How does Minneapolis Youth Lacrosse foster girls’ athletic development. What are the key features of their summer season program. How do free spring clinics benefit new and returning players. What equipment is needed for girls lacrosse.
Girls Lacrosse Summer Season: Building Skills and Teamwork
The Minneapolis Youth Lacrosse summer season offers an exciting opportunity for girls aged 8-14 to develop their skills and passion for the sport. Running from early June through late July, the program combines practices and games to create a comprehensive lacrosse experience.
- Season duration: Mid-June to late July
- Practice and game schedule: 2-3 evenings per week, Monday through Thursday
- Practice location: Bassett Creek, typically from 6-7 p.m.
- Cost: $300 per player
This structured program allows young athletes to hone their lacrosse abilities in a supportive environment. By focusing on weekday evenings, the schedule accommodates families’ busy summer routines while providing consistent opportunities for growth and competition.
Spring Clinics: A Gateway to Lacrosse Excellence
To complement the summer season, Minneapolis Youth Lacrosse offers free spring clinics throughout April and May. These sessions serve as an invaluable resource for both newcomers and seasoned players alike.
Benefits of Spring Clinics
- Introduce new players to lacrosse fundamentals
- Allow returning players to refine their skills
- Foster a positive and fun learning environment
- Prepare athletes for the upcoming summer season
The spring clinic schedule encompasses a variety of dates and locations, ensuring accessibility for interested participants. From open field sessions at Parade Stadium to focused clinics at Benilde St. Margaret’s, these events provide a solid foundation for lacrosse success.
Equipment Essentials: Gearing Up for Girls Lacrosse
Understanding the necessary equipment is crucial for parents and players new to girls lacrosse. While families are generally responsible for supplying their own gear, Minneapolis Youth Lacrosse offers support to ensure all interested athletes can participate.
Required Equipment for Girls Lacrosse
- Lacrosse stick (crosse)
- Protective goggles
- Mouthguard
For families facing financial constraints or those trying the sport for the first time, Minneapolis Youth Lacrosse maintains a limited supply of equipment available for use. This initiative helps lower the barrier to entry and promotes inclusivity within the sport.
Equipment Acquisition Tips
- Attend the equipment swap event (date and time to be determined)
- Consider purchasing used equipment, especially for sticks and helmets
- Explore local sporting goods stores for lacrosse-specific gear
Understanding Girls Lacrosse: Rules and Gameplay
Girls lacrosse offers a unique and exciting sporting experience that combines elements of various popular team sports. To fully appreciate the game, it’s essential to understand its basic rules and structure.
Key Elements of Girls Lacrosse
- 12 players per team, including the goalkeeper
- Objective: Score goals by throwing the ball into the opponent’s net
- Equipment: Long-handled stick (crosse) used to catch, cradle, and pass the ball
- Ball: Solid yellow rubber lacrosse ball
The gameplay in girls lacrosse incorporates strategies reminiscent of other team sports. Defensive and offensive tactics draw inspiration from basketball, while midfield play shares similarities with soccer. This blend of familiar elements makes lacrosse an engaging and dynamic sport for participants and spectators alike.
Distinguishing Features of Girls Lacrosse
Girls lacrosse sets itself apart from the boys’ version of the sport through several key differences:
- Minimal contact allowed, with a focus on skill and strategy
- Incidental body-to-body contact permitted (similar to basketball)
- No legal stick-to-body contact
- Reduced protective equipment requirements (mouthguard and face guard/goggles only)
These distinctions create a unique playing experience that emphasizes finesse, teamwork, and tactical awareness over physical confrontation.
Minneapolis High School Girls Lacrosse: Nurturing Talent and Tradition
The Minneapolis High School Girls Lacrosse Program stands as a testament to the city’s rich lacrosse heritage, dating back to the first Minneapolis Lacrosse Club founded in 1883. Today, this program continues to cultivate young talent and promote the sport across the city.
Program Overview
- Open to all Minneapolis Public School students in grades 8-12
- Established in 2005
- Teams at Varsity and Junior Varsity levels
- Competes in the Minnesota State High School League Spring Season
One of the program’s greatest strengths lies in its inclusivity. All skill levels and experience are welcome, fostering an environment where newcomers can learn and develop alongside more seasoned players. The emphasis on a positive attitude, hard work, and team support creates a nurturing atmosphere for all participants.
2023 Season Highlights
- Season kickoff: Thursday, April 13th
- Practice locations: North High School, Parade Stadium, Lincoln Field
- Home games: North High School
- Parent/player meeting: Tuesday, April 11th at 6:00 PM in the North High School Auditorium
As the 2023 season unfolds, players and families are encouraged to stay connected through the team’s GroupMe for timely updates and information. The program’s commitment to clear communication ensures that everyone remains informed and engaged throughout the season.
Supporting Minneapolis Youth Lacrosse: Volunteer Opportunities and Booster Fees
The success of Minneapolis Youth Lacrosse relies heavily on community support and involvement. There are several ways for parents, family members, and lacrosse enthusiasts to contribute to the program’s growth and sustainability.
Volunteer Opportunities
Minneapolis Youth Lacrosse offers various volunteer positions throughout the season. These roles not only support the program but also provide a chance for community members to engage directly with the sport and its young athletes. While specific details for the current season are pending, typical volunteer opportunities may include:
- Game day assistance (scorekeeping, timekeeping, field setup)
- Equipment management and distribution
- Fundraising event coordination
- Team photography or videography
- Social media and communications support
Interested individuals are encouraged to check back regularly for updated information on available volunteer positions and how to get involved.
Girls Lax Booster Fee
The Girls Lax Booster Donation plays a crucial role in supporting the program’s operations and enhancing the player experience. For the 2023 season, the suggested donation is $250 per player. It’s important to note that this contribution is voluntary but greatly appreciated.
The booster fee helps fund various aspects of the program, potentially including:
- Equipment purchases and maintenance
- Facility rentals for practices and games
- Coaching resources and development
- Tournament entry fees
- Team-building activities and events
By contributing to the booster fund, families directly invest in the quality and sustainability of the Minneapolis Youth Lacrosse program, ensuring its continued success and growth.
Embracing the Spirit of Minneapolis Lacrosse
The Minneapolis Youth Lacrosse program, particularly its girls’ division, embodies the city’s commitment to fostering athletic excellence and personal growth through sport. By offering a comprehensive range of opportunities – from introductory clinics to competitive high school play – the program creates a clear pathway for young athletes to develop their skills and passion for lacrosse.
Key Takeaways
- Inclusive environment welcoming players of all skill levels
- Structured summer season program for focused skill development
- Free spring clinics to introduce new players and refine returning players’ abilities
- Emphasis on safety and skill in girls lacrosse rules
- Rich tradition of lacrosse in Minneapolis, dating back to 1883
- Opportunities for community involvement through volunteering and booster support
As the sport of lacrosse continues to grow in popularity across the United States, programs like Minneapolis Youth Lacrosse play a vital role in nurturing the next generation of players. By providing a supportive, skill-focused environment, the program not only develops athletic talent but also instills valuable life skills such as teamwork, dedication, and sportsmanship.
For young girls in Minneapolis, lacrosse offers more than just a chance to compete – it provides a platform for personal growth, friendship formation, and the cultivation of a lifelong love for physical activity. As the program continues to evolve and expand, it stands as a shining example of how community-driven sports initiatives can positively impact youth development and local culture.
Parents, players, and community members interested in getting involved with Minneapolis Youth Lacrosse are encouraged to reach out to program leaders, attend informational sessions, or participate in upcoming clinics and events. By working together, the Minneapolis lacrosse community can ensure that this rich sporting tradition continues to thrive and inspire future generations of athletes.
Girls Lacrosse
GIRLS SUMMER SEASON
The season starts the week of June 8-12 and ends the last week in July.
We will have a combination of practices and games 2 or 3 evenings a week and they will be Monday-Thursday (no weekend games).
Practices will be at Bassett Creek, generally from 6-7 p.m.
Ages 8-14
$300.00 per player.
If there are any questions, please contact us:
Briar (Girls Program Lead)
Email: [email protected]
REGISTER NOW >
Girls Spring Clinics
Free clinics through April and May for girls ages 8-14.
Clinics will be a positive, fun way for new players to learn the game and returning players to knock off the rust and continue to develop their skills.
Open Field and Equipment Swap
Wednesday, April 19th @ Parade Stadium – 6-7pm
Summer team registration will open in early May.
If there are any questions, please contact us:
Briar (Girls Program Lead)
Email: [email protected]
REGISTER NOW >
Girls Clinic Schedule
| Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday, April 19 | 6-7pm | Parade Stadium |
| Sunday, April 23 | 1130am – 1pm | Benilde St. Margaret’s |
| Wednesday, April 26 | 6-7pm | Parade Stadium |
| Sunday, April 30 | 1130am – 1pm | Benilde St. Margaret’s |
| Wednesday, May 3 | 6-7pm | Parade Stadium |
| Tuesday, May 9 | 6-7pm | Bassett’s Creek Park |
| Thursday, May 18 | 6pm – 700pm | Parade Stadium |
| Sunday, May 21 | 11am – 2pm | Benilde St. Margaret’s |
| Thursday, May 25 | 6-7:30pm | Bassett’s Creek Park |
| Tuesday, May 30 | 6-7:30pm | Bassett’s Creek Park |
Equipment
Families supply their own equipment (for girls – stick, goggles). Mpls Youth Lacrosse has a limited supply of equipment available for families receiving financial assistance and/or trying the sport for the first time. We will be doing an equipment swap at our parent meeting (Date and Time TBD). We recommend players try and buy used equipment (especially sticks and helmets).
2023 SEASON AGE GROUP CHART
WHAT IS Field LACROSSE?
Girls lacrosse is played with 12 players on each team including the goalkeeper. The object of the game is to use a long-handled stick (known as a crosse or lacrosse stick) to catch, cradle, and pass a solid yellow rubber lacrosse ball in an effort to score by throwing the ball into an opponent’s goal./cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60794897/LXM18_PENN_037_.0.jpg)
Defensive and offensive strategies are similar to basketball while play in the midfield most resembles soccer.
HOW IS GIRLS LACROSSE DIFFERENT THAN BOYS?
The biggest difference between boys and girls lacrosse is that there is minimal contact allowed in the girl’s game. Incidental body-to-body contact is allowed but dangerous contact is penalized (similar to basketball) and there is no legal stick-to-body contact. The only protective equipment required is a mouth guard and face guard/ goggles.
Minneapolis High School Girls Teams
The Minneapolis High School Girls Lacrosse Program is open to all Minneapolis Public School students in grades 8 – 12. The program was established in 2005 and carries on the tradition started by the first Minneapolis Lacrosse Club founded in 1883.
The program traditionally sponsors teams at the Varsity and Junior Varsity levels. Each team competes in the Minnesota State High School League Spring Season which runs from early April to late May with playoffs running in early June.
All levels of skill and experience are welcome and encouraged to play. Previous experience is not required but a positive attitude, desire to work hard and improve and a willingness to support your teammates is!
2023 Season
The 2023 lacrosse season is in full swing. Our first game is Thursday April 13th!
Practices will be at North High School, Parade Stadium or Lincoln Field. Please watch the calendar for updates. Players should be in the GroupMe for updates, ask a captain to add you if needed.
All games will be at North High School.
We will have a parent/player meeting on Tuesday, April 11th at 6:00 in the North High School Auditorium. Please join us to hear from the captains and the coach about our upcoming season.
Please check the calendar for updates as dates are subject to change, see the MSHSL website for the most accurate information.
Go Mpls!!
Volunteer Opportunities
We have several volunteer opportunities this season!
Check back for details!
2023 Girls Lax Booster Fee
Girls Lax Booster Donation for the 2023 season is $250 per player.
This voluntary donation helps support the program by funding coaching staff, team building activities, spring trip, uniform supplements, and equipment not supplied by the school district. Each player will receive a jacket, sweatshirt and shorts this year!
Payment can be made by check to Mpls Girls Lacrosse Boosters. Send checks to 5901 Thomas Ave S, Minneapolis MN 55410.
You can also pay via the Venmo or PayPal inks below. Note your players name on the payment.
Please contact Holly Kroll ([email protected]) if you’d like to discuss alternate payment plans. Looking forward to a great season!
PayPal
2023 Mpls Girls Booster 501c3 Certificate
Helpful Links for Girls Lax!
Notes about equipment:
If you are buying online, buy from official site. You cannot use any part of a boys stick (shaft or head). Only goalies wear padding. Helmets are optional for field players, but are not required. Mouth guards can not be completely clear, there needs to be a color on at least part of the mouth guard.
No jewelry is allowed during game play. Cleats are recommended, turf shoes can be worn when playing on turf fields, but do not work as well on grass. Cleats cannot have metal spikes.
2020 Approved Goggle List:
https://www.uslacrosse.org/safety/equipment/approved-eyewear-list
Equipment Link- US Lacrosse:
https://www.uslacrosse.org/safety/equipment/player-equipment
Info on New Free Movement Rule:
https://www.uslacrosse.org/blog/free-movement-among-rule-changes-for-high-school-girls-in-2020
Here’s Some Lacrosse Basics for those Who Haven’t Played!
Basics of Lacrosse- Maryland Women’s Coach Cathy Reese:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n66eqrmn5Bg
Shooting with Jen Adams by STX:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysYfQPtiXms
Passing Tips:
How to Pick up a Ground Ball:
https://www.youtube.
