MIDDLEBORO — The temperature barely cracked 60, but the soccer balls were coming in hot at the soccer shoot held Sept. 22 at the fields off Purchase Street.

The annual event, sponsored by the Middleboro Elks, gives youngsters ages six to 12 a chance to kick up their heels and test their skills at aiming the balls into the net. They were awarded points based on where the ball landed in the net.

Dozens of youngsters participated, which made Shawn O’Connor of the Middleboro Elks smile.

“This is a great turnout,’’ he said as he saw some children patiently waiting to get in their kicks as others practiced informally. “Kids can come out and take some shots.’’

Calleigh Connors, 10, said the event was well worth a shot. “I love staying with my friends and trying my hardest and getting some goals,’’ she said.

For Madelyn Lovett, 10, who plays on a club team in Taunton, the best part of playing soccer is “getting goals and winning games.’’

Grant Thibeault, 11, wanted to participate because he “loves soccer,’’ his mother, Jen Thibeault, said. He plays on a Middleboro recreational team and the middle school practice squad. 

A chance to play a pick-up game at a campsite with youngsters from Brazil sparked nine-year-old Ronan Flaherty’s enthusiasm for the sport, his family said. “He absolutely loves soccer,’’ his mother, Rebekah Flahery said. And he “loves’’ soccer legend Cristiano Ronaldo, his stepmother Wiara Flaherty noted.

Ewa Wojnarowska was happy to cheer on her daughter, Isabel Wojnarowska, 11.

Playing soccer means “she’s not on the screen. She’s outside with her friends, getting some exercise and working with a team.’’

The competition continues on the district, regional and state level, O’Connor said. Next year, a national competition will be held.

The event reflects the Elks’ commitment to youngsters, who, along with veterans and senior citizens, are especially important to the organization, O’Connor said.

The organization also hosts a hoop shot, which tests youngsters’ basketball skills, in December. 

The soccer shoot is relatively new to the organization but in the past few years, participant numbers are growing, he said. “Soccer has just boomed,’’ he noted.

Winners were Hanna Wojnarowska, under 8 girls; Madelyn Lovett, under 10 girls; Benjamin Tringali, under 10 boys; Abigail Tringali under 12 girls; Owen Borey, under 12 boys; Noelle MacDonald, under 14 girls; and Jack Aucoin, under 14 boys.