Kevin Garrison, PDDGER
Wooster #1346

The Ohio Elks Association State Soccer Shoot will be held in Norwalk Ohio on 14 November 2026 at xTreme Fitness and Sports. All of our district chairs have been very busy planning the district shoots in each district and the champions from each district will advance to our state shoot in November. From there, we will be taking the state champions to the Mid-Atlantic

Regional shoot in York Pa in March 2027. Last year we took a full contingent of champions to York, and all had a great time. Our kids have a great time competing, and this activity is one that keeps our kids focused on wholesome activities and helps promote not only physical fitness, but also strengthens the principles of sportsmanship.

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.

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-olds kick from 36 feet away. The contest is open to both boys and girls, and they shoot separately.

Winners at each contest are eligible to advance to the next level of competition. The levels are Local Lodge, District, State, and Region. Winners at both the State and Region levels will have their scores sent to the national level to determine a National Champion in each of the age and gender groups.

The Elks Soccer Shoot Program is a terrific program for our youth, and the future of our country. Please make sure your lodge participates in this program. If you need help with a lodge shoot, please reach out to your district chair or myself, we are all here to help you any way we can