Youth Programs: Soccer Shoot
The Elks holds an annual soccer shoot, a skill contest for boys and girls. There are five (5) age groups:
- Age 7 and Under [U-8]
- Ages 8 and 9 [U-10]
- Ages 10 and 11 [U-12]
- Ages 12 and 13 [U-14]
- Ages 14 and 15 [U-16] Optional
Age is determined by the age of the contestants as of January 1 the year the contest is held. The local Lodge Director must verify age by birth or baptismal certificate or by passport to ensure that the contestant competes in the proper age group. This will eliminate any disappointment that might arise as a result of a technical error.
There are two contests. The first one is the Five Goal Contest, which consists of a series of five goals, decreasing in size from 48 inches to 17 inches. The five goal contest is for U-8, which includes ages seven years old and younger.
The second is the Grid Goal Contest, which consists of a full-size goal sectioned off so points can be scored when the ball is kicked into certain sections. The age groups that use this goal are U-10, ages eight to nine, U-12, ages ten to eleven, U-14, ages twelve to thirteen, and U-16 ages fourteen and fifteen. The U-16 age group is optional, check with your State Soccer Shoot Chairman to see if your State participates using this age group.
A contestant may enter only one local Lodge contest in any given year. The Contest Director will set the date, time, and place for the contest. Poster and flyers will be given out to the schools and sent to the local soccer clubs and organizations advertising the event. The contest is usually held the first Sunday in August at the Bellefonte High School football field. No equipment is necessary other than appropriate clothing for competition and appropriate footwear (indoor or outdoor). No article of clothing that displays words, slogans, or images that are in poor taste for a youth athletic activity shall be permitted. FIFA-approved size 4 balls will be used for the [U-8], [U-10] and [U-12] groups. Size 5 balls will be used for the [U-14] & [U-16] groups. All decisions by the Director are final.
All first place winners in all age groups, boys and girls, will proceed to the District Competition. The date and time will be announced following the shoot.
