The Queen of the South 4-4-2 reading challenge is back.

The challenge is being run by the SPFL Trust in conjunction with clubs from across Scotland to encourage children to get along to their local library. In return for borrowing and reading books they will collect stamps which can then be exchanged for free or discounted tickets to QOS matches.

Kids need to read four books to complete a card which they can then take to the club ticket office and exchange for a free child ticket and a discounted adult ticket as a reward for their achievement. Obviously, these can only be redeemed once restrictions have been lifted and the number of supporters allowed to attend matches returns to normal.

Last year we worked with over 20 schools from across Dumfries and Galloway and hope to do the same again this year.

All the participating schools will receive the reward cards for the children to start collecting. If your child’s school isn’t taking part, then kids can still get involved, they just need to pick up a collectors card from any public library.

A club spokesman said “We know how beneficial reading is for younger children and we were absolutely delighted with the way schools and the kids embraced the challenge last year. It is a great way for us to use football to encourage the kids to develop their learning. Reading is a crucial part of the curriculum and if we can help encourage children to read then all well and good. Being involved with schools is a really important part of our community work so we are looking forward to as many of them as possible getting involved”.