Dallas is combining the celebration of International Literacy Day with the excitement of international soccer to inspire children across North Texas. The Dallas Sports Commission has partnered with the Mexican National Soccer Team to launch the Copa Kin: Read to Win Challenge, an initiative designed to promote reading among elementary school students while connecting it to one of the region’s most popular sporting events.
The program officially began on September 8, aligning with International Literacy Day, and will continue through October 3. Aimed at second through fifth grade students, the challenge invites participants to log the number of minutes they spend reading, in either English or Spanish, each day. Organizers hope this effort will not only encourage daily reading habits but also spark excitement by linking literacy with soccer, a sport beloved by families across the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
The Copa Kin: Read to Win Challenge has already seen major success in past years. Reports from earlier editions show that participants collectively logged over 7.8 million minutes of reading, demonstrating how a shared sense of competition and fun can have a powerful impact on student engagement. This year’s challenge is expected to build on that momentum as thousands of students take part.
Weekly prizes add an extra layer of motivation. Top readers each week will be rewarded with special gifts, while the overall winners will receive tickets to one of the most anticipated soccer matches of the year—Mexico’s national team taking on Colombia at AT&T Stadium on October 11. The opportunity to attend the game, which will draw tens of thousands of fans, is designed to give young readers an exciting goal to strive toward.
In addition to individual prizes, schools are also competing for recognition. The school that collectively logs the highest number of minutes read will earn the right to host the MexTour Celebration on October 10, a festive event that brings the community together to celebrate both soccer and literacy. This adds a community-wide element to the challenge, encouraging schools, teachers, and parents to rally together in support of their students.
The Dallas Sports Commission has emphasized the importance of blending cultural events with educational initiatives. By connecting literacy with a major sporting event, the program underscores that reading is not only an academic skill but also a pathway to broader opportunities and experiences. The partnership with the Mexican National Soccer Team reflects the shared cultural connections between North Texas and Mexico, which has a large and passionate fan base in the region.
Organizers of the challenge have stressed that literacy is a fundamental skill that can open doors for children throughout their lives. By encouraging students to dedicate time daily to reading, the program builds habits that extend beyond the classroom. Linking these efforts to soccer creates a unique and memorable experience that children are more likely to embrace and remember.
Parents and educators are also central to the program’s success. Families are encouraged to participate by tracking and supporting their children’s reading, while teachers play a vital role in promoting the challenge within classrooms and helping students stay engaged. The program’s structure is designed to make participation simple and rewarding, ensuring that as many children as possible can take part.
The Copa Kin: Read to Win Challenge serves as a reminder that creativity in education can inspire remarkable outcomes. Combining sports, culture, and literacy creates a powerful formula that resonates with young learners. As the October 3 deadline approaches, thousands of children will continue logging their reading minutes, with hopes of not only improving their skills but also securing a chance to watch Mexico face Colombia live at AT&T Stadium.
By aligning with International Literacy Day, the initiative also highlights the broader global movement to promote education and literacy for all. For Dallas and North Texas, this unique blend of soccer and reading is more than just a contest; it is an effort to nurture lifelong learners while celebrating the shared passion of sport and community.
