Australian Schools Kicking the First Goal for Socktober

Socktober, a Catholic Mission initiative, engages students with global issues like poverty and social justice through soccer. The program encourages them to take action by raising awareness and funds in their communities.

The 2024 Socktober season officially launched in early August, with five schools in the Archdiocese of Brisbane leading the way. Trinity College in Beenleigh hosted the launch, welcoming students from St Joseph’s Tobruk Memorial School, Mother Teresa Catholic Primary School, St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, and San Damiano College. Year 6 and 7 students and some high school students participated in five activities designed to deepen their understanding of mission.

“Students had such a great time during this launch; the energy among the students was so invigorating. I can tell this year will be a great Socktober season,” says Sue Williams, Catholic Mission Queensland Youth and Schools Engagement Officer.

This year, students are learning about the work of mission in Mongolia and the reality of the people living there; as they face challenges such as extremely harsh winters, increased rates of poverty and lack of social services to assist those in need.

Through Socktober, they will learn about the Don Bosco Caring Center, a Church-run program dedicated to being a welcoming home for children left to fend for themselves on the streets.

Students are then encouraged to raise awareness and make a difference by fundraising for programs like the Caring Center, so that children in need can access a safe home, nutritious meals and education, to help them build a brighter and more certain future.

As many schools are still in the process of registering to get on board, Sue highlighted the benefits of joining Socktober.

“More than just being a fundraising program, there is a real connection with the students, and it’s just a fun and beautiful way to raise their missionary vocations, which live in all of us. Every time I go to a school to engage with students, I can tell how excited they are to be part of Socktober and to be contributing to the great work of Mission,” says Sue.

Socktober cultivates the passion of students, engages their local community, and takes action against poverty through the world game of soccer. It provides young people with the opportunity to lead in Mission, encouraging them to think not only about what they will do to help but why they will do it.