Lacrosse America for Boys and Men - www.lacrosseamerica.com

Lacrosse America is an organization that has been dedicated to promoting and expanding lacrosse in the Chicago area for over 14 years.

Spring 2008 will be the 12th season of Lacrosse America’s spring youth lacrosse league offered in a joint effort with the park district. Teams will be grouped by grades and ability level. Emphasis in games will be on skill development, teamwork, sportsmanship, and equal playing time (provided there has been good practice attendance).

Each participant will need all necessary equipment, which can be rented through Lacrosse America.

Season ending tournament dates
May 31st for Lightning, June 1st for Bantams, June 7th for Juniors.

Towns That Have Lacrosse America Boys Spring Programs.
The Numbers after each town represent the grades that are available.

Divisions

Pee Wees Grades 1-2
Boys in grades 1-2 will participate in an instructional, fun program that will meet once a week, introducing them to the game of lacrosse. All players will learn stick skills, rules and fundamentals in a fun environment through drills and scrimmages. All 1st and 2nd grade boys need their own lacrosse stick, mouth guard. Gloves and a helmet are required and may be rented through Lacrosse America. Experienced 2nd graders may tryout for the Bantams.

Bantams Grades 3-4
Beginning and experienced players will meet twice a week (see times below) and will be coached in the individual skills and team concepts. Fundamentals of the game will be taught through drills and scrimmages, making this program challenging and fun for all skill levels. Games will be scheduled after the third week of practice. Games will replace the weekend practice times. Experienced 4th graders may tryout for the Lightning division.

Lightning Grades 5-6
This lacrosse program is open to players of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced players. Two weeknight practices and a weekend game will be scheduled each week. Emphasis in games will be on skill development, teamwork, sportsmanship, and equal playing time (provided there has been good practice attendance). Experienced 6th graders may try out for the Juniors and should show up for the first junior practice to be considered.

Junior A & B Grades 7-8
This lacrosse program is open to players of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced players. Two weeknight practices and at least one weekend game will be scheduled each week. The Junior A level will have tryouts the first week of the program. Attendance is a must to be considered for the Junior A program. The Junior B division will be open to all players who do not wish to participate in or are not selected to the Junior A division. Both levels are ideal to learn and develop the skills necessary to play lacrosse. Emphasis in games will be on skill development, teamwork, sportsmanship, and equal playing time (provided there has been good practice attendance).

WE NEED COACHES!!!

With the rapid expansion of this league, we will need the help of coaches for each team. A Lacrosse America coach will be at each practice and game to help with instruction, so a lacrosse background is not as important as the enthusiasm and leadership needed to coach. We will be holding lacrosse coaching clinics in late March and early April for anyone interested in helping. For more information or to volunteer to coach please contact one of our directors at the Highland Park store 847-926-0067 (Gary or Ken) or Downers Grove store 630-437-5550 (Zach or Mike).

Game schedules for Grades 3-8

All schedules and information will be posted at lacrosseamerica.com Games will be scheduled after the second week of practice (3rd week for grades 3 & 4). Games will replace the weekend practice times. Some games will be away. Season-ending tournament the last weekend of the program. No lacrosse Memorial Day weekend unless make-ups are necessary. (8 wks)

Please pick up your equipment prior to your first practice.

Grades 1-2	Helmets, Gloves, Mouth piece, and protective cup.
Grades 3-8	Helmet, Shoulder pads, Arm pads, Gloves, Mouth piece, and protective cup.
All the above pads can be rented for the season through Lacrosse America for $70 or purchased at competitive rataes. If you buy all the pads we offer a 20% discount. Grades 1-2 will need to rent only helmets and gloves for $30. * Hockey pads are acceptable, however we recommend lacrosse gloves due to the flexible thumbs. Players should sign up for their current grade level. If a player would like to be considered for a higher level, they must attend the first practice of the level they'd like to be considered for. (ie. If an experienced 4th Grader wants to be considered for "Lightning", he should sign up for "Bantams", but attend the first day of "Lightning" practice. The first week of practice will serve as tryouts.)