Michigan Knights of Columbus Launch the 2026 Summer Soccer Challenge – Faith, Family, and Fútbol
- Sun, May 10, 2026 8:44 AM
**Michigan Knights of Columbus Launch the 2026 Summer Soccer Challenge – Faith, Family, and Fútbol!**
This summer, Knights of Columbus councils across Michigan have an exciting opportunity to unite their parishes and communities through the power of soccer while growing our Order and celebrating youth athleticism. The **2026 Summer Soccer Challenge** combines international soccer watch parties with a fun, competitive youth penalty kick event designed for boys and girls ages 9–14.
### What is the 2026 Summer Soccer Challenge?
It’s a youth penalty kick accuracy competition where participants take **15 shots** at a specially marked goal:
- **Ages 9–11**: Shooting from 10 yards
- **Ages 12–14**: Shooting from 12 yards
**Scoring Grid**:
- Upper corners = 20 points
- Lower corners = 10 points
- Center = 5 points
Councils are encouraged to host watch parties for major summer soccer matches, create a festive atmosphere, and run the penalty kick competition as a highlight event. All materials needed are available through the Knights of Columbus, including the **Soccer Challenge Playbook (#4576)** and **Entry/Score Sheets (#11964)**.
### Great Incentives for Participating Councils
Councils that **exemplify at least 3 new members** between **June 1 and July 31** *and* host a 2026 Summer Soccer Challenge event will receive a **special edition t-shirt** for **two members of their choice**.
State champions in each age and gender category will also be recognized and awarded special Soccer Challenge t-shirts. This is a fantastic way to reward your council’s hard work, attract new members, and make a positive impact on local youth.
### How Your Council Can Get Involved
1. Talk to your pastor and develop a plan.
2. Reserve a venue and test all equipment (projector, Wi-Fi, streaming, etc.).
3. Decide on food — council-provided or family potluck.
4. Gather necessary supplies: soccer balls, Playbook, Entry Forms, and Membership Enrollment Forms.
5. Promote the event to the parish and community.
6. Host the watch party and penalty kick competition while running a membership drive during the event.
7. Submit your **Entry/Score Sheet (#11964)** to fraternalmission@kofc.org by **July 31** for credit and potential awards.
**Volunteer roles** are simple and family-friendly: registration, scorers, and ball retrievers.
### Let’s Make This Summer Memorable
The 2026 Summer Soccer Challenge is more than just a game — it’s an opportunity to live our principles of **Faith, Family, and Fraternity** while building stronger communities and welcoming new Knights.
Michigan councils: Now is the time to step up, gather your fellow Knights, parishioners, and families, and show what we can do together on and off the field!
For more information and resources, contact your State Council or visit the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council resources. Questions? Reach out to your local council leadership today.
**Let’s kick off an unforgettable summer of soccer, fellowship, and membership growth!**
*Knights of Columbus – Michigan*
*Faith • Family • Fraternity*
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