Kids Lacrosse Recommendations

[red sky]

I am looking at enrolling my 7 year old son in lacrosse this spring and wondering if there are any recommendations from the board? We live on the west side of town if that makes any difference. Thanks in advance.

[undercoverbrother]

Lacrosse is like Hockey, you are bound by the associaiton boundaries.

You might be a Sabre Kitty

Lots of useful information here:

http://calgarylacrosse.com/

Especially this:

http://cloud.rampinteractive.com/cal..._Clubs2018.pdf


This is the first year my boy hasn't played since he was 5, now 15.

[red sky]

Interesting, thanks. A sabre kitty? Really?

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by red sky

Interesting, thanks. A sabre kitty? Really?

Yeah, tough luck for ya.....

It is a great sport, I don't know who much you know about it, but if you don't know much learn the rules.

You will see see things (as you son progresses in age) and think that is illegal IE: cross check to the beck. If the ball carrier turns his/her back on the defender then game on!

[ooogabooga]

I can say Lacrosse has been great for my eldest. He has ADHD and didn't start playing until what would of been his first year Bantam. All of the physical activity has been great for him in improving his concentration and improving his school marks. Also, with his hard work that he put in, managed to go from never playing in Grade 7, to trying out and making the National Sports Academy team for high school starting in September.

His little brother is starting this year too in U6.

[Tron_fdc]

All my kids are into it aged 7-14 (Okotoks until we moved last fall). It's such an amazing game, I really wish I had the opportunity to play as a kid. Rules are kinda similar to basketball with a shot clock and the general strategy, but if you watch enough games you will pick it up. It's WAY better to watch than tike hockey, and it toughens your kid up pretty quick.

At 7 years old your kid is still in no contact, so place and push. Place your stick across the spine of the ball carrier, and push him as hard as possible lol. Some refs will allow some contact, but no open floor hitting. Get proper gear (kidney protector, shoulder pads, elbow pads and gloves) as they will give the best protection from stick checks (slashing). You can use hockey gear, but there are gaps between padding and it hurts like hell when you get slashed there.

My kids all go from spring box lacrosse (indoor) to summer field with a travel team (Evolve). Field rules are a little different, and for some reason field goalies don't wear pads. Don't let your kid be a goalie.

Figure out what association you belong to, and start networking around looking for clinics and camps. There are a lot of weekend camps all over the city, and they're great to get your kids in learning the game.

Have fun! Lacrosse parents are awesome as well, I've never had a bad weekend when playing tournaments around Alberta. The game seems to draw in the blue collar crowd, and my liver has taken a beating hanging out with them.

[Monahammer]

I played Hornets in my youth- it was based out of the west soccer dome at the time.

[Bend it like Bourgeois]

Originally Posted by ooogabooga

I can say Lacrosse has been great for my eldest. He has ADHD and didn't start playing until what would of been his first year Bantam. All of the physical activity has been great for him in improving his concentration and improving his school marks. Also, with his hard work that he put in, managed to go from never playing in Grade 7, to trying out and making the National Sports Academy team for high school starting in September.

His little brother is starting this year too in U6.

That’s awesome.

My youngest has ADHD. It’s a big deal, and sports help him a tonne.

He played Sabrecats and really enjoyed lacrosse for the first couple years. It changed so he stopped - not a huge drama or anything sketchy but suddenly all his buddies were gone and it was less fun. Would still recommend it. His alternative was rugby. Similar physicality and it too has been awesome with a sense of community that isn’t in hockey (for us at least). Plus parents can drink beer on the sidelines .

Learning to run the clock in lacrosse made my head hurt. Only downside.

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by Bend it like Bourgeois

That’s awesome.

My youngest has ADHD. It’s a big deal, and sports help him a tonne.

He played Sabrecats and really enjoyed lacrosse for the first couple years. It changed so he stopped - not a huge drama or anything sketchy but suddenly all his buddies were gone and it was less fun. Would still recommend it. His alternative was rugby. Similar physicality and it too has been awesome with a sense of community that isn’t in hockey (for us at least). Plus parents can drink beer on the sidelines .

Learning to run the clock in lacrosse made my head hurt. Only downside.

My boy is leaving my rugby club of 30 years to go and play with his buddies (he is 15) at another club.

It makes me sad, but I'll coach and wear all my club's gear while coaching.