Soccer Shoot

The Elks Soccer Shoot Program is one of the more popular programs we conduct in our organization. Soccer, as many of us have seen throughout our communities, is the fastest-growing sport in the United States today. Soccer is one sport that allows ALL youth to participate. From toddlers to teens, in our large urban centers to our small suburban settings, soccer is becoming the sport of choice for our youth.

We as Elks have a perfect opportunity to interact with our youth in this new exciting beginning. By coordinating our programs on the local, district and state levels, we can promote this new program and assuredly receive resounding success. As with our "Hoop Shoot" program, planning -- organization and execution of the program -- must be achieved in order to obtain the highest levels of participation of our young people.

Therefore, we must promote our program on various levels. It will need the support of your local media -- newspapers, radio, etc. -- your school systems, parents, coaches and most of all, the youth in your communities.

It is important that there be appointed Soccer Shoot Committees at all levels, members who are interested in promoting the sport of soccer, promoting our organization and promoting our youth. On all levels -- local, district and state -- utilizing those who have participated in this program is vital. Also, try to incorporate coaches or physical education personnel into your committee. Utilize people who kids know and can relate to.

Most of the current Soccer Shoot programs are currently run in the late summer and into the fall. Every Exalted Ruler should appoint his Soccer Shoot chairman at the beginning of each new Lodge year. The appointee’s name along with address, zip code and telephone number should be submitted to your district and state chairman in order for your local Lodge to receive program information needed to run the complete program.

More information can be obtained from your area Grand Lodge Youth Activities committeeman.