Eight from Elks Soccer Shoot now move on to state tournament in Lebanon, N.H.

Paticipants and organizers pose for a picture during last Saturday at Roger Allen Field in Rochester (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - The Rochester Elks held its annual Lodge Youth Soccer Shoot on Sunday with 18 local children in the various age groups participating.

The event, held at noon at the Roger Allen Park, was chaired by Jeff Rasmussen, Lecturing Knight.

Lodge volunteers included: Deanna Souza, Jeanne Bernard, Janice Tagen, Harry Tagen, Matt Sanborn, John and Julie Stevens, Peter and Tisha Ducharme, Rod Gaskell, Don Chesnel and Teresa Rasmussen.

The winners from each age group are as follows:

1^st place U8 Dawson Hall Boys

1^st place U10 Wilfred Roy Boys

1^st place U12 Gael Linck Boys

1^st place U16 Logan Crosby Boys

1^st place U8 Maia Linck Girls

1^st place U10 Claire Ducluzeau Girls

1^st place U12 Allison Bastien Girls

1^st place U14 Griffin Demers Girls

These winners will now compete in the State Contest, to be held in Lebanon, N.H., on Oct. 2,

The Elks Soccer Shoot program consists of two different contests open to girls and boys: Five Goal Contest: consists of a series of five goals, decreasing in size from 48 inches to 17 inches. The five goal contest is for U-8, which includes ages seven years old and younger. Grid Goal Contest: consists of a full-size goal sectioned off so points can be scored when the ball is kicked into certain sections. The age groups that use this goal are U-10,ages eight to nine, U-12, ages ten to 11, U-14, ages 12 to 13, and U-16 ages 14 and 15.

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.

For more information about the Elks, please visit www.elks.org