2022 State Soccer Shoot Results

On March 11th, 12th and 13th,2022 the Ohio Soccer Shoot Champions went to York, Pa for the Mid-Atlantic Regional Soccer Shot.

It was good to be back after missing it last year due to Covid-19. I am happy to report that all 10 of our shooters were able to attend. They were:

U-12 and U-14 boys Chase and Caleb brothers from Circleville lodge #77

Corbin Bash, boy age U-8 from Kenton Lodge #157.     
Hazel Coughlin, girl age U-8 from Upper Sandusky Lodge #83
Brice Miller, boy age U-10 from Van Wert Lodge #1197.   
Hanna Lamb, girl age U-10 from Van Wert Lodge #1197
Caleb Skaggs, boy age U-12 from Circleville Lodge # 77.   
Nora Shean, girl age U-12 from Salem Lodge #305
Chase Skaggs, boy age U-14 from Circleville Lodge #77.     
Madelyn Coughlin girl age U-14  from Upper Sandusky Lodge #83
Austin Gerlach boy age U-16 from Kenton Lodge #157. 
Annika Murray, girl age U-16 from Salem Lodge #305

They all reported they had a great time and it was fun. We competed against 5 other states which were  Kentucky, West Virginia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland,Delaware,DC. Ohio came in at 4th place overall.  The banquet and award program was great and we can't wait to go again next year.

U-16 age girl ANNIKA from Salem lodge #305

I thank all of the district Chairman for all they do to help continue to make this a successful program each year. I am giving a special THANKS to Doug Kohli District Chairman of the South Central District for his over 20 years of service as Chairman, he is stepping down as Chairman. He has done a fantastic job and it has been a pleasure working with him.He has always had the best interest of the kids front and center. He exemplifies all of the best qualities of the Elks Best People On Earth. The new Chairman of the South Central Will be Howard Honaker who I 'm suer will do a great job. Welcome aboard. 

Finally I ask all lodges to hold a soccer shoot so more kids have the opportunity to go to the Mid-Atlantic Regional representing Ohio and having fun.

If you are going to the April Convention please come to the Soccer Seminar so you can see how to put a shoot on. The District Chairman are available to help.

Larry Clement, 
PDDGER Ohio State Soccer Chairman

The Ohio Elks Association, through its lodges across the State host action filled soccer shoot competitions for kids up through U14.

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 the kind of sporting event to help keep our youth focused and away from undesirable activities.

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 known as "U-8" which 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. All ages older than U8 kick at this goal.  Kids ages 8-9 kick from 18 feet.  Kids 10-11 kick from 27 feet and the 12-13 year old kids kick from 36 feet away. 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.