Question: Are there try-outs?
Answer: There are no try-outs and no prior lacrosse experience is required. Every child is accepted in our program and receives equal playing time, coaching, and attention regardless of their athletic ability, skill, and experience. This is one of our core philosophies.

Question: What are the age groups? Does my child need to have prior lacrosse experience?
Answer: Our program is for players from Kindergarten through 8th for boys. Players are grouped by grade; kindergarten, 1st/2nd grade, 3rd/4th grade, 5th/6th grade, & 7th/8th grade. There are separate boys and girls programs as the boys' and girls' games are fairly different (the boys game allows more contact and thus requires more protective gear). No prior lacrosse experience is required. We pride ourselves on helping every player reach their potential and having fun in the process.

Question: When are registrations and when does the season begin/end?
Answer: Lacrosse is a spring sport. However, we hold registration starting in October. Clinics for players new to lacrosse typically begin indoors in early March.  This gives new players a chance to learn the game in a low-pressure atmosphere with individual attention. Returning players join the mix in March indoors. The regular season and outdoor practices begin the first week of April and run through early June. The conclusion of the season is an optional state-wide Jamboree.

Question: What is the financial commitment?
Answer: The registration fee is $225 per child. This fee covers paying the referees, equipment expenses such as balls/goals/goalie equipment/etc, our year-end celebration for parents/players, and various regional league/tournament expenses. This cost includes the required player membership registration fees for our league (MYL).  Registration scholarships are available.  Please reach out to the program directors regarding these.

The equipment cost for boys is approximately $180. This includes a stick, helmet, shoulder pads, arm pads, cup, and gloves. You will also need to purchase a mouthguard.  Cleats are highly recommended. Soccer cleats are fine. Equipment scholarships are available. 

Each new player will receive a game jersey that they are expected to keep at the end of each season.  If a player loses their jersey, they will be responsible for purchasing a new one.  At the end of a player's Brookline lacrosse career, they are expected to return their jersey. If a player outgrows their jersey, we will try to arrange an exchange for a larger one.

Question: How long does the Spring season run? Are March clinics mandatory?
Answer: The pre-season runs during the month of March.  The regular season runs from April through mid-June. The March clinics are not mandatory. These are geared towards new players to give them more personal introductory level instruction before we bring our returning players into the mix in March.  In general, while we'd like players to attend as many practices as possible, we understand that kids have lots of activities/interests.  Outdoor practices begin the first week of April (weather and field conditions permitting).

Question: Is there one team for each age group, or more than one? If more than one, how are they composed? With kids from various schools in Brookline, or are they organized by school? Are the teams parent-coached?
Answer: The number of players we have registered each season dictates the number of teams per age group.  We typically have anywhere from 2 – 5 teams per age group and gender.  In keeping with our philosophy of equal playing time for all kids and keeping it fun for all, we compose the teams by balancing the teams and in the younger years, placing kids with their friends.
The teams are led by parent coaches, some of whom have played in college and others who have not.  We are always looking for more volunteers.  No previous lacrosse experience is necessary. We partner with a professional outside company that helps support and run certain practices.

Question: Are there practices during the week? If so, how many/week? Any idea when they are held?
Answer: For 1st - 8th grade, we practice twice a week once the regular season starts in April. Boys' practices are on Tuesday and Thursday beginning at 6:00 PM. Practices are held at Beaver School, Downes Field, Soule, and Park School. We encourage players to attend all practices but understand conflicts may arise. 

Question: Which teams would we play? What time do games start? How long before the game do the players have to be there for any pre-game warm-up?
Answer: Games are held on Sunday with a maximum travel distance of 40 minutes to an away game. Game times can vary from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.  Depending on the age group, there are 6-8 games/season.  Schedules for the games will be shared by the last week of March.  We ask that the players arrive 30 minutes before game time.

Question: I have more questions. How do I get them answered?
Answer: Email the program director, Nate Peck.