It’s a new year—why not try a new sport? Anyone can play lacrosse—big or small, experienced player or beginner player. There are some great waves being made for the upcoming 2015 spring season, including a new website, a U7 scoopers program, and online registration.
Known as the oldest sport in North America, lacrosse was one of many varieties of stickball games played by Native Americans at the time of early settlement, distinguished from field hockey by the use of a netted racquet (crosse stick) used to scoop up, throw, catch, and pass the ball into the goal to score a point. The cardinal rule is that the ball cannot be touched with the hands. This sport has aspects of basketball, soccer, football, and hockey, all rolled into one. The game focuses and rewards coordination and agility, not how big the hit. Lacrosse isn’t just a sport, it’s a community. Catoctin Youth Association Lacrosse league is part of the Western Maryland Youth Lacrosse Conference, which partners with U.S. Lacrosse to provide a level of standards, as well as trained and vetted officials.
The $90.00 registration fee is for ages 8-14 and includes a uniform. This year, the league is introducing a co-ed U7 team (non-contact), with a registration fee of $25.00, which will include a stick and protective eye wear. Discounts are offered for multiple players.
Their season runs from March through early June, with a single tournament played locally. Practices are held on the fields of Thurmont Middle School. Currently, they have active boys’ teams, but they would love to provide an opportunity to girls. If interested in joining a girls’ team, grab a friend and send them your contact information!
Boys lacrosse and girls lacrosse are completely different games—different skills, tactics, and strategies. There are different sticks that are used for boys and girls lacrosse: the boys have a larger pocket than the girls do, and defensive boys can use longer sticks. The field setup is different as well. Boys use protective equipment, as it is a contact sport. Girl’s lacrosse is non-contact only.
Registration is currently open online at www.catoctinlacrosse.com. There is never a late registration fee, and scholarships are available for those who qualify—if you want to play, they will work with you.
Not sure if lacrosse is a right fit for you? Come out and give it a try for free! Bring a friend and join them for the first week of practice. Information will be available on both their website and Facebook page.
Catoctin Youth Lacrosse is a non-profit, volunteer-based organization, supporting the community of Thurmont and surrounding feeder areas. Their teams are filtered into the Catoctin High School lacrosse team. Questions? You can email them at cyalacrosse@gmail.com or call 240-342-6238.
Come scoop it up with Catoctin Youth Lacrosse!
