How will the merger of Georgia Swarm Box League and Atlanta Box Lacrosse Association impact youth lacrosse in Atlanta. What opportunities does the new Swarm Box League offer for young players. Why is box lacrosse considered beneficial for skill development.
The Birth of Swarm Box League: A Landmark Merger in Atlanta’s Lacrosse Scene
In a groundbreaking move set to revolutionize the youth lacrosse landscape in Atlanta, the Georgia Swarm Box League and the Atlanta Box Lacrosse Association (ABLA) have joined forces. This strategic partnership has given birth to the Swarm Box League (SBL), poised to become the premier box lacrosse league in metro Atlanta. The inaugural season of this newly merged league is scheduled to commence in December 2023 and conclude in late January 2024.
The merger brings together two influential organizations in the Atlanta lacrosse community. The ABLA, established in 2013, has been a driving force in promoting box lacrosse in the region, with an impressive annual participation of over 700 players. By combining resources and expertise with the Georgia Swarm, a professional lacrosse team, the SBL aims to elevate Atlanta’s status as the epicenter of box lacrosse in the Southern United States.
Expanding Opportunities: SBL’s Inclusive Approach to Youth Lacrosse
One of the most exciting aspects of the Swarm Box League is its commitment to inclusivity. The league will cater to boys and girls of all ages, ensuring that every young lacrosse enthusiast has the opportunity to participate and develop their skills. This inclusive approach is expected to significantly boost participation numbers and foster a diverse and vibrant lacrosse community in Atlanta.
Players can look forward to competing at the state-of-the-art Silverbacks Indoor facility, located at 4285 Brogdon Exchange NE, Suwanee, GA 30024. This venue will serve as the primary battleground for the SBL’s exciting matches and tournaments.
Flexible Registration Options
- Individual player registration
- Team registration
- Opportunities to join training academies
- Chance to compete on the Jr. Swarm team
The SBL offers flexible registration options to accommodate various preferences and skill levels. Players can sign up individually or as part of a pre-formed team, allowing friends and teammates to continue playing together in this new league format.
Professional Guidance: Learning from the Best in the Game
A standout feature of the Swarm Box League is the unprecedented access to professional expertise. Young players will have the unique opportunity to learn from some of the world’s best lacrosse players through specialized training academies. These sessions are designed to cater to all skill levels, from beginners taking their first steps in the sport to advanced players looking to refine their techniques.
Who will be leading these training academies? The academies will be conducted by professional players from the Georgia Swarm, ensuring that participants receive top-tier instruction and insights directly from active professionals competing at the highest level of the sport.
Elite Coaching Opportunities
- One-on-one training with pro players
- Group sessions focusing on specific skills
- Tactical workshops led by experienced coaches
- Mentorship programs for aspiring athletes
In addition to player development, the SBL is committed to nurturing coaching talent in the region. Ed Comeau, the head coach of the Georgia Swarm, will be available to provide instruction and guidance to local lacrosse coaches. This initiative aims to elevate the overall quality of coaching in Atlanta, creating a ripple effect that will benefit players at all levels.
The Box Lacrosse Advantage: Enhancing Player Development
Box lacrosse, often referred to as indoor lacrosse, offers unique benefits that can significantly enhance a player’s overall skill set. The confined playing area and fast-paced nature of the game create an environment that challenges players in ways that traditional field lacrosse cannot match.
Why is box lacrosse considered advantageous for player development? The accelerated pace of play in box lacrosse demands quick decision-making and rapid execution of skills. Players are required to think and act faster, improving their cognitive abilities and reaction times. Additionally, the smaller playing surface encourages more frequent touches on the ball, allowing players to develop their stick skills more rapidly.
Key Benefits of Box Lacrosse
- Improved stick handling in tight spaces
- Enhanced shooting accuracy due to smaller goals
- Increased physicality and toughness
- Better off-ball movement and spatial awareness
- Versatility in playing both offense and defense
Andy Arlotta, Co-Owner and President of the Georgia Swarm, emphasizes the importance of box lacrosse in skill development: “With the accelerated pace of play, the ability for players to play both offense and defense, and the tighter spacing which requires different stick skills, box lacrosse is a great way to enhance a player’s skills.”
Beyond the Local Scene: National Opportunities for Atlanta’s Youth
The Swarm Box League is not just about local competition; it’s also a gateway to national recognition and opportunities. One of the most exciting prospects for young players in the SBL is the chance to compete on the Jr. Swarm team, which participates in the national box lacrosse tournament held annually in Toronto.
This exposure to high-level competition on a national stage can be invaluable for young athletes. It provides them with the opportunity to test their skills against top talent from across North America, gain experience in high-pressure situations, and potentially catch the eye of college recruiters or professional scouts.
Benefits of National Tournament Participation
- Exposure to diverse playing styles and strategies
- Opportunity to represent Atlanta on a national stage
- Development of mental toughness and competitive spirit
- Networking with players and coaches from other regions
- Potential for college recruitment opportunities
The inclusion of this national tournament opportunity underscores the SBL’s commitment to providing a comprehensive development pathway for young lacrosse players in Atlanta. It’s not just about local success; it’s about preparing athletes for potential careers in collegiate or professional lacrosse.
The Vision for Atlanta: Becoming the Box Lacrosse Hub of the South
The merger between the Georgia Swarm Box League and the ABLA is driven by a shared vision: to establish Atlanta as the undisputed center of box lacrosse in the Southern United States. This ambitious goal is supported by the combined resources, expertise, and passion of both organizations.
Ryan Covert, the founder of ABLA, articulates this vision clearly: “ABLA players now have access to the world’s best players, coaches, and referees that can help build Atlanta into the box lacrosse hub of the South.” This statement underscores the potential impact of this merger on the lacrosse landscape in Atlanta and beyond.
Steps Towards Becoming a Lacrosse Hub
- Increasing participation through inclusive programs
- Developing top-tier coaching talent
- Hosting regional and national tournaments
- Creating pathways to professional lacrosse
- Fostering partnerships with schools and community organizations
By leveraging the professional expertise of the Georgia Swarm and the grassroots network established by the ABLA, the Swarm Box League is well-positioned to achieve this ambitious goal. The focus on youth development, coupled with access to professional resources, creates a unique ecosystem that can nurture talent from the beginner level all the way to the professional ranks.
The Bigger Picture: Impact on North American Lacrosse
While the immediate focus of the Swarm Box League is on developing youth lacrosse in Atlanta, the potential implications of this merger extend far beyond the local scene. As part of the National Lacrosse League (NLL) family, the Georgia Swarm’s involvement in youth development aligns with broader efforts to grow the sport across North America.
The NLL, founded in 1986, has become the third most-attended professional indoor sport worldwide, trailing only the NHL and NBA. This level of popularity underscores the growing appeal of box lacrosse and highlights the potential for initiatives like the SBL to contribute to the sport’s continued growth.
NLL’s Expanding Footprint
- 15 franchises across the United States and Canada
- Recent expansion to new markets like Fort Worth and Las Vegas
- Growing media presence and broadcast partnerships
- Increasing international player representation
As the SBL develops talent and increases participation in Atlanta, it could serve as a model for other NLL franchises looking to establish strong youth development programs in their respective markets. This grassroots approach, combined with the professional infrastructure of the NLL, has the potential to accelerate the growth of box lacrosse across North America.
Georgia Swarm Box League Announces Merger with the Atlanta Box Lacrosse
Georgia Swarm Box League Announces Merger with the Atlanta Box Lacrosse | Georgia Swarm Pro Lacrosse Team
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July 6, 2023
DULUTH, GA. (July 6, 2023) – The Georgia Swarm Box League and the Atlanta Box Lacrosse Association (ABLA) recently announced a partnership which will merge the two organizations into the premier box lacrosse league in metro Atlanta. The combined league will be known as the Swarm Box League (SBL) and will begin play in December 2023 and conclude in late January 2024.
The Swarm Box League (SBL) will provide leagues for boys and girls of all ages. The ABLA has had more than 700 players participate annually, and this merger will help Atlanta become the hub of box lacrosse in the South.
The SBL will play its games at Silverbacks Indoor (4285 Brogdon Exchange NE, Suwanee, GA 30024.) Registration and additional information can be found here.
“We couldn’t be more excited about joining forces with the ABLA to grow box lacrosse in Atlanta. From my involvement in youth lacrosse with my own son, I know that there is tremendous desire for young players to play indoor lacrosse,” said Andy Arlotta, Co-Owner and President of the Georgia Swarm. “With the accelerated pace of play, the ability for players to play both offense and defense, and the tighter spacing which requires different stick skills, box lacrosse is a great way to enhance a player’s skills. We witnessed this firsthand while operating Minnesota’s Youth Box League which featured over 1,200 players annually.”
Interested players can register as individuals or as a team. In addition to playing league games, players will have the opportunity to register for individualized training academies with professional Swarm players and to compete on the Jr.
Swarm team, which travels to Toronto for the national box lacrosse tournament each summer. These training academies allow young players – from beginners to advanced – to learn the fundamentals from the world’s best lacrosse players, right here in Atlanta. Swarm head coach Ed Comeau will also be available for instruction with local lacrosse coaches to grow the game of box lacrosse.
“The ABLA was formed to facilitate box lacrosse games in Atlanta in 2013 and spread box lacrosse in the South. That vision continues today with our decision to join forces with the Georgia Swarm to continue the growth of box lacrosse by utilizing their vast resources and expertise,” stated Ryan Covert, the ABLA Founder. “ABLA players now have access to the world’s best players, coaches, and referees that can help build Atlanta into the box lacrosse hub of the South.”
About the NLL
The National Lacrosse League (NLL) is North America’s premier professional lacrosse league.
Founded in 1986, the NLL ranks third in average attendance for pro indoor sports worldwide, behind only the NHL and NBA. The League is comprised of 15 franchises across the United States and Canada: Albany FireWolves, Buffalo Bandits, Calgary Roughnecks, Colorado Mammoth, Georgia Swarm, Halifax Thunderbirds, New York Riptide, Panther City Lacrosse Club (Fort Worth, TX), Las Vegas NLL, Philadelphia Wings, Rochester Knighthawks, San Diego Seals, Saskatchewan Rush, Toronto Rock, and Vancouver Warriors.
For more information on the NLL, visit NLL.com. You can also find the NLL on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (@NLL).
Georgia Swarm Pro Lacrosse Team
Saturday, December 3rd 2022
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Philadelphia
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New York
Riptide
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Riptide
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Halifax
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Tables of the Georgian national football team
| Founded: 1990 (33 years old) |
| FIFA ranking: 78th (73rd UEFA) |
| Official site |
UEFA Euro 2024 QualificationLeague of Nations 2022/2023World Cup Qualification 2022.
EuropeLeague of Nations 2020/2021Euro 2020 QualificationNations League 2018/2019World Cup 2018 Qualifier. EuropeEuro 2016 Qualification World Cup Qualification 2014. EuropeEuro 2012 Qualification World Cup Qualification 2010. EuropeEuro 2008 Qualifier
Euro 2024 Qualifier
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Europe - Euro 2016 selection
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EuropeRound 1 round 2 round 3 round 4 round
Group A
| Team | and | B | H | P | Balls | Times | Pts | Form | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scotland | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 9:1 | +8 | 12 | ||||
| 2 | Georgia | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3:4 | -1 | 4 | ||||
| 3 | Norway | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5:7 | -2 | 4 | ||||
| 4 | Spain | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3:2 | +1 | 3 | ||||
| 5 | Cyprus | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2:8 | -6 | 0 | ||||
European Championship
Home matches table
| Team | and | B | H | P | Balls | Raz | Pts | Form | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scotland | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 7:0 | +8 | 9 | |||
| 2 | Spain | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3:0 | +1 | 3 | |||
| 3 | Norway | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4:3 | -2 | 3 | |||
| 4 | Georgia | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1:1 | -1 | 1 | |||
| 5 | Cyprus | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1:2 | -6 | 0 | |||
Away table
| Team | and | B | H | P | Balls | Times | Pts | Form | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scotland | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2:1 | +8 | 3 | |||
| 2 | Georgia | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2:3 | -1 | 3 | |||
| 3 | Norway | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1:4 | -2 | 1 | |||
| 4 | Spain | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0:2 | +1 | 0 | |||
| 5 | Cyprus | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1:6 | -6 | 0 | |||
Georgian Football Championship 2023 League 3
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