible. Try to collect completed forms and proof-of-age documents before the
competition to get a general estimate on the number of participants. Plan the competition based on
these numbers. Have an announcement made in school or send out a reminder of the competition
immediately before the event. Be ready to accept entry forms/score sheets from walk-in participants
on the day of the competition.
● Don’t forget that the Soccer Challenge presents an excellent membership recruitment opportunity.
Set up a table at the competition so that attending parents can learn about what the council has to
Page 7
The Soccer Challenge is fun and easy to conduct. Here are steps to follow
to ensure a successful Soccer Challenge Championship.