The programme mixes sport activities and games with crafts, drama and stories from the Bible. Clubs generally run for five days and are aimed at children aged 5-11 years. It doesn’t matter if a child goes alone: they should soon make friends with others at the event.
Champion’s Challenge is designed to be fun, so each day includes opportunity for the children to tell their best jokes on a particular theme. It will also help develop children’s sporting skills and abilities. But they don’t have to be sport-mad to enjoy it: it also includes craft activities, chatting time and some great Bible stories. From these, children will discover how Jesus is like a trainer, physio, team-mate, substitute, winner and, of course, champion, and how they can be part of his team.

Author Helen Franklin, an experienced children’s worker with Scripture Union, says ‘We hear a lot about children needing to get more involved in sport, and Champion’s Challenge will encourage that. There’s an opportunity for every child to improve on their “personal best” through the week in a few sporting activities, which should boost their sense of self-worth and achievement – and give them a certificate to display at home!’ 

As well as the usual holiday club activities Champion’s Challenge encourages churches to bring together children and their families to try out new sports, watch a major match together on television, or even to go to a live sporting event. ‘You can’t beat the excitement and atmosphere of being there at a competition or match,’ says Helen. ‘It’s a great way to inspire children – and adults! - to get involved in sport themselves. And going to an event together will build stronger friendships between families whose children have come to Champion’s Challenge and those who’ve run the club, who are regulars at the church.’