Kick It Out would like Young Royals to help to create a design for their new mascot, Kio (pronounced Key-oh).

The overall winning design, chosen by a panel of experts, will become Kick It Out's official mascot and will be made up into a full sized costume by a leading design agency.

Kio will then attend football matches, visit schools, community events and may even appear in a cartoon strip or compete in the Mascot Grand National. He/She might even come and visit Madejski Stadium!

The competition is open to all young people aged 14 and under.

There are two parts to the competition. The first part is to come up with an idea for the design of Kio the mascot, whilst for the second part you will need to explain some of the characteristics you have given your character.

Designs can be submitted in any shape, size or format. For example, they can be painted or drawn on A4 paper, produced using IT, accompanied by different samples of fabric, with ideas for different colours or even produced as a full sized version!

Your description about your character should be included alongside your design. Using 200 words or less, you should cover what special characteristics you have given Kio. For example, think about what would be important in terms of the personality a Kick It Out mascot should display.

How to enter
The closing date for entries is Tuesday 3rd March 2009.

Send your entry to: KIO Mascot Competition, Kick It Out, PO Box 29544, London, EC2A 4WR

Make sure you include your name, age and address on your entry. Prizes will include tickets to attend your local club, other club goodies and a chance to attend an England game.

For further information visit: www.kickitout.org