Q: What is Lynnfield Youth Lacrosse?
Lynnfield Youth Lacrosse (LYL) offers team-based lacrosse programs for boys and girls grades 1-8, and a Learn-to-Play program for boys and girls in kindergarten. All kids who live or go to school in Lynnfield are eligible. If a town doesn't offer a lacrosse program, a player may play for a neighboring town. Lynnfield Girls and Boys Youth Lacrosse are both members of Massachusetts Youth Lacrosse ("MYL") Northeast Division.
Q: Who are the coaches?
All coaches receive background (CORI) checks and are certified by MYL and US Lacrosse, and have received online Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) training. Also, a certified trainer is on location for all home games.
Q: Is Lynnfield Youth lacrosse oriented toward recreation or is it highly competitive?
The core of Lynnfield Youth Lacrosse centers on the MYL “Classic” teams, which aims to provide each player with equal time and attention to honing their skills in a fun, instructive environment. These teams generally have two practices per week and play games on Sundays against teams from other local communities participating in the league. Players are assigned to a division based on school grade.
Classic teams do not keep standings and there are no playoffs but participate in a annual jamboree at the end of the season.
For more experienced and committed players looking to complement the Classic experience with more competitive games, “Select” teams are offered for players beginning in 5th grade. Tryouts for the U13 and U15 Select teams are held in mid-March and games are typically on Friday nights and Saturdays. All MYL Select teams play a 7-game schedule and participate in the end of season championship tournament. MBGLL invites the top four Select teams to participate in their playoffs.
LYL also offers Learn-to-Lax for kindergarten students who want to learn the basics of the game. We will provide a fun, shortened season of basic skills with a focus on catching, passing, cradling and shooting.
Q: Where and when are winter skills sessions?
Girls and boys indoor Winter Skills sessions begin in January. These sessions run weekly on Mondays through early March. Outdoor practices begin in mid-March or as weather allows.
Q: Where and when are outdoor practices?
Practices are typically held on weekday evenings at Lynnfield High School.
Actual times and locations vary by team. This information will be distributed as soon as it is available.
Q: What about the game schedule?
Our teams play from April into June. MYL Classic games are played on Sundays.
MYL Select games play Friday nights.
If makeup games are necessary, we try to schedule them during normal practice times.
Q: What equipment do I need?
Girls are required to have:
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A regulation youth or women’s lacrosse stick. Regulations vary by Girls and age group.
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Approved lacrosse goggles. Visit uslacrosse.org for more information.
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A colored mouth guard.
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Gloves are optional. They look a little like soccer goalie gloves. Do not buy boys lacrosse gloves.
Boys are required to have:
Q: Where can I buy Lacrosse equipment?
Both Lacrosse Unlimited (136 Andover Street, Danvers, 978-777-5299) and COMLAX (139 Endicott Street, Danvers, 978-739-2310) have reasonably priced starter sets and other equipment.
Dynamik Sports in Reading, Play it Again Sports, Modell's, Dick's and the other sporting goods stores are also good places to purchase equipment. We also try to have a Used Equipment Swap where players can get used lacrosse equipment at little or no cost. More details coming soon.
Q: How much travel is involved with Lacrosse?
Most MYL games are played against other programs from the North Shore, generally no further than a 30 minute drive. The Jamboree is played in Devens, Massachusetts.
Q: How long is the season?
Lynnfield Youth Lacrosse takes great pride in our Winter Skills program, which begins in January and runs through mid March when outdoor practices begin. The first games of the season typically occur in early April and the season concludes with the Jamboree in mid June.
Q: What is the Winter Skills program?
Our skills program puts the stick in the hands of our players months before taking the field, helping players of every skill level develop their ability with an indoor skills and drills program.
Q: What is the Jamboree?
All LYL Classic teams participate in an end-of-season Jamboree where they play games against teams from across Massachusetts.
Both the boys and girls participate in the MYL Jamboree in Devens which is the largest Youth Lacrosse Jamboree in the country. Over 480 teams play on at least 12 different fields from 8:00 AM in the morning till 6:00 PM at night over two weekends. Each team will have 3 games. There is lacrosse equipment sales, food and beverage, games, clinics, and much more. It is a not to be missed event.
Q: My son/daughter plays another sport during the spring. Will this be a problem?
Lynnfield does not require a player to be a lacrosse player exclusively. Some of our players, especially at the U9 and U11 levels, play another spring sport and this is not a problem as long as the coach is informed. We do ask that players make at least one of the two practices per week. If a player simply shows up for games, coaches and parents will address together. But as the players get older emphasis on practice time increases. At the U13 and U15 levels coaches are given the opportunity to make decisions about playing time based on practice attendance. For the most part, this is based on safety and fairness to players who have made lacrosse their spring sport of choice. At the U15 level, almost all of the players have chosen lacrosse as their spring sport of choice. We understand that in some cases a player's winter sport runs over into the early spring and conflicts happen. All we ask is that you inform your child's coach and provide them with as much notice as possible.
Q: Where do I buy the uniform?
This information is distributed in January/February. We also hold at least one sizing event should you need to try on a sample to get the correct size. Players must be assigned a number by our uniform coordinator. The player will keep this number throughout their years with Lynnfield Youth Lacrosse.
Q: Cool logo! How can I get Lynnfield Youth Lacrosse apparel?
Check out our link that says Swag.
Q: Does Lynnfield Youth Lacrosse have a fundraiser? Seriously, how many raffle tickets do I have to buy?
Lynnfield Youth Lacrosse does not have a raffle but we are always trying to find ways to raise money so we can keep registration costs low for our members. Keep an eye out for announcements about LYL parties.
Q: My kid can’t get enough lacrosse! Are there other opportunities available that complement their Lynnfield Youth Lacrosse experience?
Yes, there are several clinics, fall and winter leagues and club teams available. Please visit the “Camps and Clinics” page of our website and contact your coach or a league administrator for more information.
Q: How can I learn more about lacrosse?
Come watch and support our local Lynnfield High School programs. Division 1 NCAA lacrosse is often on ESPNU every Saturday in the Spring and it's a great way to see the game played at a high level. And LYL does a family day the professional MLL Boston Cannons once a year. Plus, there is always great content online.
Q: This sport is awesome! How can I get involved?
Lynnfield Youth Lacrosse is a 100% volunteer organization so your offer to help will not fall on deaf ears.
Coaches are always needed. If you do not have any prior knowledge of the game we will pair you with someone who does.
We also need people to help on game days by providing field support (timers and field administration) or working in the Snack Shack.
If you have additional questions, please email us at lynnfieldyouthlax@gmail.com
