On Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 10 AM, the Rochester Elks #1393 held its annual Youth Soccer Shoot at the Roger Allen Park Soccer Field. Ten boys and girls from the local area participated in the competition. The first-place winners will advance to the State Elks Association Contest in Nashua on Sunday, October 6, 2024.
The competition was directed by Esteemed Lecturing Knight Ken Verhelle from the Rochester Lodge. Seventeen Elks members and one volunteer dedicated their time to make the event a success.
Divisions & Winners:
- Girls – 7 & Under
1st Place – Colbie Bellows - Boys – 7 & Under
1st Place – Lincoln Partridge
2nd Place – Maxwell Redden - Girls – 8 & 9
1st Place – Maia Linck - Boys – 8 & 9
1st Place – Boyd Partridge - Girls – 10 & 11
1st Place – Bailey Bellows - Boys – 10 & 11
1st Place – Gavin Linck
2nd Place – Tanner Redden - Boys – 12 & 13
1st Place – Gael Linck - Girls – 14 & 15
1st Place – Griffin Demers
The Elks Soccer Shoot program includes two contests that test skills at different levels based on age. The “Five Goal Contest” consists of a series of five goals, decreasing in size from 48 inches to 17 inches. This contest is for U-8 age groups (7 years and under). Boys and girls compete separately, and contestants kick from 15 feet away from the face of the goal.
The “Grid Goal Contest” uses a full-size goal divided into sections, where points are scored based on which section the ball is kicked into. This contest is for U-10 (ages 8 and 9), U-12 (ages 10 and 11), and U-14 (ages 12 and 13). Boys and girls compete separately.
Congratulations to all the winners and participants for making it a fantastic event for the Lodge and surrounding communities. Best of luck to the winners as they head to the State-level competition in Nashua.
For more information about the Elks and their programs, please visit www.elks.org.