Soccer Shoot Director

George Jones (Augusta Elks Lodge #964)

Each year, the Elks across Maine sponsor a Soccer Shoot Contest, that gives youngsters an opportunity for spirited competition and fine relationships with their peers.   Though the program is no longer a "National" competition, the Maine Ekls continue to offer the program to youngsters here in Maine

Each fall, local Lodges hold a Soccer Shoot, to determine the winners that will advance to the State Contest, held at the Augusta Elks Lodge.

The competitors are broken down into 4 age groups:

• U-8 for ages 7 and under
• U-10 for ages 8 & 9
• U-12 for ages 10 & 11
• U-14 for ages 12

There are two competitions. A five goal contest and a grid-goal contest. The five-goal contest is designed for the U-8 and U-10 age groups. This contest consists of a series of 5 goals. The contestants are given 3 shots at each goal.  Points are awarded for each successful shot.:

• 1 point for each successful shot at the  48" goal
• 2 points for each successful shot at the 40" goal
• 3 points for each successful shot at the 34" goal
• 4 points for each successful shot at the 26" goal
• 5 points for each successful shot at the 17" goal

The grid goal competition  is designed for the  U-12 and U-14 groups. This competition consists of a grid across a full size 24' soccer goal. Points are awarded for various areas of the goal. Points range from 1 point in the center, to as many as 5 points in the top corners. The contest consists of 15 shots from a distance of 36 feet from the goal.

Winners are determined by their total score, with the highest score being declared the winner.