Hello 3^rd & 4^th Grade Webster Families,

Our first day of Spring Lacrosse is fast approaching!  We hope you're as excited as we are to shed winter (and all of these cold snowy days) and get to spring and the fastest growing team sport in America!

Spring Program Overview: Our 3^rd and 4^th Graders will be practicing on Mondays and Wednesdays.  Practice times will vary, starting as early as 5:45 pm and ending as late as 8:30 pm.  (Please refer to the 2020 Spring Schedule TAB).  The first 3 Mondays in April (April 13^th, April 20^th, April 27^th) we will be practicing indoors at the Irondequoit Sports Center (557 E Ridge Rd, Rochester, NY) Wednesdays in April we will be outdoors at a location not yet determined.  Starting in May, on Mondays, we will be practicing at Dewitt Elementary School Fields.  Saturdays/Sundays we will have optional games/playdates with other towns.  

Program Goals:

The goals of our 3/4 youth lacrosse program are to:

1.    Teach players the fundamentals of the game while honoring it's deep tradition

2.    Enable all players to participate equally during practice and games

3.    Teach concepts of sportsmanship, teamwork, respect, and inclusion to all players

4.    Make it a positive experience for all players and ensure all players have FUN!

5.    Have a safe practice environment for everyone

The 4th goal is the most important as these players are young and have tons of potential in the sport.  So if we make it fun the kids will want to come back next season.  And that's what youth sports is all about, the kids.  Our club philosophy is to make the experience educational, competitive and fun.  If we achieve all of them, we all win.

Program Structure:

We do lots of station work (especially in the beginning of the season) to focus on the skills and fundamentals of the sport.  Lacrosse is a unique game in that you are using a stick to catch, throw, cradle, and more.  There are many motor skills involved, so we try to break down each skill into fun learning stations and as we go week to week, we build upon the skills we are learning.

As we get a little further into the season (typically a few weeks in), we start to incorporate scrimmages and games (in the box and the fields).  This is great time for the kids as well as the opportunity to put all that we have learned into action, all while continuing to learn more and have fun.

Lacrosse Team Details:

Teams will be formed and communicated (and posted online) as we get closer to the season or just after the start of the season.  We will evaluate skills and try to make the teams as even as possible, so we have fair competitive play, equal opportunity, and a fun experience all around.  We feel this is the best way to introduce or continue to develop the skills and confidence of each child.

Expectations of our coaches are to:

Please complete the coach’s certification!

First, I would like to say thanks you to all of our coaches and volunteers.  You are all instrumental in making our program a success.  This is all completely voluntary, so we appreciate your help and dedication to this great sport and program.

1.    Be prepared each practice with a plan and have a whistle

2.    Teach fundamentals and game concepts to all players

3.    Provide equal touches and game time to all players

4.    Teach sportsmanship, teamwork and respect (by word and example)

5.    Focus on making the experience fun for all

6.    Always take the time to praise the positive

7.    Correct mistakes in a positive way (body language and verbal communication are significant)

We will be focusing on a lot of station work this year.  Station assignments and practice plans for each station will be communicated weekly.  The goals of the station are: 

1.    Build on the fundamentals from week to week

2.    Focus on the skills and maximize the number of touches each kid has.

3.    Have all coaches and volunteers involved in the stations

4.    Practice plans will be sent out, so if you signed up to coach or volunteer, you should see your name next to a team and station.

5.    If at any time you have a question, please feel free to email me.

We as coaches have such a privilege to work with these boys at a time that they are getting started on their Lacrosse Journey.  We need to make it a positive and fun experience.  Some great points to keep in mind:

1.    Praise more than correct.

2.    Be that coach that kids want to come up to when they see you at Wegman’s.

3.    Be influential, not the last coach that kids have!

Additional Volunteer Opportunities

If anyone else would like to coach, volunteer, or help in any manor, please let me know.  We can always use extra help during the season.

Helping with stations, setup, backing up errand passes, helping with game and scrimmage substitutions, etc… are just some of the ways to help.  Just let me know if you would like to join in the fun and I am sure myself or one of the other coaches would welcome the addition.

Weather

In regard to the weather, it is likely the first week or two will be chilly so please make sure your son has appropriate clothing for the weather.  Long sleeves clothing and pants are recommended.  If for any reason the weather is unacceptable during the practice, we may end a little early.

Also, if the weather forecast or the current weather for that day does not look favorable, we will try to make a “go or cancellation” decision by 4 PM that day.  Please look for communications to come in your email or check the scrolling banner on the WLC page for any updates to that day’s practice (when the weather is questionable).  You can always contact me with questions regarding the status as well.

Equipment and Pinnies:

All kids should must be fully equipped (all equipment on) when entering the practice or game fields, including the box.

I had a few questions in the past about wearing cleats or sneakers.  Either is fine and it really depends on what your son is comfortable in.  The kids are not really running and cutting that significantly so there is no real need for them to wear cleats.

If you need to rent equipment (helmet, gloves, arm and shoulder pads) there is an additional rental cost of $25.00.   Equipment rental pickup will be held on TBD at "The Shed" located next to the Box on Ebner Drive. 

Also, all players are required to have a reversible pinnie with a dark and light side.  If you don't have one and would like to purchase a WLC pinnie for $15 and can be picked up during equipment pickup.

Teams, Schedules, and other information:

Schedule and team information will be posted on the WLC website under that same tab called “3/4 Program” and then you can select the team or schedule pages.  Here is where you can check what team your son is on and the schedule for the entire season. 

$$Cost for the 2020 Spring Season$$:

2020 Spring Cost: 3^rd & 4^th Grade Program

• 3^rd & 4^th Grade  - Cost: $125 (Equipment Rental not included) (practice 2 days/week, 1 game per week)
•  
• Available Equipment Rental: $25.00/player

Expectations of The Parents:

1. Bring water for your son.  A water bottle that has a straw to fit through the helmet works best, but any water bottle will do.
2. Ensure your son has all his gear each practice (Helmet, Gloves, Shoulder Pads, and Elbow Pads) – Safety is very important, so at any time your son is on the field, he should have all of his equipment on – properly.

3.    Ensure your son has a protective cup and mouthpiece and uses them.

4.    Bring appropriate attire for the weather conditions.

5.    Be on time and prepared so we can start practice on time.

6.    Stay present during practice.

7.    Keep a positive attitude on the sideline. Remember the coaches are volunteers and the players are just kids.

In Closing: 

We are truly looking forward to the start of the season as well as a great overall spring session of lacrosse.  Watching each player row in this sport is an amazing experience and something we should all be proud of.

If at any time anyone has any questions, comments, or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Regards,

Craig Ekstrom - Webster Schroeder Lacrosse Club 3/4 Director