Event Toolkit

Kickoff Circle: Soccer, Brotherhood & Voices

Theme & Purpose

This gathering combines movement, reflection, and brotherhood. Soccer brings the group together through teamwork and play. The mask activity creates space for young men to pause, reflect, and share their inner and outer experiences. Pizza at the end allows everyone to relax, laugh, and talk openly about what they discovered.

By blending physical activity, creative expression, and conversation, this circle highlights the leadership potential of young men, honors their lived experiences, and strengthens bonds of trust, respect, and community.

Materials

  • Soccer ball, cones, or makeshift goals

  • Jerseys, pinnies, or tape to split into two teams

  • Chairs or benches (optional, for mask reflection)

  • Mask Cards: millionmask.org or digital version at millionmask.org/drawboard

  • Pens or markers

  • Box or envelope for collecting masks

  • Pizza, plates, napkins, water (for 20 young men and adults)

Group Size

Around 20 young men (mentors and adults encouraged as facilitators or players).

Time Needed

2 hours total

 

STEP-BY-STEP Program

Young Men’s Voices Circle: Our Future, Our Voice

1. Welcome & Purpose (5 minutes)

Host Script:

“Welcome, brothers! Today we’re combining play, reflection, and food. First, we’ll hit the field for some soccer. Then we’ll pause for a short activity to reflect on what’s on the outside vs. what we carry inside. After that, we’ll play again and close with pizza and conversation. This is about brotherhood — teamwork on the field and trust off the field.”

Invite everyone to share their name, grade, and favorite soccer player or position.

2. Round 1: Soccer Game (30 minutes)

Split into two teams. Play a friendly match (15 minutes each half). Keep the energy fun and focused on teamwork. Adults/mentors can referee or cheer.

3. Create a Mask (20 minutes)

  • Hand out mask cards (paper or digital).

  • Invite each participant to draw or write:

    • Front (outside): what they show the world.

    • Back (inside): what they often carry but don’t always show.

  • Mask Links:

    • Paper: millionmask.org

    • Digital: millionmask.org/drawboard

  • Have all participants place their completed masks face down in a box or envelope. Shuffle and redistribute.

  • Invite reflection: “Look at the card you’ve received. Notice how much we all carry. We are often more alike than different.”

4. Round 2: Soccer Game (25 minutes)

Switch sides or mix up teams for variety. Play another round with the same spirit: teamwork, fun, and connection.

5. Pizza + Mask Discussion (30 minutes)

As pizza is served, invite an open discussion about the masks and the day’s experience.

Prompts for conversation while eating:

  1. What did you notice from reading your mask card and others?

  2. What is one thing that surprised you about the activity?

  3. What’s one change you’d like to see in your school or community?

  4. What makes you proud to be part of your culture, background, or brotherhood?

  5. How do you want to contribute to the future — locally or globally?

Host Closing Script:

“Thank you for showing up today — on the field, on the mask, and at this table. Your voices matter, your stories matter, and your brotherhood matters. This is just one step in building the future together.”

6. SHARE MASKS POST EVENT (10 minutes)

Take pictures of each mask and send them to millionmask@everforwardclub.org to join our #MillionMaskMovement and help us reach 100,000 people by this November!

Optional Add-Ons

  • Photo/Video Moments: With permission, capture highlights from the game, mask activity, and pizza conversation.

  • Mentor Match: Invite adults to connect 1:1 with a young man about his ideas or reflections.

  • Team Wall: Post collected mask cards on a wall or board to show shared experiences.

For any questions, please contact millionmask@everforwardclub.org

Donate