Lacrosse, Community, and Country: Shootout For Soldiers Is Coming to Ocean City!
Save the date! On September 12, 2026, Carey Stadium in Ocean City, NJ, will welcome one of the year’s most exciting and meaningful lacrosse events: Shootout For Soldiers.
Whether you’re a veteran college player, a young kid trying a stick for the first time, or a local expert, this event offers something special for everyone. Registration is now open, and organizers are looking for sponsors and teams to participate.
The Story Behind the Shootout
Shootout for Soldiers began with a simple, powerful idea. In 2012, Baltimore high school students used their love of gaming to support service members. What started as a modest school project has expanded into a significant national movement.
Over the past 14 years, Shootout for Soldiers events nationwide have generated over $6 million. Each dollar goes directly to veteran services organizations, offering concrete, life-changing support to local heroes.
Why Teams of All Levels Need to Register Today
It’s the ultimate way to gear up for the upcoming lacrosse season:
- For Colleges: This is an incredible opportunity to get some early-season work in for Fall Ball. Dust off the summer rust, test out new lineups, and build team chemistry on a championship-grade field.
- For Youth Clubs: There is no better way to kick off your fall season. Bring your teams together to build camaraderie, play competitive games, and bond over a fantastic cause.
- For the Littlest Laxers: Brand new to the game? We will have dedicated clinics for younger kids to learn the fundamentals of throwing, catching, and cradling in a fun, pressure-free environment.
Fun for the Whole Family (With Beach Lacrosse!)
Shootout for Soldiers is a full-scale family festival. When you aren’t on the turf, you can enjoy:
- Local Food & Vendors: Grab some great food and check out the latest gear and local crafts.
- Contests & Prizes: Interactive challenges and contests running throughout the day.
- Beach Lacrosse with Hackees: The crew from Hackees will be on-site with their legendary padded lacrosse sticks! Designed specifically for safe, high-speed play on the sand without heavy gear, beach lacrosse is the ultimate way to enjoy some casual pickup games right by the ocean.
The Highlight: The Veterans Game
The Veterans Game is the emotional highlight of the day, featuring rosters of only military veterans. Seeing these men and women, who have sacrificed so much for our country, wear the pads and play together on the field is an unforgettable and inspiring experience that you won’t want to miss.
Exclusive 2026 Participant Gear
Since 2026 marks America’s historic 250th birthday, Shootout for Soldiers is celebrating in style. Every registered participant will receive:
- A limited-edition game pinnie celebrating America’s Semiquincentennial (250th birthday!).
- An official event t-shirt.
Be a Part of the Mission: To make this event a massive success for our veterans, Shootout for Soldiers is actively seeking local sponsors and teams to register. Whether you want to play, volunteer, or showcase your business as a sponsor, your involvement makes a direct impact. If you any question please reachout to the event director dominick.dougherty@shootoutforsoldiers.com
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can register to play?
Almost anyone can join! The event welcomes boys, girls, men, and women of all ages and skill levels. Teams are thoughtfully paired with opponents of similar age and ability to promote a fun, balanced game.
Can I register as an individual?
Most participants sign up with an existing team, such as a school, club, or college roster. If you don’t have a team but want to participate, you can reach out to the event coordinators at help@shootoutforsoldiers.com to inquire about team matching opportunities.
How do I register as a military veteran?
The signature Veterans Game is completely FREE for all active-duty military members and veterans. Veterans can sign up for their roster directly through the official registration portal.
What is a “Dual-Slot” registration?
A Dual-Slot registration is when a single program or group reserves both sides of a 1-hour time slot. This is perfect for organizing special, internal match-ups—like a Father-Son game, a Mother-Daughter game, or an Alumni vs. Varsity face-off!
How do fundraising and registration fees work?
Each team is requested to meet a fundraising goal to participate, with individual registration fees contributing directly toward that target. Because Shootout for Soldiers is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, all registration fees and donations are tax-deductible and go directly toward supporting our nation’s veterans.
Do spectators have to pay to attend?
No! Attending the event, cheering for the players, exploring the vendors, and enjoying the family festival is free and open to everyone. We invite the South Jersey community to join us at Carey Stadium to show their support.
