What are the key differences between PAL and travel lacrosse on Long Island. How do costs, coaching, and commitment levels compare between these two lacrosse options. Which type of lacrosse program is best suited for different skill levels and goals.
Understanding PAL Lacrosse: The Largest Youth League on Long Island
Police Activity League (PAL) lacrosse is a cornerstone of youth sports on Long Island, operating in both Nassau and Suffolk counties. This expansive league organizes tournaments and games for thousands of young lacrosse enthusiasts, fostering a spirit of fair play, sportsmanship, and positive athletic competition.
How does PAL lacrosse work? Towns and villages can register their own divisions within the PAL league, allowing athletes to sign up with their hometown teams. The league then orchestrates games between these town teams, considering factors such as team strength and geographical location.
Key Features of PAL Lacrosse:
- Open to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced players
- Starts at kindergarten and continues through 12th grade
- Volunteer coaches who adhere to a code of conduct
- Emphasis on teaching lacrosse fundamentals and sportsmanship
- Seasonal rankings within the league
- Affordable option for families
Is PAL lacrosse competitive? While the primary focus is on skill development and fair play, teams do compete against each other throughout the season, with rankings determined based on performance. This structure allows for a balance between healthy competition and inclusive participation.
Travel Lacrosse on Long Island: Elevating the Game
For those seeking a more intensive lacrosse experience, travel lacrosse clubs on Long Island offer an advanced level of play and competition. These clubs cater to dedicated young athletes looking to hone their skills and potentially pursue lacrosse at higher levels.
Characteristics of Travel Lacrosse:
- Selective tryout process for team membership
- Paid, professionally qualified coaches
- Participation in tournaments across the country
- More frequent and rigorous practice schedules
- Higher financial commitment from families
- Focus on advanced skill development
How much does travel lacrosse cost? Families can expect to invest between $2,000 to $4,000 per year, per child. This includes membership fees, tournament costs, and travel expenses. While the price tag is higher than PAL lacrosse, many consider the intensive training and exposure to high-level competition worth the investment.
Comparing PAL and Travel Lacrosse: Making the Right Choice
When deciding between PAL and travel lacrosse, families should consider several factors to determine the best fit for their young athlete. Let’s break down the key differences:
| Aspect | PAL Lacrosse | Travel Lacrosse |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $0-$300 per year | $2,000-$4,000 per year |
| Coaches | Volunteers | Paid professionals |
| Practices | 1-2 per week | About 2 per week |
| Game Locations | On Long Island | Long Island and out-of-state tournaments |
| Games per Year | About 13 games plus possible championship | 3-5 tournaments per year |
| Practice Locations | Within your town | Varies based on club |
How do you choose between PAL and travel lacrosse? Consider your child’s skill level, commitment to the sport, family budget, and long-term lacrosse goals. PAL may be ideal for those new to the sport or seeking a balanced, community-oriented experience. Travel lacrosse suits highly motivated players aiming for advanced skill development and exposure to higher levels of competition.
Top Travel Lacrosse Teams on Long Island
Long Island boasts a wealth of exceptional travel lacrosse teams, each offering unique opportunities for dedicated young athletes. Some of the most renowned girls’ travel lacrosse teams include:
- Long Island Jesters Lacrosse
- Top Guns
- Legacy Lacrosse
- Team 91
- Yellow Jackets
- Shore to Shore
- Express North Lacrosse
Are these the only options for travel lacrosse on Long Island? Not at all. The landscape of travel lacrosse is continually evolving, with new teams emerging each year. This growth reflects the increasing popularity and competitiveness of girls’ lacrosse in the region.
Benefits of PAL Lacrosse: Community and Skill Development
PAL lacrosse offers numerous advantages for young athletes and their families. Let’s explore some of the key benefits:
1. Accessibility and Affordability
With its low cost and open enrollment, PAL lacrosse ensures that the sport remains accessible to a wide range of participants. This inclusivity helps build a strong lacrosse community across Long Island.
2. Focus on Fundamentals
PAL coaches emphasize teaching the basics of lacrosse, providing a solid foundation for players of all skill levels. This approach is particularly beneficial for beginners and those looking to improve their overall game.
3. Local Connections
Playing with a hometown team fosters strong connections within the community. Players often develop lasting friendships with teammates they may know from school or other local activities.
4. Balanced Competition
While PAL lacrosse does involve competition, the league structure ensures that teams are matched appropriately based on skill level and location. This creates a more balanced and enjoyable experience for all participants.
How does PAL lacrosse contribute to a player’s long-term development? By providing a supportive environment focused on skill-building and sportsmanship, PAL lacrosse lays the groundwork for future success in the sport, whether a player chooses to pursue it recreationally or at more competitive levels.
Advantages of Travel Lacrosse: Advanced Training and Exposure
For players seeking to take their lacrosse skills to the next level, travel lacrosse offers several distinct advantages:
1. High-Level Coaching
Travel teams typically employ experienced, paid coaches who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to player development. This professional guidance can significantly accelerate skill improvement.
2. Intense Competition
Participating in out-of-state tournaments exposes players to a wider range of competition styles and skill levels. This challenge can push athletes to elevate their game and adapt to different playing environments.
3. College Recruitment Opportunities
Many travel tournaments attract college scouts, providing valuable exposure for players aspiring to compete at the collegiate level. The networking opportunities can be invaluable for future athletic careers.
4. Year-Round Training
Unlike PAL lacrosse, which typically follows a seasonal schedule, many travel teams offer year-round training opportunities. This consistent practice can lead to more rapid skill development and improved physical conditioning.
Is travel lacrosse worth the higher cost and time commitment? For highly motivated players with aspirations of playing at elite levels, the intensive training, exposure to high-level competition, and potential recruitment opportunities can make travel lacrosse a worthwhile investment.
Balancing PAL and Travel Lacrosse: A Hybrid Approach
Some families find that a combination of PAL and travel lacrosse provides the best of both worlds for their young athletes. This hybrid approach can offer several benefits:
1. Diverse Playing Experiences
Participating in both leagues exposes players to a wide range of coaching styles, teammates, and competitive environments. This variety can contribute to well-rounded skill development and adaptability on the field.
2. Community Connection and Broader Exposure
Players can maintain ties to their local lacrosse community through PAL while also gaining exposure to higher levels of competition and potential college recruitment opportunities through travel lacrosse.
3. Balanced Commitment Level
For some families, alternating between PAL and travel lacrosse seasons can provide a more manageable commitment level, both in terms of time and financial investment.
4. Skill Application
Advanced skills learned in travel lacrosse can be applied and refined in PAL games, potentially boosting confidence and leadership abilities.
How can families effectively balance participation in both PAL and travel lacrosse? Communication with coaches from both programs is key. Discuss scheduling conflicts, prioritize commitments, and ensure that the player’s overall development and well-being remain the top priority.
Preparing for Success in Long Island Lacrosse
Regardless of whether a young athlete chooses PAL lacrosse, travel lacrosse, or a combination of both, certain factors can contribute to their success and enjoyment of the sport:
1. Proper Equipment
Invest in quality, well-fitting lacrosse equipment to ensure safety and optimal performance. This includes a stick, protective gear, and appropriate footwear.
2. Consistent Practice
Encourage regular practice outside of team sessions. Wall ball, conditioning exercises, and studying game footage can all contribute to skill improvement.
3. Multi-Sport Participation
Many coaches recommend that young athletes play multiple sports to develop overall athleticism and prevent burnout. Consider complementary sports that can enhance lacrosse skills during the off-season.
4. Mental Preparation
Develop mental toughness and a positive attitude. Learn to handle both success and setbacks gracefully, and focus on personal improvement rather than just win-loss records.
5. Nutrition and Rest
Proper nutrition and adequate rest are crucial for athletic performance and recovery. Educate young players about the importance of fueling their bodies correctly and getting enough sleep.
How can parents best support their child’s lacrosse journey? Offer encouragement, help maintain a balanced perspective on competition, and foster a love for the game that extends beyond wins and losses. Remember that the primary goal of youth sports is to promote physical activity, build character, and create lasting memories.
What’s the Difference Between PAL and Travel Lacrosse?
Everything You Need to Know About Girls Lacrosse on Long Island
What’s the Difference Between PAL and Travel Lacrosse?
If you are new to the world of girl’s youth lacrosse on Long Island, you may be wondering what is PAL lacrosse and what is travel lacrosse. This is definitely a question many new parents and players have. We wanted to help answer some of your questions and help you learn all about the various lacrosse options you have. Long Island is a great place for youth lacrosse and there are a lot of ways you can play. Let’s dive in!
A beautiful young girl ready to play wearing her safety equipment.
What is PAL lacrosse?
Police Activity League (PAL) operates in both Nassau and Suffolk County. It is the largest lacrosse league on Long Island and helps to organize both tournaments and games for thousands of lacrosse players.
Towns and villages can register to have their own division within the PAL league.
Athletes typically sign up with their hometown team to play within the PAL league. Games are organized by the overall PAL lacrosse league. The town teams compete against each other based on the strength of the team and the town location.
Anyone can sign up for PAL lacrosse. The idea behind the league is to offer fair play, promote sportsmanship and encourage positive athletic competition.
Coaches in the PAL league are all volunteers. Coaches are expected to uphold the PAL code of conduct and teach the players how to play lacrosse at a beginner to advanced level. Coaches are free to train their teams within the guidelines of the league.
PAL Lacrosse begins for girls at the Kindergarten level and continues on through 12th grade. The teams are ranked within the PAL league each season, playing against other surrounding town teams to be the best!
What is Travel Lacrosse On Long Island?
Travel lacrosse clubs on Long Island are very popular. They are a fantastic way to play youth lacrosse at a more advanced level.
Players need to find a travel lacrosse team they would like to join and then tryout to be part of the team. Once they make the team, they will need to pay annual membership fees which will vary team by team.
Travel lacrosse teams on Long Island travel all over the country to compete in girls youth lacrosse tournaments. There are several tournaments on Long Island each year but many tournaments are also held in New Jersey, upstate New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and other surrounding states. Club lacrosse teams may even travel to Florida or Texas to play tournaments.
A young girl playing the sport of lacrosse
Club lacrosse teams on Long Island typically have paid coaches. These coaches need to be hired by the club teams and are screened for coaching ability and qualifications. If you play on a travel lacrosse team in Long Island, you know you will be getting a fantastic coach!
Travel lacrosse can be quite expensive. Not only do you need to pay membership fees to be part of the team, you also need to pay for each tournament as well as all travel costs that are incurred.
Expect to spend around $2000 to $4000 per year, per child when you join a Long Island travel lacrosse team.
However, you do get what you pay for. You will be getting a higher level of training when compared to PAL and a higher level of play. Youth travel lacrosse teams will practice multiple times per week and learn more advanced skills. Long Island club lacrosse teams are definitely for the most serious, committed youth lacrosse players.
PAL Vs. Travel Lacrosse
Just to recap, we wanted to give you a quick, run down of the differences between travel lacrosse and PAL lacrosse.
| PAL | Travel Club Teams | |
| Cost | About $0-$300 per year | About $2000 to $4000 per year |
| Coaches | Volunteers | Paid Coaches |
| Practices | Variable but about 1-2 per week | Variable but about 2 per week |
| Game Locations | On Long Island | On Long Island and travel tournaments outside of Long Island as well. |
| Games per Year | About 13 games per season plus possible championship game | 3-5 tournaments per year based team, grade level and club involvement. |
| Practice Locations | Within your town | Varies based on club- See our map |
FAQs
Still have questions about PAL youth lacrosse on Long Island and club lacrosse on Long Island? Hopefully we can answer some of the most frequently asked questions here. If you still have a question, please feel free to contact us! We will try to answer ASAP
Who are the best travel lacrosse teams on Long Island?
There are so many amazing travel lacrosse teams on Long Island. Some of the more popular girls travel lacrosse teams include:
- Long Island Jesters Lacrosse
- Top Guns
- Legacy Lacrosse
- Team 91
- Yellow Jackets
- Shore to Shore
- Express North Lacrosse
There are even more than that! Every year, more travel teams are popping up on Long Island and girls are getting better and better! Check our team pages to keep up with the best girls youth lacrosse Long Island travel teams.
What does PAL lacrosse mean?
PAL stands for the Police Athletic League. This is an organization in many police departments across the US where police force members help coach youth sports. Many PAL programs often call themselves the Police Activities League as the league has grown to include more than just sports. No matter the name, the organization works to help facilitate and aid local teams to play against each other in a positive but competitive way. Almost every town on Long Island has a PAL lacrosse team thanks to the popularity of the sport within this area.
Can you play on a PAL lacrosse team and a club lacrosse team at the same time?
Yes! There are no specific rules that would ban players form participating on a PAL team and a youth travel lacrosse team. Specific club teams may have their own rules that discourage players from participating on multiple youth lacrosse teams but it is typically geared toward players from joining more than one club team.
Just keep in mind when considering joining multiple girls youth lacrosse teams that you will need to keep up with practices and game schedules.
Do PAL lacrosse teams play against club lacrosse teams?
Pal teams usually only play other PAL teams for regularly scheduled games. PAL teams are allowed to sign up for any lacrosse tournaments help in Long Island so a travel team may compete against a local PAL team at that time.
What age does lacrosse start on Long Island?
PAL teams can form as early as kindergarten. Youth travel lacrosse teams typically begin at 2nd and 3rd grade.
How do I join a travel lacrosse team on Long Island?
To join a youth club lacrosse team on Long Island, you will need to try out and be accepted on the team. Team tryouts are usually held in the summer or early fall. Supplemental tryouts may take place in the winter or spring. Each team will have their own schedule and rules.
Reach out to the director of the travel lacrosse teams you are interested in joining to see when tryouts will be held.
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Girls Youth Lacrosse For Beginners, Long Island Lacrosse Teams
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Commack Youth Lacrosse
Commack Youth Lacrosse
COMMACK YOUTH LACROSSE MISSION STATEMENT
Commack Youth Lacrosse is dedicated to providing a POSITIVE athletic experience for boys and girls lacrosse players in the Commack New York and surrounding areas. Our coaches, parents and volunteers are committed to developing each player’s character, while teaching leadership, teamwork, sportsmanship, physical and mental endurance.
As part of the Honor the Game campaign, the Commack Youth Lacrosse program – along with U.S. Lacrosse – encourage all lacrosse players, coaches, officials, and spectators to “COMPETE WITH CLASS and HONOR THE GAME” by adhering to the spirit of the rules, especially those that minimize risk for players and those that pertain to participant sportsmanship.
In order to Compete With Class and Honor the Game, we ask our players to:
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Respect their coaches, teammates, opponents, officials, and the fans.
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Compete with heart, honor, and hustle.
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Honor the traditions of the game and respect the ancestors of the sport.
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Have fun, be passionate, and adhere to the spirit of the game both on and off the field.
THE PLEDGE
The Compete With Class and Honor the Game pledge summarizes important elements of the lacrosse experience and confirms your commitment to Sportsmanship and Fair Play.
We ask that everyone in our program (players, parents, coaches, and administrators) take the pledge. Taking the pledge is voluntary, but demonstrates your support and commitment of the U.S. Lacrosse safety and sportsmanship awareness campaign.
So that I will COMPETE with CLASS and HONOR THE GAME, this season I pledge:
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I will honor the history of lacrosse and commit to maintaining the core values of the game’s culture.
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I will recognize the value of safe and fair play by teaching, enforcing and playing by the letter and spirit of the men’s game.
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I will practice and encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches and officials at every game, practice or other lacrosse events.
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I will place the emotional and physical well-being of our players ahead of any personal desire to win.
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I will support coaches and officials working with players in order to encourage a safe, positive and enjoyable experience for all.
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I will do my very best to make the sport fun for everyone who participates.
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I will ask all family members and fans to be tolerant and inclusive by treating other players, coaches, fans and officials with high regard and respect.
R.O.O.T.S of POSITIVE PLAY
The Commack Youth Lacrosse program strives not only to develop solid lacrosse skills, but also positive character values that our players will carry with them on and off the field.
To achieve this objective and to Honor the Game of lacrosse, the Commack Youth Lacrosse program has adopted and asks each of our players to follow the R.O.O.T.S. of Positive Play. They are:
R– We obey the Rules even if we can get away with bending them, and even if our opponents don’t.
O – A worthy Opponent helps us get better. We want to play fierce & friendly and never think of them as enemies.
O – We respect Officials even when bad calls go against us. I don’t want you to speak to officials during a game even if you are being treated unfairly
T – We don’t do anything to embarrass our Teammates, on or off the field.
S – Self – Don’t Honor the Game because I tell you to. Do it because you want to.
WE LIVE UP TO OUR OWN STANDARDS EVEN IF OUR OPPONENT DOES NOT!!!
Site Rules » AllLacrosse.org
Site Rules » AllLacrosse.org
| General rules of conduct on the site: Let’s start with the fact that hundreds of people of different religions and views communicate on the site, and all of them are full visitors to our site, so if we want this community of people to function, we need rules. We strongly recommend that you read these rules, it will only take you about five minutes, but it will save us and you time and help to make the site more interesting and organized. Let’s start with the fact that on our site you need to behave respectfully towards all site visitors. Do not insult the participants, it is always superfluous. If you have any complaints, please contact the Admins or Moderators (use private messages). Insulting other visitors is considered one of the most serious violations and is severely punished by the administration. Racism, religious and political statements are strictly prohibited in our country. Thank you in advance for your understanding and your desire to make our site more polite and friendly. The site is strictly prohibited: – messages that are not related to the content of the article or the context of the discussion Let’s respect each other and the site where you and other readers come to chat and express your thoughts. If you violate the rules, you may be given warning . In some cases ban may be given without warnings . For questions about removing the ban, write to the administrator. Insult administrators or moderators are also punishable ban – respect other people’s work. |
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Avangard found the top link: 13 points for three against Barys, Knight got a hat-trick0008
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Tkachev + North Americans = 🔥
A rare situation for the 2022/23 season and completely unique in the history of the G-Drive Arena – Avangard won two matches in a row. Although it is much more important than four points now that the team finally has a meaningful game and finally formed a shock link – and there were problems with this before.
For example, Dmitry Ryabykin tried for a long time to find a top three that would bring results (and did not find it anyway): the team fell apart at the start – and the coach began frantically shuffling combinations. He almost immediately abandoned the link Tkachev – Knight – Bush, who started the matches with Minsk and SKA – although they organized two goals with Dynamo.
Ryabykin decided to try further – but he was first prevented from returning to this option by the injury of the Canadian center, and then by his own resignation.
Mikhail Kravets, on the contrary, decided not to rush about, but to focus on the Tkachev-Buchet link on the flanks. True, I managed to try the variation with Telegin, but this experiment was quickly curtailed – and the trio acquired its final outlines.
In the last two home matches, Knight, Bush and Tkachev went to the hawks for the starting face-off – and Avangard took both games, and the trio organized 7 goals out of 10.
There was a benefit performance against Barys – right away 5 goals, all in equal numbers. In total, Knight’s link scored 13 points during the evening: 5 (1 + 4) points each for Bushe and Tkachev and 3 + 0 for Korban himself. Other threes, in general, could just rest on the bench – the North Americans with the former Kings player simply tore the opponent apart.
“What is the secret of our team’s effectiveness? We played with Bush at Avangard before, now he is back.
Tkachev has excellent skills, he is a very gifted playmaker. Today, you saw, he was handing out such programs that he did all the work for me. Great luck to play with such partners. I think we find confidence and chemistry with each other. Such partners are a privilege,” Korban Knight praised his comrades after the match.
Perhaps the former coach of Avangard should have shown a little more patience – after all, Kravets in just a few matches together broke into the top of the most productive triples.
Moreover, Knight, Bushe and Tkachev scored most of the goals in equal numbers – and thanks to the match with Barys, they immediately flew into the top 5 in this indicator.
Thanks to such an extravaganza of the line, Avangard crawled into the playoff zone in the East. It’s nice to watch the team play in recent matches (albeit not all 60 minutes), and stability has finally appeared in the roster. It seems that the season for Omsk is just beginning.
