LYLA is not just a new spelling of a child’s name; it is the Liverpool Youth Lacrosse Association and though the snow continues to fall, their season is fast approaching. In fact, by mid-March their popular lacrosse clinic for boys and girls will start up indoors and at the end of those eight weeks the players will venture outside to take the field.
Earl Hall, current president of the association and coach, is already preparing for what should be LYLA’s biggest season yet. Last year LYLA had approximately 250 kids registered to play across its boys and girls divisions, which span 2nd through 8th grades. This year, with the additional of the kindergarten through 2nd grade boys division, they are expecting an even higher number. With this expansion, the association will have up to 14 teams and each team will be capped at 24 players.
LYLA is a part of the Upstate Lacrosse Association (ULA), which was founded by Donlin Drive Elementary principal John Sardella close to 15 years ago. Being a part of the ULA means that players may sometimes travel within a 35-mile range for games, though Hall stresses that they try to play most of their games within a 20 minute drive or at home as much as possible. Though they have a regular game schedule and all games are timed and staffed with officials, the league is non-competitive. Rather than focus on the number of wins, ULA and LYLA coaches concentrate on developmental and instructional learning for the players.
“Although players score goals, kids play defense and goalies make saves, officials do not keep score and every kid plays an equal amount of time in every game. No one sits the bench here,” explained Hall.
During the 12-week season, games are held once a week beginning the middle of June and practices are usually twice a week. The home fields are at Liverpool High School, located along Wetzel Road, since the district has been more than willing to allow LYLA to use their fields. In addition to the fields, the LCSD also allows the LYLA to send home registration forms with the students. 2009 registration will be open through April 10.
In-person registration will be held on Wednesday, March 4 and Wednesday, March 11 at Willow Field Elementary on Route 31, from 6 to 8 p.m. If a player registers by March 11 they can attend the lacrosse clinic, held at the Syracuse Indoor Sports Center on Hopkins Road, for free. The best part of attending the clinic is the occasional guest instructors. LYLA has fostered a strong relationship with the SU lacrosse teams. In years past the players from the SU men’s and women’s teams and coach Gary Gait have come out to teach and Hall promises to once again attempt to secure similar guest instructors for this year’s clinic.
The 2009 LYLA registration cost is $50 and an additional $20 for a new reversible jersey. All players must supply their own equipment however, so the registration fee is merely a starting point. Many sporting goods stores have lacrosse starter kits that are great for younger kids just getting into the sport. LYLA eligibility requires families to reside in the Liverpool Central School District.
Registration forms can be downloaded from www.leaguelineup.com/welcome.asp?cmenuid=1&url=liverpoolyouthlax&sid=551957528, completed and mailed to: Earl Hall, 8208 Dampier Circle, Liverpool, NY 13090. Furthermore, volunteer are always welcome, though having prior lacrosse experience/knowledge is preferred.
