Grades 7-12. Innovative Robots. Real Engineering. Limitless Possibilities.
See FIRST Tech Challenge In Action
Discover how students design, build, program, and compete with innovative robots while developing the skills and confidence to succeed.
What Happens During an FTC Season?
FIRST® Tech Challenge (FTC) is a robotics program for students in grades 7–12. Beginning each September, teams design, prototype, build, program, test, and refine innovative robots while developing engineering, leadership, and teamwork skills. FTC follows a school calendar year.
TYPICAL FTC TIMELINE
September
Kickoff & Game Reveal
A new game is released. Teams analyze the challenge, brainstorm strategies, begin designing, and start building their robot.
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October - January
Design Build Test Iterate
Teams design, prototype, manufacture, build, program, test, and continuously improve their robots while competing in local league meets.
Janaury - Early March
Competition Season
Top teams advance through League Championships and State Championships while continuing to refine their robots, autonomous routines, and match strategy.​
Late April - July
Championship & Premier Events
Qualifying teams compete at the FIRST Championship and Premier Events while all teams prepare for the next season through outreach, training, and off-season events.
THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE
Learn the Game
Students analyze the new challenge, brainstorm solutions, and develop a strategy for success.
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Design & Prototype
Students design, CAD, prototype, and evaluate ideas using the engineering design process.
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Build Program Test
Students manufacture parts, assemble mechanisms, write software, test, troubleshoot, and continually improve their robot throughout the season.
Compete
Teams compete throughout the league season before advancing to championship events where they demonstrate engineering excellence, innovation, teamwork, and communication.
Beyond Competition
Students build technical skills, confidence, friendships, leadership, and real-world experience that prepares them for college, careers, and life.
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Start Your FTC Journey
There are many ways to be a part of FIRST Tech Challenge and inspire the next generation of leaders and innovators.
Upcoming FIRST Tech Challenge Events
Find league meets, championship events, workshops, kickoff, volunteer training, and other FTC opportunities across Kentucky. Click any event for details, registration information, and directions.
Looking for community & Outreach events? Our Community Calendar includes public demonstrations, outreach events, workshops, and other opportunities to experience FIRST Robotics across Kentucky. To stay up-to-date on program-specific competitions and meetings, subscribe to the FLL, FTC, FRC, and Community calendars.
Featured Events
12
SEP
2026
FTC Kickoff Event
Location Coming Soon 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Game reveal, season overview, and strategy sessions!
4
Feb
2027
Central League Championship
University of Kentucky 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Experience the excitement of the Central League Championship!
Team Registration & League Assignment
Registration is a two-step process:
Step 1: Register your team with FIRST to activate your team for the season.
Step 2: Register with KY FIRST for league placement and competition registration.
Registration for the 2026-2027 season will open in September. Teams will receive an email with the opening date and time.​
Kentucky FIRST Tech Challenge teams are assigned to a regional league based on their school or organization location listed in their FIRST Registration. Use the map below to identify your team's league for the current season.
League assignments are reviewed annually and may change as new teams are added to maintain balanced leagues and reasonable travel distances.
West League
Central League
East League
Tools & Resources for Teams
Here are some resources used by the FTC community.
Informational Videos
These videos have been produced as additional support for KY FTC teams, all produced by your KY leadership team! This is a great place to start when you have a question about anything related to FTC.
Kelli & Heather, your local PDPs, walk you through how to prepare for FTC Competitions. This video breaks down matches and what to expect at your very first league meet or scrimmage. Technical Difficulties, check back soon!​
