MISSION, GOALS & PHILOSOPHY
Mission
The mission of the Mainland Youth Lacrosse
Club is to teach and promote the sport of lacrosse at the youth level for
children who reside in Somers Point, Linwood, and Northfield, New Jersey.
Goals
In fulfillment of our mission, the Mainland
Youth Lacrosse Club strives to achieve the following goals.
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Teach
the fundamentals of the game in a safe and fun environment for learning and
competition
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Support
the development of skilled lacrosse players for the Mainland Regional High
School Boys and Girls Lacrosse teams
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Teach
personal responsibility, good sportsmanship, and respect for fellow players
and the game
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Provide
players an opportunity to demonstrate good citizenship through club-sponsored
volunteer activities
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For our
younger players, provide the chance to learn the game of lacrosse without
sacrificing other sports and activities vital to their overall and athletic
development
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Provide
ongoing support and endorsement of players in future endeavors such as
college competition and jobs through a strong network of coaches, parents and
business persons
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Instruction and Play Time
Philosophy by Grade Level
While the philosophy for each grade level is
different, our main goal is to foster the development of each player’s lacrosse
skills through practice drills and competition.
- 1st
and 2nd Grade (Scoopers Program) – Our Scoopers
program serves as the foundation for further participation in our program.
Scoopers
focus on teaching the basics of the game (e.g. throwing, catching,
rules of the game, etc.) in a fun and positive clinic environment with some games. At this
level, all players see equal opportunities during practices and games.
- 3rd
and 4th Grade – Our 3rd and 4th
grade teams provide children their first opportunity to play organized
games against teams from other towns. Typically, the teams at this
level are “balanced” (e.g. players are assigned to teams to make all teams
similar in terms of skill and competitiveness). Instruction at this
level continues to emphasize basic lacrosse skills while introducing
strategy, structured plays and how to play various positions. Play
time during practices and games should be equal and all players should be
given the opportunity to try any position during the course of the
season. At this level we encourage kids to attend as many practices as
possible to improve their skills; however, we understand if your
son/daughter is playing other sports.
- 5th
and 6th Grade – At the 5th and 6th
grade level, the game becomes more competitive and teams may be split by
skill level. Instruction continues to reinforce basic lacrosse
skills as well as strategy, plays and positions. Over the course of
the season, it is expected that all players will get equal playing time but
this does not mean all players will receive equal playing time during
every game. No player should ever play an entire game unless
insufficient players or injuries prevent substitutions. All players
should get the opportunity to try different positions throughout the
course of the year. At this level, especially in 6th grade,
kids should begin to gravitate to one sport they would like to pursue
at a higher level. Therefore, if your son/daughter continues to
participate in another sport and cannot attend most practices or games
their playing time may be reduced.
- 7th and 8th Grade – 7th
and 8th grade are critical years for players to fine-tune their
skills and obtain maximum knowledge of the game in order to prepare for
competitive high school programs. By this level, it is
expected players will be committed to the lacrosse season.
The only excused absences for all practices and games include
sickness, academic, family, and/or religious related issues. Teams
will be split by skill level and playing time at this level is a function
of attendance at practice, ability, and effort. While coaches are
encouraged to involve all players throughout the season, players
participating on the most competitive teams should not expect equal
playing time.