Over 80 kids came out to Paloma Creek Park to participate

ATASCADERO — On Saturday, Oct. 15, the Atascadero Elks Lodge hosted their Soccer Shoot competition at Paloma Creek Park in Atascadero. There were 83 kids who came out to the park to show their skills. The Five Goal Contest was for children seven and under (U8), and 30 kids participated. 

Soccer Shoot Chairman Kris Pimentel said of the event, “It’s so fun watching them trying to kick that soccer ball into the goal. The kids were focused and determined to line up the ball and kick it straight.”

The Grid Goal Contest had 53 kids participating, which were under 10 (U-10) to under 14 (U-14) years of age. The day was complete with great weather, donuts in the morning, and pizza for lunch.

“They [kids] all enjoyed trying to get the most points which were higher up the goalpost,” said Pimentel.

The Elks Lodge was grateful to bring back their popular event to the community after pausing for a few years due to the pandemic. They thank the early morning setup crew, check-in crew, scorekeepers, retrieving balls, and the 19 volunteers who came out to support the event. 

Additionally, they thank Zack Self and the San Luis Obispo Lodge #322 for letting them borrow their soccer goal for the grid contest. They issue one more thanks to Luke Knight with the Atascadero Soccer Association for working with the Elks to ensure the word got out about our event to the coaches and parents.

Contributed Photos: