PHILOSOPHY AND FOCUS
The focus of this team will be to teach the fundamental skill sets involved in lacrosse. It will be conducted in a safe, fun environment where the kids can learn the key skills of lacrosse to prepare them for future playing in the U11 league.

PRACTICES
Practice will be held once a week beginning the week of April 23rd and will run for 6 weeks. Time and location will be determined soon.

EQUIPMENT FOR BOYS AND GIRLS
The Equipment needed will be a regulation lacrosse stick (either regular size or the slightly smaller youth size), a mouthpiece and plastic eye goggles (similar to the girls program goggles). Since this will be a non contact environment there is no need to purchase Helmets, pads, lacrosse gloves, etc., as the U11 team is required.

GAMES Since this is an instructional clinic series we will not be conducting games on the weekends, but will instead focus our efforts on learning the fundamental skills during our once a week practice.

COSTS
The registration fee will be $50 which included a mandatory fee for membership with the National Federation of Lacrosse Programs, which the Westford Youth Lacrosse participates in.

Westford Youth Lacrosse Spring 2007 Season

What age groups participate in Westford Youth Lacrosse?
Westford Youth Lacrosse hopes to have 3 groups of teams for both boys and girls: "11u" or Under 11 (3rd and 4th grade), "13u" or Under 13 (5th and 6th grade), and "15u" or Under 15 (7th and 8th grade). A child who may be 14 but is in high school cannot play in the league. For the last two springs, we have also offered a 9u program. The application for this process will be introduced in February and is different.

What is the cost?
The registration fee is $110 per player. The fee includes US Lacrosse Membership ($20), insurance, game jersey, shorts, practice reversible, field upkeep, Jamboree entrance fee and league fees. Checks should be made out to Westford Youth Lacrosse.

When is the season? When are the Games? Do they practice?
The Youth Lacrosse Season starts during the first week of April and goes through the second weekend of June. The games are primarily played at 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Sundays. Practices are normally held two time during the week and are subject to the coaches schedule.

How many games are played? Are all the games in Westford?
Each team should play at least 11 games between April 1st and the second weekend of June. Westford Youth Lacrosse belongs to the Massachusetts Bay Youth Lacrosse League (MBYLL) Northwest Division. The other towns in that division include: Acton, Bedford, Billerica, Chelmsford, Concord, Groton, Harvard, Lexington, Sudbury, Tyngsboro, Winchester. Each team should have 4 home games and 4 away games. Westford has also participated in the MBYLL Jamboree each spring. The Jamboree falls during the first two weekends of June and is held at different locations for the boys and girls. The fee for the Jamboree is included in the initial $110 fee. Each team will play three abbreviated games and they will all be held one of the 4 days of the Jamboree, so you will only make the trip once.

Do I need to fill out both the Westford Youth Lacrosse Application and the U.S. Lacrosse Application?
No. Westford Youth Lacrosse (WYL) participates in the Massachusetts Bay Youth Lacrosse League (MBYLL). Each WYL player must be a member of U.S. Lacrosse to play in the MBYLL. Are application has incorporated the important statements from U.S. Lacrosse that must be accepted by each parent or guardian.

Why do you ask for both Date of Birth and Grade?
We have found through experience that players like to play with people in their grade. MBYLL allows players to play in an older league (if the parent wishes) to be with their classmates but does NOT allow players to play below their age range. So, does my child automatically get moved up to play with their grade? Not necessarily. A player’s age overrides their grade and the amount of space in an age group my keep us from moving a player from one level to another.

If I request a position for my 13 or 14 year-old, will that guarantee that he/she will play that position?
Not necessarily. We will make every effort to place players where they would like to play but most often will shuttle players between two positions to balance the team.

How much is the equipment?
The equipment necessary is different for the girls and the boys. Girls need goggles, mouthguards and a stick. Many have purchased close fitting gloves. Boys need a helmet, mouthguard, shoulder pads, arm pads, gloves and a stick. Girls can normally get packages in the $150 range (including stick). Boys' packages are normally $200 or more (including stick). Westford Youth Lacrosse has worked with equipment suppliers in the past to provide deals to Westford Youth Parents.

Last year we purchased a uniform included in our fee, how come we can't use that again and save that portion of the fee?
Over the first four years, we have tested different systems for uniforms, a system that allowed parents to rent uniforms for the season did not work to the satisfaction of the Westford Youth Lacrosse Board and the volunteer coaches. We are continually tinkering with this system and any suggestion would be welcome.

How can I help?
Please inform us if you would like to help, as we are all volunteers running Westford Youth Lacrosse. We are doing our best to provide an excellent growing experience for all involved. There are many roles that need to be filled to make each team whole and help each coach run their team efficiently. Thanks for your interest.