“the best night of my life”
KICKOFF
A fun, high-energy evangelistic youth event: mega-scale games and a clear Gospel message, with churches and schools.
What is KICKOFF?
KICKOFF is an evangelistic youth event that brings youth ministries together for a night of large-scale games and a Gospel message.
Everyone who attends joins one of four teams, each with its own colour. The teams compete in games throughout the night, earning points for their team. The Gospel is shared around the halfway point, and the winning team is announced at the end.
Why KICKOFF?
KICKOFF is an evangelistic tool youth ministries can use to share the Gospel with their teenagers, and a night where they can confidently invite friends who wouldn’t usually come to youth group. Nothing matters more to us than seeing lives saved and connected back into the local church for discipleship and growth.
KICKOFF also helps youth ministries in the same region connect and network with each other.
Logistics
Run time
A standard church KICKOFF runs for 2.5 hours: two hours of games and activities and 30 minutes of speaking, testimonies and follow-up. In schools, KICKOFF runs for 60–90 minutes to suit the timetable.
Venue and numbers
One gymnasium court suits up to 100–150 people. Two courts suit up to 200–250.
Set-up and pack-up
Our team needs two hours to set up before the event and two hours to pack up afterwards.
Insurance
Word of Life holds liability insurance for KICKOFF as an indoor event.
what leaders say
Testimonies
It was another fun-packed night at KICKOFF Taree. With over 80 people attending, the MPC transformed into an amphitheatre for Red, Blue, Green and Yellow teams to battle for inflatable dominance. It was incredible to see a mix of youth groups and newcomers building relationships and enjoying the freedom that comes with a Jesus-centred life.
Scott brought the Word from John and broke down the concept of news, both bad and good. Ten young people decided to respond to this Good News and make a new commitment or re-enter their walk with Jesus. From us at Emersus, we extend a huge thank you to the Word of Life team. It was a night to remember…
James, Emersus Youth Leader, Taree Baptist Church
What is a youth leader’s wildest dream? KICKOFF is an awesome event where teens can confidently invite their friends, guaranteed that they will have the night of their lives, combined with a punchy Gospel message and an opportunity to publicly accept Christ as their Lord and Saviour. KICKOFF is that dream come true. I still have to pinch myself every time I see many young people stream down from the stands to accept Christ and have their lives changed forever.
Badil, Crest Community Baptist Church
KICKOFF was an outstanding event that brought our youth together from churches and schools in Western Sydney. It was energetic, lively and, most importantly, had a clear Gospel message delivered.
Simon, Eagle Vale Anglican Church
We are ever so grateful for having the WOL team come to Casino for two KICKOFF events at Casino Christian School and a Battle Zone event outside of school. WOL came with a great combination of innovative, action-packed, fun team activities and a good, clear presentation of the Gospel. We even had students say ‘Yes’ to Jesus for the first time! … It is a pleasure and privilege to partner with WOL.
Daniel, Casino Christian School
… They are partners: always respectful, always listening to our wisdom, always praying, always encouraging, always seeking to join alongside us in the battle. When I see guys who I have ministered to over years raise their hand to accept Jesus in a KICKOFF, well, that is exactly why this ministry is important and why we will continue to call in the WOL fighters.
Richard, Nyngan Baptist Church
Frequently asked questions
How do I get KICKOFF in my school or church?
Contact us by email or phone. Tell us who you are, where you’re from and your role (for example pastor, teacher or leader), and our team will be in touch to work out logistics and possible dates.
How much space do you need?
At minimum, one indoor gymnasium court for 50–150 students, or two courts for 150–250 students.
How much does KICKOFF cost?
The cost is set by our director and outreach coordinator. Contact us for a quote.
Do you run KICKOFF in schools?
Yes. We’re flexible and work around the school timetable. School sessions usually run for 60–90 minutes.
How many KICKOFFs can you run in a day?
Up to four. That keeps plenty of time for games, the Gospel message and follow-up, and gives the team a break.
What should people wear?
KICKOFF is very active, so wear clothes you can move in. For schools, we ask students to wear their sports uniform. Please no skirts or dresses.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellations are discussed with our director, outreach coordinator and finance team. Please contact the office.
Can you run KICKOFF outside?
No. KICKOFF is insured as an indoor event. If you don’t have a hall or gym, we recommend hiring an indoor gymnasium nearby.
Do you run KICKOFF for primary students?
Yes. Junior KICKOFF adapts the games and the Gospel message for younger ages.
Do you need our audio-visual equipment?
Not unless it’s absolutely necessary. We bring our own screen, projector, speakers, cables, sound desk and computer.
Photography and videography
Word of Life takes photos and video at KICKOFF for our website and social media. For church and youth groups, taking part means you agree to being filmed or photographed for these purposes. In schools, photos are edited so no student can be identified. If you have any concerns, please contact us before the event.
let’s talk
Want KICKOFF at your church or school?
Tell us who you are, where you’re from and your role (pastor, teacher or leader), and our team will be in touch to work out dates and logistics with you.
Help fund outreach nights
Gifts to Outreach keep KICKOFF, Battle Zone and Fusion on the road.