What are the best summer lacrosse tournaments in the Midwest for 2021. Which events offer the most competitive divisions for youth and high school players. How can teams maximize their tournament experience in the region.
Midwest Prime: The Premier Lacrosse Tournament Experience
Midwest Prime stands out as one of the top lacrosse tournaments in the Midwest region. This event attracts elite youth and high school teams from across the country, offering a highly competitive atmosphere for players to showcase their skills. The tournament typically features multiple age divisions for both boys and girls, allowing teams to find the right level of competition.
Key Features of Midwest Prime
- Multiple age divisions for boys and girls
- High-quality facilities and playing surfaces
- College coach recruitment opportunities
- Professional tournament management
- Team and individual awards
Teams participating in Midwest Prime can expect to face top-tier competition, making it an excellent opportunity for player development and exposure to college recruiters. The event’s reputation for attracting skilled teams ensures that each game provides a meaningful challenge for participants.
Lax Bash Tournaments: A Series of Exciting Lacrosse Events
Lax Bash Tournaments offers a series of lacrosse events throughout the year, with several taking place during the summer months. These tournaments cater to various age groups and skill levels, providing opportunities for teams of all abilities to compete and improve their game.
Popular Lax Bash Summer Tournaments
- Gem City (July 8-9, Erie, PA)
- Summer Finale (July 22-23, Oxford, MI)
- Midwest Lax Bash (June 1-2, Oxford, MI)
Each Lax Bash tournament offers unique features and benefits for participating teams. For example, the Summer Finale event in Oxford, MI, provides guaranteed four games for all teams, with most playing five games. This format ensures ample playing time and opportunities for teams to test their skills against various opponents.
Optimizing Your Tournament Experience: Tips for Teams and Players
Participating in summer lacrosse tournaments can be a rewarding experience for players and teams. To make the most of these events, consider the following tips:
- Choose tournaments that match your team’s skill level and goals
- Prepare physically and mentally in the weeks leading up to the event
- Use tournaments as opportunities to try new strategies and tactics
- Encourage team bonding activities during downtime between games
- Hydrate properly and maintain good nutrition throughout the tournament
By approaching tournaments with a clear plan and focus, teams can maximize their performance and enjoyment of the event.
The Importance of Division Selection in Tournament Play
Selecting the appropriate division for your team is crucial for a successful tournament experience. Many events, including the Lax Bash tournaments, offer multiple divisions to ensure competitive balance and enjoyable gameplay for all participants.
Common Division Breakdowns
- AAA/Elite: Top-tier teams with highly skilled players
- AA: Competitive teams with solid fundamentals
- A: Developing teams looking for balanced competition
- B: Newer or less experienced teams
When choosing a division, consider your team’s overall skill level, recent performance, and goals for the tournament. Selecting the right division ensures that your team will face appropriate challenges and have the opportunity to succeed.
Navigating Tournament Logistics: Registration, Accommodations, and More
Successfully participating in a lacrosse tournament involves more than just showing up to play. Teams must navigate various logistical considerations to ensure a smooth experience.
Key Logistical Considerations
- Early registration to secure your spot and potential discounts
- Booking accommodations, especially for “stay to play” events
- Arranging transportation for players and equipment
- Understanding tournament rules and schedules
- Packing appropriate gear and supplies for multiple games
Many tournaments, such as the Lax Bash Summer Finale, have specific requirements for teams traveling from out of town. For example, teams traveling more than 75 miles may be required to book accommodations through the tournament’s official housing partner.
The Role of College Recruitment in Summer Tournaments
Summer lacrosse tournaments often serve as valuable recruitment opportunities for high school players aspiring to compete at the collegiate level. Many events actively invite college coaches to attend and observe games, providing exposure for talented athletes.
Maximizing Recruitment Potential
- Research which tournaments attract college coaches
- Prepare a player profile or resume to share with interested coaches
- Focus on consistent performance throughout the tournament
- Be prepared to speak with coaches if approached
- Follow up with coaches after the event
While recruitment should not be the sole focus of tournament participation, it can be a significant benefit for players looking to continue their lacrosse careers at the next level.
Unique Tournament Formats: Exploring Alternative Lacrosse Experiences
While traditional tournament formats remain popular, some events offer unique experiences that can add variety and excitement to a team’s summer schedule.
Examples of Alternative Tournament Formats
- Small-sided games (e.g., 7v7 or 8v8)
- One-day festivals with multiple games
- Themed events (e.g., The Boo Bash with costume contests)
- Showcase-style events focusing on individual skills
These alternative formats can provide teams with fresh challenges and opportunities to develop different aspects of their game. For instance, small-sided games may emphasize quick decision-making and individual skills, while themed events add an element of fun and team bonding to the competitive experience.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Summer Lacrosse Tournaments
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the landscape of youth sports, including summer lacrosse tournaments. As organizers and teams navigate the ongoing challenges, it’s essential to understand how events may be adapting to ensure participant safety.
Potential COVID-19 Considerations for Tournaments
- Implementation of health screening protocols
- Limitations on spectator attendance
- Modified game formats to reduce close contact
- Enhanced cleaning and sanitization procedures
- Flexible cancellation and refund policies
Teams and players should stay informed about the specific COVID-19 policies for each tournament they plan to attend, as guidelines may vary depending on local regulations and organizer decisions.
As the summer lacrosse tournament season approaches, teams have a wealth of options to choose from in the Midwest region. From elite events like Midwest Prime to the diverse offerings of Lax Bash Tournaments, players of all ages and skill levels can find opportunities to compete, improve, and enjoy the sport they love.
When selecting tournaments, consider factors such as team goals, player development needs, and logistical considerations. By carefully planning your summer tournament schedule and approaching each event with clear objectives, teams can maximize the benefits of these competitive experiences.
Remember that while winning is often a goal, the true value of summer tournaments lies in the opportunities they provide for player growth, team bonding, and creating lasting memories. Whether you’re competing for a championship trophy or simply looking to improve your skills against quality opposition, the Midwest’s summer lacrosse tournament scene has something to offer every team and player.
As you prepare for the upcoming tournament season, take the time to research events thoroughly, communicate with your team about expectations and goals, and ensure that all necessary arrangements are made well in advance. With proper planning and a positive attitude, your team can make the most of the exciting opportunities that summer lacrosse tournaments in the Midwest have to offer.
Tournaments Archives – Lax Bash Tournaments
Gem City July 8-9 / Erie, PA Tournament Registration Tournament Information Divisions: U10 – 2024 Boys and Girls team event Cost Per team $1450 (5/6-Varsity) 2031-2022 – Full Field $875 (U10, 3/4) small sided Early Bird Pricing Ends: Feb 14, 2023 We will do our best to get teams on and off the fields as…
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Summer Finale July 22-23 / Oxford, MI Register Now Tournament Information Divisions: U8 – 2022 Cost Per team $1400 U10-2021 – Full Field $875 U10 small sided All fields one location Guaranteed four games – most will play 5 Vendors on site Early Bird Registration ends Feb 14 Certified Officials Champions crowned Check out Division…
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Register Now Tournament Information Date: October 14-15, 2023 Location: The Hope Sports Complex, Lansing, MI Divisions: U10-Varsity Girls October 14 – Small sided 8 v 8 Boys October 15 – full field 3 games (top 2 will play a 4th) one day Cost Per team: Boys U12-Var – Full Field Tournament $1200 – Plays Oct. …
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The Boo Bash Pennsylvania October 22 & 23, 2022 / Erie, PA Register Now Tournament Information COSTUMES HIGHLY ENCOURAGED!!! Boys & Girls Play Dates! Small Sided Games (3 game minimum – just about all play 4) Boys 7 v 7 October 23 Girls – 8 v 8 October 22 Cost per team: $950 Deposit Due:…
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The Boo Bash Michigan October 28-29, 2023 | Oxford, MI Register For the Tournament Register for the Festival Tournament Information COSTUMES HIGHLY ENCOURAGED!!! October 28-29 Deposit Due: Upon registration Full Payment Due: 9/23/23 Tournament Information: Boys Full Field Tournament Oct 28-29, 2023 U12-Varsity Cost per team: $1400 -…
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The Turkey Shoot November 13, 2022 Register Now Tournament Information November 13 Boys Deposit Due: Upon Registration Festival format: 4 games Cost per team: U12- High School Varsity $975- per team AS OF 10/19 – we have one spot open in U12 Early Bird Pricing ends Aug.
31 The Turkey Shoot Features College Coaches invited…
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The Holiday Hustle Dec 27 2022 / Total Sports, Wixom MI Register now General Information The Holiday Hustle Date: Dec. 27, 2022 Location: Total Sports Wixom Divisions: U10-Varsity Who: Boys and Girls, U10-High school Cost per team: $675 4 games, festival AS OF 12/13 We have 2 spots left Tournament Info Small Sided Format: Boys:…
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Midwest Lax Bash June 1-2, 2024 Registration closed -we are sold out Tournament Information The Midwest Lax Bash June 1-2 2024 Oxford, MI – Seymore Lake Park Boys and Girls *No high school players BOYS SOLD OUT GIRLS SOLD OUT Full Field TOURNAMENT: TWO DAY TOURNAMENT Small Sided FESTIVAL: ONE DAY ONLY (1 goalie, 2…
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Lax Bash Tournaments – Summer Finale
Tournament Information
Divisions: U8 – 2022
Cost Per team
$1400 U10-2021 – Full Field
$875 U10 small sided
All fields one location
Guaranteed four games – most will play 5
Vendors on site
Early Bird Registration ends Feb 14
Certified Officials
Champions crowned
Check out Division Breakdown and Description to see where you should register your teams
Hotel Information
Summer Finale is a Stay to Play Event.
Teams that are traveling more than 75 miles away will be required to book their hotel through our booking partner – registration is NOT Accepted until the hotel has been booked.
Summer Finale Hotels
Division Breakdown and Description
Division Breakdowns
We are looking to build a competitive and fun atmosphere. We offer four divisions to ensure your team gets the best tournament experience.
Level AA
If you have what it takes to compete at the top, this is your division. This is a hunt for the best of the best in the Midwest! If you have younger players that can hang…that is OK, throw them on the roster and let’s see some future legends in action. Simply put – you are really good – or have the desire to challenge yourself to be the best around.
Winning teams will win prizes and a free registration to next year’s tournament. All teams will play 3 round robin games and advance to the playoff brackets.
Level A
Not quite at the top, this is the place for you.
You can play, the kids on your team are talented – maybe even have a future star or two. You have a winning record, losses were hard fought, and if anything, you are looking for good close games, inviting the challenge.
Winning teams will win prizes and a free registration to next year’s tournament. All teams will play 3 round robin games and advance to the playoff brackets.
Level B
You are competitive, but there seems to be something missing, a hole to fill or after that first line, inexperienced FOGO or goalie, you just seem to struggle a bit. The players for the most part are experienced but still learning. You can play, just not at the top level.
Winning teams will win prizes and a free registration to next year’s tournament. All teams will play 3 round robin games and advance to the playoff brackets.
NO SANDBAGGERS – WE WILL KICK YOU OUT OF THE DIVISION
Level C
You are new, your players are new. You are here for the environment; you want to have some fun and expose the boys to a great weekend of lacrosse.
If we are being honest – winning is nice, but let’s just set out to have some fun. This is a festival format
All teams will play 4 round robin festival games.
NO SANDBAGGERS – WE WILL KICK YOU OUT OF THE DIVISION
Downe House – admission and study at Downe House Girls’ School
Address: Downe House, Cold Ash, Newbury, Berkshire RG18 9JJ
Principal: Mrs Emma McKendrick, educated at Bedford High and the Universities of Liverpool and Birmingham, has been in office since 1997. She previously served as Principal at The Royal School in Bath.
Founded: 1907
School status: girls school.
Age of study: 11-18 years old, full-time/boarding.
Organization Affiliation: Girls’ Schools Association (GSA), Boarding Schools Association (BSA).
Number of students: 567, of which 21 are day students, 546 live in the residence.
In the last year of study (Upper sixth) there are 82 students.
Location Downe House
The school is located near the city of Newbury (Newbury), among the beautiful wooded parks, which cover an area of 110 acres. It is located about an hour west of central London.
School Downe House
The school was founded in 1907 in the home of the English naturalist Charles Darwin at Down House in Kent. The school moved to its current location in 1921.
Extensive modernization and construction took place at the school for several years, as a result of which it is now equipped at the highest technical level.
In high school, girls are given quite a bit of independence in order to prepare them for the transition to adulthood at the university.
The school has its own chapel, which plays an important role in the life of the school.
Teaching is carried out at a high level and, accordingly, the exam results are also high.
Education at Downe House
Enrollment in school: The main entry age is 11, 12 and 13 years old. For admission, the Common entrance and own testing are used. For admission to the A-Level, you must pass 7 GCSE subjects for grades of at least B (grades A in the subjects chosen for A-level).
Curriculum : The school offers GCSE, AS and A-levels programs. At the A-level there is a choice of 27 subjects, including the subject of General Studies, which means the study of the most important aspects of the modern world: politics, languages, art, science, mathematics. Communication and numeracy skills are also integrated into this subject. At A-level, students optionally study information technology (IT) as a separate subject. You can also get a Leith’s food and wine certificate.
Languages: French, German, Italian, Spanish and Russian can be taken at GCSE and A-level.
Accessibility: if necessary, foreign students are assigned additional English lessons (EFL).
All students of 12 years spend a semester in France; regular exchanges of students with other countries are organized.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT): is a compulsory subject up to 16 years of age and is either taught separately or included in the curriculum of other subjects.
Down House School has 250 computers connected to the local network and with access to the Internet and e-mail. Many girls have their own laptops. The ratio of computers to students is 1:3.
Exam results: Approximately 94 female students take the GCSE, of which 100% achieve at least a C or higher in more than 8 subjects. A-levels are taken by approximately 82 students. All take more than 3 subjects, with an average final score of 415.
After leaving school: all graduates continue their studies at universities (65% after a year break). 17% go to Oxbridge, 19% study sciences and engineering (including medicine, veterinary medicine), 62% humanities and social sciences (including languages), 11% study fine arts, 5% drama and theater arts, 4% choose special courses, for example, in music technology, graphic arts, sports science.
Arts at Downe House
Music: all students learn to play musical instruments and can pass an instrumental exam. The school has 10 musical groups, including 3 orchestras, 4 choirs, groups playing wind instruments, etc. Among the students of the school there are finalists and semi-finalists of the national chamber music competition.
Drama and dance: are encouraged to study both. You can take drama at the GCSE, as well as the London Academy of Music and Dramaturgy Exam (LAMDA). Most of the students are engaged in school productions and performances in hostels.
Art and Design: On average, 30 girls take the GCSE in this subject, 20 take the AS/A-level, 12 take the GCSE in Photography, 16 take the AS/A-level. You can also study poetry and textiles.
Sports at Downe House
The school offers many sports – tennis, squash, lacrosse, netball, hockey, swimming, athletics, gymnastics, trampolining, cross country running and dancing.
In addition to sports, students are invited to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh award program (community work, sports, expeditions) and, if desired, they can engage in military sports training (CCF).
The school has about 30 clubs, including ballet, dance, debate, fencing, polo, horseback riding. A variety of social, creative, sports and weekend activities are also held, which can be attended at will.
School life at Downe House
School uniform: is required. High school students have their own dress code.
Religion: All girls are required to attend church unless their parents give an official waiver.
Wardens and Prefects: elected by the school staff and principal. Various competitions are held between hostels. There is a school council.
Social life: joint drama productions with the Radley school, social events with Radley, Eton, Harrow, Winchester. Trips to Paris, Cologne, Tuscany, Borneo are organized.
The school also cooperates with schools in Romania, Mexico, Malawi and Kenya. High school students can use their own car on school grounds. Meals – buffet. There is a school shop.
School Accommodation Downe House
Dormitories are designed in such a way that each girl can build strong friendships with girls not only of her own age, but with the entire school community. Relationships between school staff and female students are generally positive and based on mutual respect.
Girls who enter Down House at age 11 live in the Hill and Hermitage dormitories, located near the school in the village of Cold Ash.
For girls aged 13-16, the school has five dormitories: “Aishot”, “Ancren Gate North”, “Ancren Gate South”, “Holcombe” and “Tedworth”.
In high school, girls live in dormitories “Willis” and “York”. There are excellent conditions for living, independent work and preparation for life at the university. In the last years of education, girls have more spacious rooms.
Female students have more responsibility for their own education and time planning. In addition, they regularly go to theaters, concerts and exhibitions.
On weekends, students can leave school.
Discipline at Downe House
Students who did not do their homework once will do it under the supervision of a teacher. For smoking, using drugs and alcohol, they are expelled from school.
Guardianship
All international students are required to have a guardian in the UK. Guardians are needed so that in the UK someone can act on behalf of the student and who can be contacted on educational matters and in case of emergencies. The guardian must be a UK resident, fluent in English and, in most cases, over 25 years of age.
The best option is to use the services of a professional guardian agency. For our part, we recommend using the services of the English company INTENSE EDUCATIONAL , which has been operating in this market since 1994.
Bob wished us good luck, there were no loud phrases. He thanked us for our work and wished us success. He admitted that he plans to spend more time with his family. He said thank you for our work, for the time when we fought together to reach the heights that we planned, thanked for this season. It was a little sad that he was leaving the club and the League. I liked him as a coach, I think that in these two years he gave me a lot as a player. His professional attitude to details, to the work process – of course, he has a lot to learn. And how much time he devotes to each player – I think it helped me a lot. During these two seasons with Bob, I grew not only as a professional hockey player and athlete, but also as a person.
The offer was really interesting. I consulted with my relatives, discussed with the agent, and in the end we decided to stop at this option. Of course, I would not say that the choice was easy, since Avangard has become a special club for me in these two years. He did a lot for me, and I am very grateful to the whole organization, the coaching staff, the fans. We won the Gagarin Cup together, so, of course, it is not easy to leave, especially from such a team as we had in the first year and this season. Therefore, I repeat once again – the choice was not easy.
When you get into a new team, you always have to re-gain the trust of the coaching staff and management. Therefore, everything will depend only on me, and I will do my best to help the team and show that I was not invited in vain.
