A youth soccer shootout organized by the Potsdam Elks Lodge drew 66 young athletes from four age brackets — U8, U10, U12 and U14 — to the fields of Potsdam High School on a bright Saturday morning.
Division Champions
In the youngest group, Elizabeth Russell captured first place on the girls’ side, while Jaxson Boeitcher earned top honors among the boys. The U10 category saw Margaret Zahler and Koa Shyaka rise to the top, and in the U12 division Aubrey LaVoie and Luke Stone were celebrated for their precision.
The U14 competition produced its own set of standouts: Nora claimed the girls’ title and Gaston LaCourse took the boys’ crown, each securing a spot in the upcoming District contest.
Path Forward
All first‑place finishers will travel to the Lowville Elks Lodge on September 20 to compete against peers from neighboring communities, continuing a tradition that began with the lodge’s early community‑service roots.
The success of the shootout was made possible by a dedicated crew of volunteers, including Fallon O’Neil, Mike Neaton and other members of Elks Lodge #2074, who handled setup, scoring and hospitality.
Lodge officials praised the participants’ sportsmanship and highlighted the event as a showcase of local youth talent, expressing optimism that the upcoming district meet will further strengthen community ties.