Soccer is one of the fastest growing youth activities in the country. The Elks Soccer Shoot Program is geared to coincide with this sport phenomenon. From toddlers to teens, in our large urban centers to our small suburban settings, soccer is becoming the sport of choice for our youth. This program is under the "umbrella" of the Grand Lodge Youth Activities Committee. We want to capitalize on this sporting event to help keep our youth focused and away from undesirable activities.

The Grand Lodge Youth Activities Committee intends to bring every Elks State Association on board and increase participation on every level. The Elks Program includes a Local, District and State Shoot. We work with local Soccer Associations and Recreation Departments to increase Elk participation. Lodges try to plan shoots at the peak of the local soccer program. Picture taking day for the local Soccer Associations is a prime example. Exposure to the Elks Soccer Program is our prime objective.

The Elks Soccer Shoot program consists of two different contests that test different level skills at different ages. A "Five Goal Contest" consists of a series of five goals, decreasing in size from 48 inches to 17 inches. The age groups that use these goals are divided into two categories, U-8 contains all ages seven years old and younger, and U-10 group contains ages eight and nine. The contest is open to boys and girls who shoot separately. The U-8 contestants kick from 15 feet from the face of the goal, while the U-10 contestants kick from 18 feet from the goal.

The Grid Goal Contest 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-12, which contain the ages ten and eleven, and U-14, which contain ages twelve and thirteen. The contest is open to both boys and girls and they shoot separately.

The Elks Soccer Shoot Program is a terrific program for our youth, the future of our country. More detailed information (manuals, pamphlets) can be obtained from the Secretary of your local Elks Lodge.