What programs does Detroit United Lacrosse offer. How does Detroit United Lacrosse support academic success. What is the Crosse R.O.O.T.S program. How can youth participate in competitive lacrosse in Detroit. What opportunities are available for high school lacrosse players in Detroit. How does Detroit United Lacrosse promote diversity in the sport.
Comprehensive Lacrosse Programs for All Ages and Skill Levels
Detroit United Lacrosse has established itself as a cornerstone of youth development in the city, offering a wide array of lacrosse programs tailored to various age groups and skill levels. These programs are designed not only to nurture athletic talent but also to foster personal growth and academic excellence.
Free Tutoring: Bridging Academics and Athletics
In partnership with Wayne State University, Detroit United Lacrosse provides free tutoring services at the Durfee Innovation Society. This initiative underscores the organization’s commitment to holistic youth development.
- Available for elementary, middle school, and high school students
- Subjects covered: Math, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and English
- Sessions held on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4-6pm
How does this tutoring program benefit student-athletes? By providing academic support, Detroit United Lacrosse ensures that participants can excel both on the field and in the classroom, preparing them for future success.
Crosse R.O.O.T.S: Cultivating Character and Skills
The Crosse R.O.O.T.S program is a flagship initiative of Detroit United Lacrosse, focusing on long-term youth development. This program accepts 20 boys and 20 girls annually, starting from 7th grade and supporting them through high school graduation.
Key Features of Crosse R.O.O.T.S
- Lacrosse skill development
- Personal enrichment opportunities
- Character education
- Professional development
- Pathways to prosperity
What sets Crosse R.O.O.T.S apart from other youth programs? Its foundation in R.O.O.T.S. – Respect for Others, Officials, Teammates, and Self – instills core values that extend beyond the lacrosse field, shaping participants into well-rounded individuals.
Seasonal Training and Competitive Opportunities
Detroit United Lacrosse offers year-round opportunities for players to hone their skills and compete at various levels.
Winter Training Sessions
These sessions cater to both experienced players and newcomers to the sport. High school students focus on agility, shooting, and tactical play, while middle school and younger participants engage in skill-based drills and basic lacrosse IQ development.
Youth Lacrosse Program
This program provides a supportive environment for competitive middle school lacrosse, catering to 10U, 12U, and 14U age groups (3rd-8th grade).
Fall Lacrosse
The fall program offers a unique, accelerated learning experience through a combination of fundamental instruction and immediate game play in small-sided formats (3v3 to 6v6).
How do these varied programs benefit young athletes? By offering multiple entry points and training opportunities throughout the year, Detroit United Lacrosse ensures that players can continually improve their skills and maintain their passion for the sport.
Detroit City Recreational Lacrosse: Introducing the Sport to All
The recreational league serves as an introduction to lacrosse for youth of all ages, from “Little Laxers” (ages 6 and under) to early high school players. This program combines lacrosse instruction with character development, creating an inclusive environment where everyone can learn and enjoy the sport.
Why is a recreational program important for the growth of lacrosse in Detroit? It provides a low-pressure entry point for newcomers to the sport, allowing them to develop skills and passion at their own pace before potentially moving on to more competitive programs.
Detroit United Panthers: Elevating High School Lacrosse
The Detroit United Panthers program offers high school players the opportunity to compete at a higher level and prepare for potential college recruitment.
Program Highlights
- Elite lacrosse training
- Service learning opportunities
- Assistance with college recruiting
- Open to rising high school freshmen through rising college freshmen
How does the Panthers program bridge the gap between high school and college lacrosse? By providing high-level training, exposure to college coaches, and guidance in the recruitment process, the program helps talented players navigate the path to collegiate athletics.
Promoting Diversity in Women’s Lacrosse
Detroit United Lacrosse is actively working to address the lack of diversity in women’s college lacrosse. In 2021, only 3.5% of women’s college lacrosse players identified as Black, while 84% identified as White.
Girls’ Travel Program Initiative
The organization has established a girls’ travel program aimed at closing this participation gap. The program offers:
- Elite lacrosse training
- Service learning opportunities
- College recruitment assistance
- Participation in top-level tournaments across Michigan
Why is this initiative crucial for the future of women’s lacrosse? By providing opportunities and support for underrepresented athletes, Detroit United Lacrosse is helping to create a more diverse and inclusive landscape in collegiate lacrosse.
Tournament Participation and Exposure
Detroit United Lacrosse ensures that its players gain exposure to college coaches through participation in high-profile tournaments throughout the year.
Tournament Schedule
Fall Season (September 17-November 5, 2023):
- Oakland University (5v5) – October 8
- Boo Bash (7v7) – October 28
Summer Season (June 12-July 29, 2023):
- Meijer State Games, GVSU – June 17-18
- Summer Showdown, St. Joseph, MI – July 15-16
- Summer Finale, Oxford, MI – July 22-23
Elite Tournaments (Invite only):
- King of Queens, Cincinnati, OH – June 24-25
- CanAm, Beverly Hills, MI – November 11-12
How do these tournaments benefit Detroit United Lacrosse players? By participating in diverse tournament formats and locations, players gain valuable experience, exposure to different playing styles, and opportunities to showcase their skills to college recruiters.
Year-Round Training and Development
Detroit United Lacrosse maintains a consistent training schedule throughout the year, ensuring that players have ample opportunities to develop their skills and stay connected with the program.
Fall Practice Schedule
The fall 2023 season runs from September 17 to November 5, with practices held at Lawrence Tech Stadium on Sundays:
- September 17, 3-5pm
- September 24, 3-5pm
- October 1, 1-3pm
- October 15, 1-3pm
Why is a consistent practice schedule important for player development? Regular training sessions allow players to build on their skills progressively, maintain fitness levels, and develop team cohesion throughout the season.
Impact and Future Outlook
Detroit United Lacrosse has established itself as a pivotal organization in the city’s youth sports landscape. By combining athletic development with academic support and character building, the program is creating pathways to success for Detroit’s youth both on and off the lacrosse field.
Long-Term Benefits
- Increased lacrosse participation in Detroit
- Improved academic performance among student-athletes
- Greater diversity in collegiate lacrosse
- Development of leadership skills and positive character traits
How is Detroit United Lacrosse shaping the future of the sport in the city? By providing comprehensive programs that address both athletic and personal development, the organization is not only growing the sport of lacrosse but also nurturing the next generation of community leaders.
Community Engagement and Partnerships
The success of Detroit United Lacrosse is bolstered by its strong community ties and strategic partnerships. Collaborations with institutions like Wayne State University for tutoring services and the use of facilities such as the Durfee Innovation Society and Lawrence Tech Stadium demonstrate the program’s integration into the broader Detroit community.
Benefits of Community Partnerships
- Access to high-quality facilities and resources
- Enhanced academic support for participants
- Increased visibility and credibility within the community
- Opportunities for players to engage in service learning
How do these partnerships contribute to the program’s success? By leveraging community resources and expertise, Detroit United Lacrosse can provide a more comprehensive and impactful experience for its participants, extending its influence beyond the lacrosse field.
Measuring Success: Beyond Wins and Losses
While athletic achievement is a key component of Detroit United Lacrosse’s programs, the organization places equal emphasis on off-field success metrics. This holistic approach to youth development sets Detroit United Lacrosse apart from traditional sports programs.
Key Performance Indicators
- Academic performance and graduation rates of participants
- College acceptance and scholarship rates
- Community service hours completed by players
- Long-term career success of program alumni
- Growth in lacrosse participation across Detroit
Why is this multi-faceted approach to success important? By focusing on both athletic and personal development, Detroit United Lacrosse ensures that its impact extends far beyond the lacrosse field, contributing to the overall well-being and future prospects of its participants.
Challenges and Opportunities in Urban Lacrosse Development
As Detroit United Lacrosse continues to grow and evolve, it faces both challenges and opportunities unique to urban lacrosse development. Addressing these factors is crucial for the program’s long-term success and impact.
Key Challenges
- Limited exposure to lacrosse in urban communities
- Financial barriers to participation
- Competition with more established sports programs
- Access to quality playing facilities
Emerging Opportunities
- Growing interest in non-traditional sports
- Potential for college scholarships in a less saturated sport
- Development of transferable skills valuable in various careers
- Creation of a unique community identity through lacrosse
How is Detroit United Lacrosse addressing these challenges and capitalizing on opportunities? By offering free programs, providing equipment, and emphasizing the long-term benefits of lacrosse participation, the organization is breaking down barriers and creating new pathways for urban youth to engage with the sport.
The Role of Lacrosse in Youth Empowerment
Lacrosse, as promoted by Detroit United Lacrosse, serves as more than just a sport – it’s a vehicle for youth empowerment and personal growth. The unique characteristics of lacrosse make it particularly well-suited for developing crucial life skills.
Skills Developed Through Lacrosse
- Teamwork and communication
- Strategic thinking and decision-making
- Physical fitness and coordination
- Time management and discipline
- Leadership and sportsmanship
How do these skills translate to off-field success? The attributes developed through lacrosse participation can directly contribute to academic achievement, career readiness, and personal well-being, aligning with Detroit United Lacrosse’s mission of creating pathways to prosperity for Detroit’s youth.
Looking Ahead: Expansion and Innovation
As Detroit United Lacrosse continues to grow, the organization is poised to expand its impact and innovate its programs to meet the evolving needs of Detroit’s youth.
Potential Areas for Growth
- Expansion of programs to additional age groups and skill levels
- Development of coaching education programs to build local capacity
- Creation of mentorship programs pairing youth with college players or professionals
- Integration of technology for skill development and performance analysis
- Collaboration with schools to introduce lacrosse as part of physical education curricula
How might these innovations shape the future of lacrosse in Detroit? By continuously adapting and expanding its offerings, Detroit United Lacrosse can ensure its programs remain relevant, effective, and accessible to a growing number of youth in the city.
Detroit United Lacrosse stands as a testament to the power of sport in transforming lives and communities. Through its comprehensive programs, commitment to academic excellence, and focus on character development, the organization is not just growing the game of lacrosse in Detroit – it’s nurturing the next generation of leaders, scholars, and athletes. As the program continues to evolve and expand, its impact on the city’s youth and the broader lacrosse community is poised to grow, creating lasting positive change in Detroit and beyond.
Programs | Detroit United
Detroit United Lacrosse offers lacrosse programs for every age and skill level. Unsure of what program to sign your child up for? Scroll through our programs and find the best fit for your family.
Free Tutoring
Detroit United Lacrosse is passionate about providing opportunities for our youth to succeed and find pathways to prosperity.
Join Detroit United Lacrosse for free tutoring at Durfee Innovation Society in partnership with Wayne State University. Tutoring is open to elementary, middle school, and high school students beginning February 13, 2023 on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4-6pm in the subjects of Math, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and English through the end of this semester.
Sign Up for Tutoring
Crosse R.O.O.T.S
Crosse ROOTS accepts 20 boys and 20 girls a year starting in the 7th grade and supports them through high school graduation, develop their lacrosse skills, gain personal enrichment, and envision a lifetime of success.
The program will promote character education, professional development and pathways to prosperity for Detroit’s youth. Grounded in R.O.O.T.S.–Respect for others, Officials, Teammates and Self—our goal is to build a culture of young people that reflects the values of lacrosse: respect, honor and integrity while growing the sport.
Now Accepting Applications for the Class of 2027 and 2028.
Learn More
Winter Training Sessions
Play winter lacrosse! Whether you want to keep your skills sharp for high school season or learn to play lacrosse for the first time, these winter sessions are for you!
High school students will work on agility, shooting, small-scale offensive and defensive work. Middle school and under will work on skill based drills plus basic lacrosse IQ.
Youth Lacrosse
Looking to play competitive middle school lacrosse? We have the program for you! Play lacrosse in a supportive environment, with competitive play opportunities.
Program available for 10U, 12U, and 14U. 3rd-8th grade.
Learn More
Detroit City Recreational Lacrosse
Our recreational lacrosse league is focused on teaching the sport of lacrosse to youth of all ages, from Little Laxers, ages 6 and under, to early high school exposure. Combined with character development, Detroit City Recreational Lacrosse will be a fun, introductory environment where all are welcome to learn lacrosse and fall in love with the game!
Learn More
Detroit United Panthers
Looking to take your lacrosse game to the next level? Want to experience a competitive lacrosse environment? Join our Detroit United Panthers Lacrosse program for high school travel lacrosse!
Our goal at Detroit United is to prepare you for the next level – athletically, academically, & personally. Participate in elite lacrosse training with lacrosse players who are rising freshman in high school to rising freshman in college, service learning opportunities, and assistance with college recruiting.
All skill levels welcome.
Girls’ Program
Boys Program
Fall Lacrosse
Your child will have the opportunity to learn the game of lacrosse in a unique and accelerated setting by receiving both fundamental instruction and immediate game play in a 3v3 to 6v6 format. We believe that learning any new sport should be fun, and what better way to learn than to play games!
All skill levels are welcome, with programming for ages 3 to 15.
Learn More
Programs Calendar
Girls Travel Program
High School Girls Travel Program
Our goal at Detroit United is to prepare you for the next level – athletically, academically, personally while providing opportunity for athletes that have been systematically left of the sport of lacrosse. In 2021, 84% of women’s college lacrosse players identify as White – with only 3.5% identified as Black. Detroit United Lacrosse is dedicated to closing the participation gap by providing pathways to progress in the sport.
Athletes participate in elite lacrosse training with lacrosse players who are rising freshman in high school to rising freshman in college, engage in service learning opportunities, and get assistance with college recruiting. Some lacrosse experience is encouraged, but not required. Service days will be held on Saturdays throughout the summer at the Detroit City Recreational Lacrosse games.
Register for Fall 2023
Tournaments
Get seen by college coaches at top level tournaments across Michigan.
Fall (September 17-November 5, 2023)
Oakland University (5v5), October 8
Boo Bash (7v7), October 28
Summer (June 12-July 29, 2023)
Meijer State Games, GVSU, June 17-18
Summer Showdown, St Joseph, MI July 15-16
Summer Finale, Oxford, MI July 22, 23
Elite Tournament* (Invite only after registration)
King of Queens, Cincinnati, OH June 24-25
CanAm, Beverly Hills, MI Nov 11-12
*extra cost will apply
Practice
Fall
Dates: September 17 – November 5, 2023
Location: Lawrence Tech Stadium
Days: Sundays
September 17, 3-5pm
September 24, 3-5pm
October 1st, 1-3pm
October 15, 1-3pm
October 22, TBD
November 5th, 3-5pm
Summer
Dates: June 12- July 29, 2023
Location: University of Detroit Mercy
Days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
Time: 6-8pm
Fees
Price for Fall: $150
What’s included in your fee to play:
– Tournament Fees
– Equipment
– All Practices
– Practice Pinnie
– Uniform
= $150
*$75 off with a Detroit zipcode or athlete attends a DPSCD school.
