Soccer Shoot

Connecticut is the home of the Soccer Shoot, a contest for youth encouraging soccer skills. The Elks Soccer Shoot Program is a terrific program for our youth, the future of our country. See if this program is available in your area by contacting the local lodge near you.

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Soccer Shoot History

The Elk’s “Soccer Shoot” began over 37 years ago when Francis A Joyce developed a program different from the successful Elk’s “Hoop-Shoot” contest.

He was a dedicated member of the New Britain Lodge 957 where he served as an officer in many capacities for 34 consecutive years. Mr. Joyce was a Past State President and served for many years with the Grand Lodge (the National Organization). In 1983 he was appointed to the Grand Lodge Youth Activities Committee and served for 6 years (the last 2 as Chairman). It was at this time he developed his idea to create a program that would give access for youth participation in a competitive environment. A competition in a different sport and different season. He wanted a program that all could compete in.

In is younger years he played several sports, but his passion was basketball. He played in school and then in industrial leagues before becoming a referee. He knew that basketball limited the participation or interest for many.

He realized that the interest in soccer (mind you this was 37 years ago) was growing at an alarming rate. Schools were promoting the sport and communities were developing youth soccer leagues. Kicking accuracy would play a part in this upcoming sport. Hence forth came the 5-goal competition. A design that could be used indoor or outdoor.

The first shoot-out was held in New Britain, CT in 1984. After which Mr. Joyce traveled throughout the State to different Lodges with Bob Hansen promoting the contest and showing them how to run the program in their communities. It was so successful that neighboring States started to run local programs which turned into State contest.

In 1997 the first regional contest was held in Troy, New York which included all the New England States and was adopted by the Grand Lodge in 1998 as a nationwide Elks Youth Program.

The larger goal system was introduced by the New Jersey Elks Association for older participants and over the years was modified by all the Regional Directors to the standards of today.

Franny had a dream—a dream that came true. If he were here today, he would smile and say thank you.

Thank you to all the shooters——to all the parents for their support——-and to all the volunteers that have made the Elks Soccer Shoot what it is today.

~ Robert W. Hanson Jr.
PCBOGT, PGLIG, PGLCC, PSDGER, PSP

Committee Contact Information

Thomas Matthews PER
(860) 738-7450
85 Rock St.
Winsted, CT 06098-1510
State Chairman
Ann Marie Ortolan
(203) 988-1313
18 Spruce Glenn Terrace
Wallingford, CT 06492
Central District
Dave Williams PER
(203) 843-6123
534 West River St.
Milford, CT 06461
Coastal District
Mary Hill
(860) 912-7485
91 Crown Knoll Ct. Unit 129
Groton, CT 06340-6292
East District
Paul Tesz PER
(860) 882-4379
16 Wilbur Dr.
Newington, CT 06111
Northwest District

Important Forms and Manuals

Your age as of January 1, 2023*

Classifications:

7 & Under (U-8) Minimum age 4

 8 & 9 (U-10)

10 & 11 (U-12)

12 & 13 (U-14)

14 & 15 (U-16)** 

**U-16 is local level only.  Winners do not move on to district, state, or Area 1 competitions.  

Any Questions or Comments, send them to State Chairman, or any of the district Chairs. Thank You!

2023 District Soccer Shoot Locations

East District – October 1, 2023 at Groton Lodge

700 Shennecossett Rd., Groton, CT 06340
Registration 10 am, Shoot at 1030

Central District – October 8, 2023 at Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park

995B East Center St., Wallingford, CT 06492

9 am registration, 10 am shoot starts


Coastal District – October 1, 2023 at Goooal Sports, Stratford

1791 Stratford Ave., Stratford , CT 06461

Registration 5 pm, Shoot at 5:30 pm
Indoor cleats or sneakers only


Northwest District – October 1, 2023 at The Pearson Middle School
2 Wetmore Ave, Winsted CT
Registration 10:30am Competition 11 am

All participants must bring a copy of their birth certificate to participate.
Please forward me all your winner’s information when you have it complete.

CT State Soccer Shoot

October 15, 2023 at Sports World
226 Main St. 
East Windsor, CT 06088
860-254-5137
Registration at 9:30 am (bring a copy of contestant’s birth certificate)
Competition at 10:30 am
No outdoor cleats allowed.

Area 1 Soccer Shoot

November 3-5, 2023
Sports World
226 Main St.
East Windsor, CT 06088
860-254-5137

Registration at 9:30 am
All contestants must bring a copy of their birth certificate to participate.

Host Lodge:
Enfield Lodge No. 2222
138 N. Maple St..
Enfield, CT 06082

Contestant/State Director Hotels:

Maine-Vermont- New Hampshire-Massachusetts
Double Tree by Hilton
16 Ella Grasso Turnpike
Windsor Locks, CT 06096

New York- Rhode Island-Connecticut
Fairfield Inn and Suites Hartford Airport
2 Loten Dr.
Windsor Locks, CT 06096

Dignitaries and other guests Hotel
Courtyard by Marriott Hartford Windsor
1 Day Hill Rd.
Windsor Locks, CT 06095

Room rate – $141/night: Meals – $35 (3 meals)

All checks make payable to: Connecticut Elks Association Charities Inc.
Do not contact the hotel – all reservations should be sent to:

Rick Martyn PDD
305 Church St.
Wethersfield CT 06109-2207
860-462-6467