Kick Goals, Make History

Catholic Mission has launched Socktober 2026, inviting schools across Australia to kick goals for good and compete to create the program’s next official sockball. The national challenge marks 100 years of World Mission Sunday, with the first diocesan launch events beginning in Brisbane on 10 August.

"Schools are already embracing Socktober and the national sockball challenge has added a real sense of excitement," said Adrienne Williams, Director of Community Engagement at Catholic Mission. "It gives students a creative and practical way to make the program their own.”

As part of the competition, schools, students and youth groups are invited to design and build a new sockball using recycled materials. The winning creation will become the official Socktober sockball for future campaigns, giving young people the opportunity to leave their mark on the program while celebrating 100 years of World Mission Sunday.

"By inviting students to help create the next Socktober sockball, it creates a genuine sense of ownership and reflects the creativity, teamwork and hope that are at the heart of Socktober,” said Adrienne.

The competition also reflects Pope Leo XIV's June prayer intention, which describes sport as a "universal language that brings cultures together, unites peoples, and sows respect, solidarity and personal growth." This vision lies at the heart of Socktober, which uses the universal language of soccer to inspire young Australians to stand in solidarity with communities around the world.

This year, students will learn about communities in Malawi and the barriers children face in accessing education, nutritious meals, and safety following devastating floods that have displaced many. Through engaging classroom activities, liturgical resources and fundraising opportunities, students will discover how they can respond with compassion and hope. Grounded in Catholic Social Teaching, the resources encourage students to engage their heads, hearts and hands as they put their faith into action.

Diocesan celebrations will bring Socktober to communities across Australia, beginning with the Archdiocese of Brisbane on 10 August. The event will give local students and schools an opportunity to come together, launch their campaigns and kick off the new season.

"We are excited to be the first diocese to kick off the 2026 Socktober season," said Maria Sole, Schools Engagement Coordinator for Queensland. "Every year, students embrace the opportunity to make a meaningful difference, and we can't wait to see the energy and enthusiasm they bring to Socktober this year."