Boys Lacrosse Program Description:
The Springfield Boys Youth Lacrosse Program is designed to introduce boys in Kindergarten through 8th grade to the game of lacrosse by helping them learn and develop lacrosse skills while playing with and against boys of the same ability. Our focus is to teach the fundamentals of the game and sportsmanship in a positive and fun environment.
Our ultimate goal is to instill within the boys an enjoyment, respect and passion for the game of lacrosse equivalent to that of our coaching staff. We expect that the lessons learned on the lacrosse field will enable the boys to continue on to healthy and successful athletic and academic careers. Hopefully in the future, they will return to the lacrosse fields in their communities and “Pay It Forward” to the next generation of lacrosse players.
NOTE - Membership in the SAA is required in order to participate in any of the following boys lacrosse programs:
JUNIOR LAXERS CLINIC
(Open to boys in Kindergarten and First Grade)
The primary purpose of the Jr. Laxer's Clinic is to introduce the sport of lacrosse to our youngest boys and teach them the basic skills of lacrosse in a safe, fun and non-competitive atmosphere (scooping, catching, throwing & cradling).
Each boy is required to provide his own lacrosse stick. No other equipment is required as these are "soft" lacrosse skill clinics. We use soft foam rubber balls and there will be no stick or body checking.
The Jr. Laxers will typically meet four to six times in April and May. The target dates, location and times of the clinic will be posted on this website in March (based on coaching and field availability) and continuously updated based on weather.
For more information, please navigate to the Boys Lacrosse - Jr. Laxers Clinic tab.
INTRAMURAL PROGRAM
(Open to boys in First, Second, Third and Fourth Grades)
The goals of the Intramural Program are to introduce the basic skills and concepts of lacrosse, develop sportsmanship and teamwork and have fun! We achieve this by continuing to develop basic skills and concepts while in a full pads environment that is structured, safe and appropriately competitive.
Each player must supply their own helmet, shoulder pads, arm pads, gloves, stick and mouth guard. Goalie equipment will be provided. In the event that providing equipment is a hardship, please contact any of the SAA Boys Lacrosse Directors.
The Intramural Program will meet once weekly on Saturday or Sunday afternoons, starting in mid-to-late March and ending in late May or early June. The first half of the practice will be instructional; the second half of the practice will be games (8 v 8, short field format). No travel is required. Boys in 3rd and 4th grade who are participating in the SEPYLA Travel Program are strongly encouraged to attend Intramurals.
For more information, please navigate to the Boys Lacrosse - Intramurals tab.
U9 TRAVEL PROGRAM (Open to boys in First, Second and Third Grades)
Our U9 Travel Program is designed as a supplement to our Intramural Program for those boys who want to receive more frequent instruction and compete in games with local recreational teams. Designed for players who are either ineligible for the full travel SEPYLA league because of their young age or those who are making a first commitment with another Spring sport. In order to participant in U9 Travel, the child must already be registered with and participating in the Intramural Program.
The goals of the U9 Travel Program are to immerse players in the basic skills and concepts of lacrosse, develop sportsmanship and teamwork and have fun! We achieve this by holding at least one weekday practice, in addition to the weekend Intramurals Program, and also by competing in local games and tournaments during the months of April and May. The number, frequency and timing of games and tournaments will vary depending on the availability of coaching, competition and fields.
A U9 Travel fee is required in addition to SAA membership.
For more information, please navigate to the Boys Lacrosse - U9 Travel tab.
SEPYLA TRAVEL PROGRAM
(Open to boys in Third through Eighth Grades)
All travel teams will compete in the Southeastern Pennsylvania Youth Lacrosse Association (SEPYLA). Travel teams are organized into the following three major divisions: A level is for 7th and 8th graders, B level is for 5th and 6th graders, and C level is for 3rd and 4th graders. The major divisions are then separated by skill & competitiveness, starting with Level 1 being most advanced and competitive. The A1, B1 and C1 teams compete against some of the most competitive youth lacrosse teams in Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey; therefore, the boys trying out for these teams should be committed to playing lacrosse as their first Spring sport. A2/3, B2/3, and C2 teams generally have a greater disparity of talent with some first year players participating on these teams.
Evaluations for travel teams are held in the Fall or Winter. The travel teams generally practice two evenings per week and play a minimum of one game on the weekends (with travel required for away games and tournaments). Boys trying out for travel teams are expected to make the coaches aware if baseball or other activities may interfere with attending practices, games and tournaments during the upcoming season.
Each player must supply their own helmet, shoulder pads, arm pads, gloves, stick and mouth guard. Goalie equipment will be provided. In the event that providing equipment is a hardship, please contact any of the SAA Boys Lacrosse Directors.
The Travel Program reserves the right to modify the team configurations including adding or dropping a team due to insufficient coaching volunteers. Playing time and team level placement will be affected if an effort is not made to attend or participate in practices, games and tournaments.
A Travel fee is required in addition to SAA membership.
For more information, please navigate to the Boys Lacrosse - SEPYLA Travel tab.
RE: US Lacrosse Memberships
The Springfield Athletic Association and SEPYLA do NOT require players or coaches to carry a US Lacrosse membership. However, a US Lacrosse membership may be required to participate in certain tournaments, camps and club programs and so it can be a useful to invest in an annual Membership. In addition to supporting the national governing body of lacrosse, members receive additional insurance benefits (liability and accident) and a subscription to Lacrosse Magazine.
When either joining or renewing your US Lacrosse membership, please select the Group ID: 2438852, Springfield Boys Youth Lacrosse so that your membership will be linked to the SAA (for boys playing on club teams, you can link your membership to multiple organizations).
More information on US Lacrosse memberships can be found HERE.