How to fix a lacrosse head. Comprehensive Guide: How to Fix a Broken Lacrosse Head and Extend Its Life

How can you repair a damaged lacrosse head at home. What are the best techniques for fixing a wobbly or cracked lacrosse stick. When should you replace your lacrosse head instead of attempting repairs. How do you maintain your lacrosse equipment for optimal performance and longevity.

Table of Contents

Understanding Lacrosse Head Damage and Repair Options

Lacrosse players often face the frustration of dealing with broken or damaged heads on their sticks. While a severely damaged head may require replacement, many issues can be addressed through careful repair techniques. This guide will explore various methods for fixing common lacrosse head problems, helping players extend the life of their equipment and save money in the process.

Types of Lacrosse Head Damage

Cracks in the sidewall or scoop
Loose or wobbly connection to the shaft
Warped or misshapen head
Broken struts or bridges

Is it always necessary to replace a damaged lacrosse head? Not necessarily. While severe damage may require a new head, many issues can be addressed through careful repair techniques. However, it’s important to note that repaired heads are typically not legal for official game play and should be reserved for practice or wall ball drills.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing a Cracked Lacrosse Head

For cracks in the sidewall or other parts of the head, follow this detailed process to create a strong and lasting repair:

Evaluate the breakpoint
Drill a hole and apply ink
Transfer the hole location
Drill the second hole
Prepare and insert a screw
Remove the screw head
Fit the pieces together
Examine and refine the repair
Test the repaired head

Detailed Breakdown of the Repair Process

How do you begin repairing a cracked lacrosse head? Start by carefully examining the damaged area to identify the exact location and extent of the crack. This assessment will guide your repair strategy.

Once you’ve located the crack, drill a small hole in the center of the damaged area on one side of the crack. Use a marker to apply ink to this hole, which will help you align the two pieces correctly.

Press the two sides of the crack together, transferring the ink to the opposite side. This creates a guide for drilling the second hole, ensuring proper alignment. After drilling both holes, test the fit using a toothpick or small dowel.

Next, insert a wood screw (approximately 4.75 inches long) into one of the holes, being careful not to extend it too far through the sidewall. Remove the head of the screw using a hacksaw or bolt cutter, leaving just enough length to connect the two pieces.

Apply a strong adhesive, such as crazy glue, to both surfaces of the crack and inside the holes. Carefully align the two pieces and insert the headless screw to join them. Hold the pieces together firmly until the glue sets, or use a clamp for hands-free operation.

Once the glue has dried, remove any excess and smooth out imperfections. For added strength, you can sprinkle baking soda over the glued area, which reacts with the adhesive to create a harder, more durable bond.

Alternative Method: Fixing a Lacrosse Head with Tape

For less severe damage or as a temporary fix, tape can be an effective solution. This method is particularly useful for addressing a loose connection between the head and the shaft:

Remove the head from the shaft by unscrewing the connecting screw
Wrap electrical or athletic tape around the end of the shaft where it joins the head
Reattach the head, ensuring a snug fit
Add additional layers of tape as needed to achieve a secure connection

Can tape repairs provide a long-term solution for lacrosse head issues? While tape can be effective for minor problems or as a temporary fix, it’s generally not a permanent solution for significant damage. For severe cracks or structural issues, more robust repair methods or replacement may be necessary.

Maintaining Your Lacrosse Head to Prevent Damage

Proper maintenance can significantly extend the life of your lacrosse head and reduce the need for repairs. Consider the following tips:

Regularly inspect your head for signs of wear or damage
Clean your head after each use to remove dirt and debris
Store your stick in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
Avoid leaving your stick in hot cars or other high-temperature environments
Use proper stringing techniques to reduce stress on the head

How often should you replace your lacrosse head? The frequency of replacement depends on various factors, including playing style, frequency of use, and quality of the head. On average, competitive players may need to replace their heads every 6-12 months, while recreational players might get 1-2 years of use from a single head.

Understanding Lacrosse Head Regulations and Legality

When repairing or replacing lacrosse heads, it’s crucial to understand the rules and regulations governing equipment in official play:

What Constitutes an Illegal Lacrosse Head?

Heads that are too narrow or pinched
Excessively deep pockets
Heads with altered shapes or dimensions
Repaired heads (in most official games)

Are repaired lacrosse heads legal for official game play? In most cases, repaired heads are not permitted in official games due to concerns about altered performance characteristics and potential safety issues. Always check with your league or governing body for specific rules regarding equipment.

Choosing the Right Lacrosse Head for Your Playing Style

When repairs are no longer sufficient, selecting the appropriate replacement head is crucial for optimal performance:

Factors to Consider When Selecting a New Lacrosse Head

Position played (attack, midfield, defense, goalie)
Level of play (youth, high school, college, professional)
Personal preferences for stiffness and flexibility
Budget constraints

How do you determine the best lacrosse head for your playing style? Consider your position, skill level, and personal preferences. Attackmen often prefer lighter, more flexible heads for quick ball control, while defenders typically opt for stiffer, more durable heads for checking and groundball play. Midfielders may choose a head that balances these characteristics.

Breaking In a New Lacrosse Head

Once you’ve acquired a new head, proper break-in is essential for optimal performance:

Techniques for Breaking In a New Lacrosse Head

Wall ball drills to soften the plastic
Gradual pocket formation through repeated use
Careful bending and flexing of the sidewalls
Using hot water to increase flexibility (with caution)

What’s the best way to break in a new lacrosse head? Start with gentle use, focusing on wall ball drills and controlled passing. This allows the head to naturally flex and form to your playing style. Avoid aggressive checking or high-impact play until the head has adequately broken in, typically after several practice sessions.

Advanced Repair Techniques for Experienced Players

For players comfortable with more complex repairs, advanced techniques can address severe damage:

Advanced Lacrosse Head Repair Methods

Plastic welding using a soldering iron
Reinforcing weak points with carbon fiber
Custom molding and reshaping using controlled heat

Can advanced repair techniques restore a severely damaged lacrosse head to game-ready condition? While these methods can significantly improve the structural integrity of a damaged head, it’s important to note that extensively repaired heads are typically not legal for official game play. However, they can be excellent for practice or as backup equipment.

Understanding how to repair and maintain your lacrosse head is an essential skill for any player. By following these techniques and tips, you can extend the life of your equipment, save money, and ensure optimal performance on the field. Remember to always prioritize safety and adhere to official regulations when using repaired or modified equipment in competitive play.

The Best Procedure on How to Fix a Broken Lacrosse Head

Playing with a broken lacrosse head can be frustrating and can lead to costly repairs. But don’t worry, there is hope!

We’ve put together this comprehensive guide to walk you step-by-step through the process of fixing any issue that arises in your lacrosse head.

By the end of this post, you will feel confident about tackling any repair needed for your sticks!

More…

Table of Contents

How to fix a wobbly lacrosse head: A wholesome process
- Step 1: Evaluating the breakpoint
- Step 2: Drilling a hole and ink the surface
- Step 3: Transfer hole
- Step 4: Drill a hole
- Step 5: Prepare the screw
- Step 6: Remove the screw head
- Step 7: Fit the strut together & evaluate
- Step 8: Examine and fix the imperfections
- Step 9: Try out the new lacrosse head
Fixing a broken lacrosse head with a tape
Valuable tips for lacrosse head maintenance
Frequently Asked Questions
- How often should you replace your lacrosse head?
- Do lacrosse heads have a warranty?
- What is an illegal lacrosse head?
- Why is my lacrosse head loose?
- How to break in a lax stick?
Conclusion

Take Away Key Points:

The guide below offers the best answers on how to fix a broken lacrosse head
There are various steps to complete the procedure
Fixation is possible with glue, tape, and other tools, but remember that you cannot use a fixed head for the game and practice. You can only use it for a wall ball drill.

How to fix a wobbly lacrosse head: A wholesome process

Instead of buying a new head when your stick breaks, you can try to fix it, and make the lacrosse stick valuable for stringing practice, wall ball drills, etc.

Let’s see the entire fixing procedure.

Step 1: Evaluating the breakpoint

Examine the broken lacrosse head to find the place where the crack is located. You will start repairing that sport first.

Step 2: Drilling a hole and ink the surface

You should drill a hole into the middle of the surface of the cracked sidewall strut. Do not fill the entire hole with ink. Instead, use a marker to put a considerable amount of ink into the crack.

Step 3: Transfer hole

You should line up and press the strut pieces together to transfer ink on the opposite side of the strut. Once you complete the step, the ink will leave its trace on the white circle directly on the other side where you drilled the hole.

Step 4: Drill a hole

After you perform the transfer hole operation, you can drill the hole into the circle. An extra tip after drilling both holes is to perform a test fit with a toothpick, match stick, or similar small items. You can inspect how well and if the two holes align.

Step 5: Prepare the screw

Apply a 4.75-inch wood screw and carefully screw it into the inked hole without extending too far from the sidewall strut of the lacrosse head.

Step 6: Remove the screw head

Carefully remove the head of the screw. Ensure you use a hacksaw or bolt cutter to complete the procedure. Ensure the screws match the driven holes and allow a quick connection of the parts.

You can also enlarge the hole if mandatory, but do not make it too large. Instead, use the crazy glue and put it into the transfer hole and on both surfaces of the crack to create a firm connection between the parts. Before that, ensure the screw aligns correctly and fits the holes well.

Step 7: Fit the strut together & evaluate

You should line up the strut edges and correct the lacrosse head structure. Fit the screw into the transfer hole.

Hold the opposite sides of the head of the shaft together for an extended period until the super glue is dry.

Use a vise or clamp to glue and hold the two sides of the shaft head when you don’t want to hold them with your hands.

Step 8: Examine and fix the imperfections

You should remove any excess glue and other issues once you attach the two sides and complete the cracks. To fix the cracks, sprinkle a baking soda on the glue to help strengthen the attached point.

The baking soda will react with the glue, and harden in the wrong places, making the cracks full of hard materials, similar to plastic, keeping the fixed figure tight.

However, the combination will also sand down faster and firmer, so it’s helpful for further repair procedure.

Step 9: Try out the new lacrosse head

You can only use your fixed lacrosse head in the wall ball drill or stringing process. However, using it in the game or practice will be illegal. For these reasons, you will have to replace your broken lacrosse head with a new one.

Fixing a broken lacrosse head with a tape

Below you can find the procedure to fix the broken lacrosse head with electrical tape or athletic tape. Follow the steps instead of using a replacement head.

1. turn the screw counterclockwise – you will undo the connection between the shaft and the lacrosse head

2. wrap the tape around the end where the shaft joins the lacrosse stick

3. ensure you get less room for an empty area and a firm base on the head. The head won’t wander around, or make noise.

4. ensure there is no annoying clicking sound that the lacrosse stick and shaft might produce

5. make sure there is no rattle after you tighten the screw and reattach the head to the shaft

Valuable tips for lacrosse head maintenance

To prevent crack and break issues with your lacrosse head, you can follow these instructions:

– Replace the ball stop when you notice it’s falling off the head

– Examine the screw and ball stop before the game day. Find them on the back of the head, and make sure there is no crack. Ensure the connection is tight enough to hold the stick together.

– Before each season starts, replace your old head with a new one. If you’re a more aggressive player, you might need more than one head. Remember that the external temperature also affects the plastic in your stick, so it might break soon when you don’t pay attention.

– Clean the head with an all-purpose cleaner, and wipe it with a rag. You will remove the dirt and potential stains. Do not use bleach to prevent the quality of the material, and whiten the color of the stick.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should you replace your lacrosse head?

You should replace your head at the beginning of every lacrosse season.

Do lacrosse heads have a warranty?

Yes, most lacrosse heads have a six-month warranty period, and if they are broken, you get a replacement within thirty days from the date of purchase.

What is an illegal lacrosse head?

An illegal lacrosse head is a type of gear higher than 2.75 inches from the highest point or fixed by your hands. The referees and other officials can conduct various tests to determine the legality of the heads.

Why is my lacrosse head loose?

Your head might be since the screw connecting the shaft, and the head might be loose or stripped.

How to break in a lax stick?

You can break in a lax stick by bringing it in the shower. You can lather the mesh in a conditioner and then knead the pocket with the ball. The conditioner and water will soften the mesh and cause its stretching out.

Conclusion

With advanced knowledge and tools on how to fix a broken lacrosse head, you can fix most broken lacrosse heads. However, doing so may take away from your competitive edge in the sport. Fortunately, there are plenty of other pieces of equipment available on the market should you decide you don’t want to risk using a repaired stick.

Before purchasing something new, ensure you factor in quality, warranty, and cost.

With that information at hand, you’ll be able to find the best lacrosse head that fits both your playing style and budget. Until then – keep practicing!

How To Fix A Wobbly Lacrosse Head (Step By Step Guide)

September 27, 2022 by Faiza Bhatti

The constant contact a lacrosse head has with either a player or the ball can make it loose or wobbly. Loose lacrosse heads make it hard to throw on time and in the right direction.

Before every practice, you should check your stick to make sure you’re getting the most out of each session.

If you fix a loose or wobbly lacrosse head only before a game, it will throw off your timing during practice.

So, once you find a problem like this, you should always make sure to fix it right away before practice and before real games to get the best results in practice and games.

Now, without further ado, let’s look at a few ways to fix a lacrosse head that wobbles.

Table of Contents

How is the Head of Lacrosse Fixed on the Shaft?

If you purchase a lacrosse head and a lacrosse shaft separately, you should use two screws to keep the lacrosse head in place if the head has two screw holes.

If the head does not have two screw holes, you should only use one screw.

When anything like this begins to shake, it is almost always due to the screw becoming worn down to the point where it no longer fits comfortably against the shaft.

The head and the shaft are both produced to somewhat different specifications, which is another reason for the problem.

How to Fix a Wobbly Lacrosse Head (5 Easy Steps)

Here are Some Possible Solutions to Fix a Wobbly Lacrosse Head:

Step 01:

Select the option that is the least complicated. This is the first step. It’s possible that you haven’t been giving your head the time it needs. Check to see that the screw that is currently being used is sufficiently tightened. When you need to tighten the head, use a screwdriver that has a head on it.

Step 02:

If you then observe that the old screw is starting to deteriorate, it is time to replace it because it has reached the end of its useful life. The screw used in lacrosse is typically an 18-inches and can be purchased at any hardware store.

Step 03:

The most secure method of attaching a head to a shaft is by screwing in the front and rear holes. If your screw head is missing a hole, you can drill one yourself. However, if you lack the skill to ensure that the screw will fit exactly into the hole, I would not suggest this procedure unless you have tested all other options.

Step 04:

Utilize cut-off shooting strings before placing the stick. Wrap a 2-inch-long length of cut-off shooting string around the shaft to remove the additional area causing the wobble. After placing the shooting string over the top of the shaft, slowly and securely insert the head. If wrapping the shaft on both sides looks to take up too much space, simply drop half of the shooting string within the shaft and the other half outside the shaft.

Step 05:

The most common method to stop the wobble is to wrap the shaft in electrical tape or athletic tape. I prefer electrical tape since it is waterproof, very strong, and extremely thin. For wrapping, simply cut a few inches of tape and wrap it around the end of the shaft where the head slides on. This will eliminate the rattling, as the tape will fill in the vacant space. Also, one thing to keep in mind is that it should not be so tight that the head cannot be removed. As long as it’s stable, you’re set to go.

How To Fix A Wobbly Lacrosse Head By Paul Rabil

How To Fix the Broken Lacrosse Stick With Tape:

Turn the screw counterclockwise to undo the connection between the head and the shaft.
The tape should be wrapped around the end where the stick joins the shaft.
This will give a firm base and less room for the empty area on the head to wander around and make noises as it does so.
Additionally, it will remove the irritating clicking sound that is produced by the lacrosse stick.
After you have reattached the head to the shaft and tightened the screw, the rattle should be gone.

How To Fix A Broken Lacrosse Stick By Silver String

Important Lacrosse Head Maintenance Instructions

Clean the lacrosse head by spraying an all-purpose cleaner onto a rag and then wiping it down. This can assist in the removal of big stains as well as dirt. It is best to keep away from cleaning sprays that include bleach, especially if the head of your lacrosse is not white. This may result in a color change.
The temperature outside can change how the plastic in your lacrosse head works, which can make your game worse. At the start of every season, you should replace your old lacrosse head with a new one. Depending on how hard you play, you might need more than one.
The screw and ball stop are the two easiest things to check to make sure it’s ready for game day. Both of these are at the back of the head. On the back, there will be a screw that holds your head to the shaft. I will advise keeping a screwdriver and a few extra screws in your lacrosse bag at all times.
A ball stop is a small piece of padding that goes on the inside of the lacrosse head. It keeps the ball from bouncing around once it’s in your stick. If the ball stop falling off, you can replace it easily.

Conclusion:

Fixing a lacrosse head that is loose or wobbly can seem like a big deal to young players who don’t know what’s wrong. Just follow the steps above to break down the problem.

I think you should try them out and see which one works best for you. Also, as part of getting ready for practice and games, it’s a good idea to check your head to make sure it’s screwed on tightly to the shaft.

We think that drilling a hole in the shaft is the worst thing that could happen. Most likely, the problem can be fixed by putting tape on the stick’s shaft or buying a new screw. Easy and simple fix!

Small things like this have a big effect on how well you do and how much you grow, so take care of them right away.

That’s it from my side. I hope that you’ll now be able to fix your wobbly lacrosse head. If you’re still unsure about something feel free to ask us in the comments down below and we’ll be more than happy to help you out.

Helmets | July 2023

Home > Helmets

bike helmets save lives

Do bicycle helmets save children’s lives? According to the NHTSA, bicycle helmets are almost 90 percent effective in preventing brain injury. Universal use of bicycle helmets by children aged 4 to 15 will prevent 39,000 to 45,000 head injuries. Approximately 540,000 cyclists seek emergency care for injuries each year.

time trail helmet

How to choose a time trial helmet? How to choose the best time trial helmet. The choice of the best time trial helmet will depend primarily on the position of your head and how long you are able to “spin” during the event.

cat mixino helmet

Are cat helmets good? To sum it up, the Catlike Whisper is a uniquely designed, exceptionally well-fitting, well-ventilated and comfortable helmet that performed well under test conditions in the hot and humid summers in Florida.

Helmets

How to choose a time trial helmet? How to choose the best time trial helmet. Choosing the best time trial helmet will depend primarily on your head position and how long you are able to ‘spin’ during the event.

bicycle helmets

What is the best cheap bike helmet? The best inexpensive but safe bike helmets with MIPSBell Draft MIPS. Bell’s Draft helmet has 25 cooling airflow holes and a one-hand dial system for easy adjustment. Bell MIPS formula. Specialized Echelon II MIPS. Giro Isode MIPS. Giro Register MIPS. Giro Foray MIPS. Bern FL1 Pave MIPS. Laser Blade + MIPS.

the lightest helmet in the world

What is the smallest and lightest motorcycle helmet? The Slim Line Daytona Helmets Skull Cap Motorcycle Helmets are one of the smallest and lightest D.O.T. approved ever made 1/2 shell motorcycle helmets.

pumpkin helmet

Can you wear a pumpkin on your head? In order for the head to fit inside, you’ll need to cut off part of the pumpkin’s lower back. You can either cut it off and discard that part, or save it to reattach it (once the gourd is on your head) with bamboo skewers, for example.

the safest helmet

Who makes the safest motorcycle helmet? Which motorcycle helmet manufacturer produces the safest helmets? 1 AGV. Italian helmet manufacturer AGV climbed to number one in 2021 from #2. No. 2 Shoei. No. 3 Shark. No. 4 HJC. No. 5 Arai. No. 6 Nolan. No. 7 X-Lite. No. 8 Bell.

who owns bell helmets

Who makes Bell helmets?

under the helmet

Can I wear a hat under a bicycle helmet? Direct answer. It is not safe to wear a baseball cap, visor, or anything else for that matter under a bicycle helmet. The Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to bicycle helmet safety, warns that hats and visors compromise helmet fit and safety. 2011

Arnold takes off his helmet

Why did Arnold take off his helmet? Heroic Sacrifice: Arnold removes his helmet on Pluto to have Janet give up her “evidence” as she cannot carry it on the bus and return to Earth, and his head turns into a block of ice on the screen. He said it was to show what would happen if she stayed on Pluto.

cool lacrosse helmets

What is the most comfortable lacrosse helmet? Best Senior Lacrosse Helmet Cascade S – The safest lacrosse helmet and best concussion lacrosse helmet. STX Rival – The best fit lacrosse helmet. The Warrior Burn is the most innovative lacrosse helmet ever. The Cascade CPX-R is the best budget/low cost lacrosse helmet.25. 2021

laser cyclone mips helmet

Are Lazer bike helmets good? The Lazer Sphere MIPS is a very comfortable helmet with a nice solid feel to the touch. The safety features are impressive, the weight is quite acceptable, and it pairs well with goggles, but while the cooling is decent, those large vents can’t completely cancel out the impact of the MIPS layer.

command sky helmet

What helmet does Team Sky use? Cask Valegro helmet

Is it illegal to ride a bike without a helmet?

What happens if you get caught riding a bike without a helmet? People who break mandatory bike helmet laws face a $344 fine in New South Wales and $207 in Victoria. The lowest fine in the Northern Territory is $25. “We have nearly $6 million in face value of fines that have been issued for this one crime,” said Dr. Quilter.

bike helmet storage

How to store a bicycle helmet? Store your helmet in a cool dry place. Do not expose it to chemicals: some cleaners can damage the foam and plastic shell of the helmet. Cleaning the helmet with harsh chemicals such as ammonia or bleach, and even decorating it with paint, can potentially degrade the materials and possibly degrade its performance.

bicycle helmets

What is the best bicycle helmet? Bicycle helmets ABUS Hyban 2.0. Cannondale Intent MIPS helmet for adults. Giro Register MIPS Adult recreational cycling helmet. Smart helmet LUMOS Matrix. Retrospect CM-1 bicycle helmet for adult riders. Schwinn Thrasher Bike Helmet. Thousand adult bicycle helmets.7. 2021

how to wear a bicycle helmet

How to wear a bicycle helmet correctly? The helmet should be at head level and low on the forehead, one or two fingers above the eyebrow. Position the left buckle under your chin. On most helmets, the straps can be pulled from the back of the helmet to lengthen or shorten the chin straps. 04/02/2010

helmet test

How do you check if your helmet is safe? Check your head. Generally, you know if a helmet has taken a good hit because a good helmet hit is a good head hit, Parks says. Even the sound of the impact, or how your head feels if you hit hard enough to see the stars, can tell you if you should replace your helmet.

paper bike helmet

What is a paper helmet? EcoHelmet is an inexpensive collapsible helmet that can be purchased locally and recycled at the end of your trip. Made from waterproof recycled paper with a radial honeycomb pattern, EcoHelmet absorbs impacts from any direction just as effectively as traditional polystyrene.

Home. Episode 1: Mozyr “Youth”

Tribuna/Football/Blogs/Good texts/ “Go home”. Episode 1: Mozyr “Yunost”

On a cool autumn evening, we went to the Mozyr stadium “Youth” to get into the cherished corners of the arena, which mostly remained out of sight of the ordinary fan. As an interlocutor, we asked the director of this facility Alexander Alexandrovich Maikov (pictured left):
– I took over as director of Yunost somewhere in mid-May 1994. When I was a boy, I ran, of course, in football, like everyone else. And before “Youth” he worked as a methodologist in the station of young technicians.
— And how did you get into the structure of the football club?
— The office of the club was in the same building as my office at my old job. So I met the coaches, and they called me to help in the design of the calendar, the championship draw table, since I can draw. I remember back then at the stadium there was only one wooden stand and a trailer, and the lawn could hardly be called a lawn at all. And after I completed this artistic work, I was offered to try working with the field. Then there were no mowers, no special devices, nothing at all. I did not have any information about this then, I had to read a little, climb into the library. And with the help of the city authorities, we did this. Planned, leveled, sowed, rolled up. A month later, the club director came, took me to the field, looked around, assessed the results and took me to work.
We move from the administrative building to the stands. Alexander Alexandrovich begins to recall the history of the stadium.
— Construction started at 1979, and at that time it was the stadium of secondary school No. 3, now it is a gymnasium. Then they decided to take it all to a more serious level, they connected SDUSHOR-1. So the stadium for the game of professional football clubs began to be created.
— In what year were the first stands built?
— In general, the first stage of the stadium improvement began in May 1996. Paths were asphalted, the field was expanded, trees were planted and the current administrative building was built, where we are now. It was then that the first wooden stands were erected. In July, the teams were already changing here, in the same administrative building, in the locker rooms on the ground floor.
— And where did the players change their clothes before?
– Our people changed on the bus, and visitors – in special trailers. Later, in the period 1997-1998, a public toilet, a building with dressing rooms and a referee’s quarters were gradually built.
Now the dressing rooms, referees’ room, announcer’s room, switchboard and other rooms are located in a special building. You will probably recognize him from Internet broadcasts from Mozyr.
This is where the Mozyr Slavia players change their clothes. It is noteworthy that before the 2011 season, when the Mozyry team managed to get a ticket to the big leagues, this was the “wardrobe” of the away teams. The club’s management, according to old football beliefs, decided to change the locker rooms before the season, for good luck. And it didn’t fail. But this year this feint could not help the Polissya squad.
And here for the last 3 years, Yuri Ivanovich Maleev spoke parting words to his players before the game.
Room for judges. In crowded but not mad.
***
We are heading to a special building for the press and dignitaries.
– In what year did the premises appear for VIP – persons and journalists?
It was also around 1997. The building was built specifically for European competitions.
Here are sports journalists and hosts of online broadcasts during matches:
And these are the mansions of the announcer around the stadium:
– It is known that the Yunost stadium does not belong to the Slavia football club. Does this cause any problems?
– Yes, indeed, the stadium belongs to the Mozyr Sports School-1. And this, first of all, affects the development of the stadium infrastructure in general. It’s been 17-18 years, and everything needs a major overhaul. And such funding SDUSHOR, of course, will not pull. There is only money for salaries, for grass, for chalk and gasoline. All. Well, cosmetic repairs take place from time to time, when you need to tint something, fix it.
The electronic scoreboard worked in Mozyr for 2 years, from 2010 to 2011. And, having led the team to the big leagues, he retired.
– It was acquired when Klimova Tamara Mikhailovna was the head of the department. We were looking for different options, Turchin (ex-director of FC Slavia – note by Offside.by) offered other options, but they were more expensive. In the end, the cheaper option was chosen. As the saying goes, “the miser pays twice.”
– And the scoreboard cannot be restored?
– Is not subject to. Specialists came and found details of the 70s in it. Therefore, this scoreboard will definitely not work.
So the score of the game is updated on such an old man.
***
Mozyr fans have a hard time when the weather does not favor them. Usually everyone runs in all directions for any cover. It is also an important factor influencing the attendance of the stadium.
– How about a canopy over the podium?
– Every year, when accepting a stadium before the season, this question arises. There is a prescription – there must be a visor. But promises are made and, unfortunately, not kept.
– Lighting?
– Exactly the same situation with lighting. Masts have been installed at the stadium, there are special transformers from which power has been supplied to these masts, foundations have been poured, and anchor bolts have been prepared. In general, everything was ready for the installation of lighting masts. But all this was done 17-18 years ago, and now it can no longer be exploited.
***
The Yunost has red plastic seats. These are available in almost every stadium in the country.
– Plastic seats replaced wooden ones at 1997 year. They stood for a year, and they were changed for free for new ones, since some component was missing in the material, and they burned out in one season.
***
Mozyr was once the most football city in the country. The team from Polissya won the championship twice and won the cup twice. It is the Yunost stadium that holds the attendance record of all times for the Belarusian championship. It’s hard to believe now, but on November 3, 1995, 19,500 spectators came to watch the game against Dynamo Minsk! And in the future, the stadium often collected more than ten thousand. And it was not some kind of nonsense.
Yes, there were times. When there were no plastic seats, people crowded on wooden benches as best they could. Only in the stands it was possible to place at least six and a half thousand (the capacity of the Yunost stadium is 5253 people). There were no trees yet on the grassy hillocks, and they were also completely filled with people.
— What, in your opinion, attendance mainly depends on?
– Of course, from the game of the team.
– Remember the last time the stadium was full.
– Oh, a long time ago. These were the times under Kuznetsov, probably (1998-2000 – note Offside.by), and a little later.
By the beginning of the season, when all the snow has not yet melted, many stadiums in the country are simply not able to host football matches. Youth is no exception. Slavia played the first home games of the championship for the last two years in neighboring Khoiniki on artificial turf.
– In order to start playing at Yunost in time, the pitch needs to be heated. It is completely alive and simply does not have time to dry. Even now they are training, which is already very undesirable for the quality of the lawn.
Previously, the main arena of Mozyr gathered full houses not only at the matches of your favorite football club. It hosted various cultural events.
— Are there any non-football events currently taking place at the stadium?
– Now they are almost never held, but before it happened quite often. Alexander Solodukha performed twice. The last time was 4 years ago. There were also some concerts, various visiting circuses, a water show.
– To whom does the money from ticket sales and other events at the stadium go?
– Recently, almost everything goes to the club, and a meager percentage is allocated to the stadium.
— And what about catering points?
– Well, again, before there were a lot of them, but now, for example, there is only one. This is also what the club does.
It is already known for sure that the club from Mozyr is going to the first league. Two years spent “Slavia” in the “tower”, but could not gain a foothold in it for a long time.
— What will change for you after the team’s departure?
– First of all, it is more pleasant when the team performs in the major leagues, this is the honor of the city. Of course, it will be easier in the first league, there is no need for a double. But we are all very upset.
— What is the difference between pre-season stadium licensing in the top league and first league?
– In the major leagues, of course, there are more requirements. And this process begins earlier in the “tower” than in the first league, two or three weeks.
***
Previously, when there was no separate room with dressing rooms and a referee’s room, the players and referees changed their clothes right in the administration building, and then went down the stairs to the field itself. It looked, I must admit, quite impressive. But it turns out that the plans of the stadium management were much grander.
– At first, it was planned to make an underground tunnel so that the players would change clothes in the building, and then they would go through the tunnel to the field, and there, at the very lawn, they would already go upstairs. But then they decided to build a separate building with locker rooms and a room for judges. Then this staircase was demolished as unnecessary. It was also planned to build stands with a capacity of about a thousand seats on the sides of the building with changing rooms.
– Does the Mozyr Oil Refinery provide support in maintaining the stadium?
– No, these are all sponsors of the club only.
— What’s new at the stadium lately?
– Surveillance cameras were installed at the request of the federation. Now we can view the entrance to the administrative building, the passage to the stadium itself and the stand.
***
On the training mini-field with artificial turf, the former player of Slavia Mikhail Martinovich was training among the boys. Many glorious moments in the history of the Mozyr stadium are associated with his name.
— How does it work for you as a coach? Do you miss your playing career?
– I would not say that I miss you a lot. Yes, of course, thoughts sometimes come to mind that I could still play. But I like my current position, I do what I love and will continue. Apparently, the guys enjoy working with me, and I enjoy working with them. I think it’s mine.
— Do you remember your first match at Yunost?
– Yes I remember. This was a game with Torpedo-Kadino, then Kuznetsov Alexander Dmitrievich was the head coach. With the score 3:0 in our favor, the coach let me off as a substitute. I also scored the ball from the filing of Oleg Samatov.
– That is, in the debut match, scored a goal?
– Yes, that is right. We ended up winning that game 5-1.
— And the last match?
– The last match we played was again with Torpedo, only this time with Zhodino. I also came on as a substitute, the score was 1-0 in our favor. The game was very tense and at the last, in my opinion, 92nd minute, the referee awarded a penalty against our gates. But Vova Gaev repulsed and rescued the team.
– You played in Soligorsk for quite some time. Compare the infrastructure of the stadium, the activity of the fans.
– To begin with, when I came to Soligorsk, there was also practically nothing of my own. There was a stadium, which at that time was an order of magnitude worse than ours. But the occupancy was decent. Shakhtar has always been among the winners and leaders. The fan there, of course, is a specific one, he loves to scold: you can hear a lot of new things about yourself from the podium.
But, I repeat, at that time there was one of the worst arenas in the country: both in terms of the lawn and in terms of the structure itself. Over time, good money began to be invested, an excellent base was built, several training facilities with artificial and natural surfaces. The stadium is very well equipped. An electronic scoreboard, the lawn has been completely re-laid, they are going to expand the stands, that is, everything is moving forward there. Which is very pleasing, because literally 7-8 years ago there was absolutely nothing there.
– It turns out that everything depends on the results?
“Everything depends on the results, and on the authorities of the city, and on the interest of people. You see, if the face is looking towards football, then it is much easier. And when it’s like that, no one needs it, it’s very difficult, of course.
– Recall some memorable events from the time the stadium was packed to capacity.
– Well, I was still very young then, the coaches were just starting to connect me to the training process, so I can’t tell you about such things within the team. But you know what the atmosphere was like. The times of the MPCC, the golden season of 2000… The people came, the stands were filled. People were walking for a holiday. In fact, football for Mozyr is the only outlet where a large number of people can gather who can come and cheer for the team. But at the same time, you need to show good football and, of course, the result. It was much easier for the fans back then. There were not so many bans as at the present time: with the police, with shops. I remember during the time of the MPCC, 16,000 people came to the stadium. People calmly sat with three-liter cans of beer and rested. There were no fights, nothing bad. Everyone was sick, it was just great. He came – left negative emotions, learned positive ones. Football life was in full swing, and, I think, every fan of the city received tremendous pleasure from football.
***
At the end of the story about the Mozyr Youth, I would like to tell a story, the main character of which is a German citizen Werner Jankowski. At one time, he was a partner of JSC MPCC and repeatedly came to the city with business proposals that were beneficial to both parties. In a short time, Jankowski fell in love with Mozyr and the MPCC football team.
Being in Mozyr on a working visit, the German visited the Yunost stadium. At that moment, the field was being prepared for the next championship match. And what was his surprise when three workers cut the grass with hand mowers for several hours, and then seven workers swept it away with whisks. After all, all this can be done with just one unit and one person.
Leaving the stadium, Jankowski promised the leadership of the football club a mini-tractor, provided that the team won the “golden double” at the end of the season. Both sides kept their word.
Offside.by expresses its gratitude to Alexander Akulenko for his assistance in preparing the material
Text author: Dmitry Mikheev
Original text