Frequently Asked Questions 
 

Objective

Ashland Youth Lacrosse is a non-profit sporting organization that currently has 200+ boys and girls in grades K through 8.  The program has grown into a vital and competitive program whose mission is to promote and enhance the game of lacrosse for youth players in an environment that emphasizes fun while developing skills, teamwork, good sportsmanship, and integrity.


Main Program Overview

The program is open to boys and girls who are Ashland residents and are in grades K-8.  The program is built around participation in the MassYouth Lax  (MYL)

Q: What are the age groups?
A: There are five age groups: Kindergarten and some first time Grade 1 (Little Laxers), Grades 1 & 2 (U9); Grades 3 & 4 (U11); Grades 5 & 6 (U13); Grades 7 & 8 (U15).

Q: When is the season?
A: Indoor practice sessions start in March.  The normal season begins at the beginning of April or when the fields are open.  Games begin immediately and are usually played on Sunday afternoons with occasional games on weeknights.  

Q: Who do we play?
A: All of our teams are "travel teams" in that we play other towns both home and away.  See MYL (massyouthlax.org)  for more information on this league. When the season starts, games will be posted on this site.

Q: When are the practices?
A: Pre-season indoor practices will be held at a local indoor facility (Forekicks in Marlboro, or another local facility) usually on Saturday mornings.  Your coach will contact you with the exact date and time of your practice as the season gets close( Saturdays in March 2023).  In regular season, practices are usually held in the late afternoon or early evening during the week and are held a CARRIER ( on Maine Street)l or the Middle School. You will be contacted by your coach prior to the start of the outdoor practices (most likely the  3rd week of March).  Players are expected to attend practices or their playing time during games may be limited. Games Start end of March, begining of April. 

Q: When are the games?
A: MYL games will be played on Sundays, anywhere from 10 am to 5 pm. There may also be a few additional weeknight games during the season which would be organized and scheduled at the individual coach’s discretion.  These additional games will typically be held on the normal practice days. Most games are on the Middle School or High School turf fields.

Registration

Q: When is registration?
A: Registration runs from November 1st to December 31st each year.  Registration can only be done online at ashlandyouthlacrosse.org. Registrations after December 31st are welcome, but will incure a late fee.

Q: Why is registration in the fall for the spring season?
A: While it seems early, there are a number of items that must be completed in late fall and early January including team submission to the leagues, uniform ordering, booking indoor practice time and coordinating field times with the town.

Q: How do I register?
A:  Registration is done on-line. When registration is underway, there will be a "Register" button on the right menu of our website. 

Q: How much does it cost to play?
A: In the past fees have been around $200 per player with a discount for multiple kids (Less for K/1 level).  The fees are used to cover field costs, league fees, year end jamborree indoor practice time, referree fees, coach training and other costs associated with running the lacrosse program.  Fees may vary from year to year and will be set at the beginning of the registration period each year.  Registrations received after December 31st will be subject to an additional late fee and kids registered after this date are not guaranteed a spot on a team.  If the team is full all late registrants will be waitlisted. 

Q: Are scholarships/financial assistance available?
A: Yes. We believe that no child should be denied the chance to play due to financial reasons. To request a scholarship, please contact the AYL Director ,Peter Klay  peteraklay@gmail.com or 508-868-9582 directly and in confidence. Scholarships are held in strict confidence.

Uniforms and Equipment

Q:Where do I get uniforms? STAY TUNED FOR AN 2022-2023 UPDATE!

A: The U9 and U11 teams are provided uniforms by AYL prior to the first game.  These uniforms must be washed and returned at the end of the season. Starting in 2020, U9/1-2 and U11/3-4 have the option to purchase a uniform too. Uniforms for the U13 and U15 teams will be available for ordering in January/February each year.  Details will be posted on the website as they are available.  Any questions should be directed to your child's coach or the league registrar.

Uniforms can be used for more than one season.  Individual uniform items can be ordered separately.  ALL PLAYERS MUST HAVE A UNIFORM. Please reach out if you need financial Assitance. 

Q: What equipment is needed? Where can I get it?
A: See the equipment sections under "For Parents and Players" tab in the horizontal menu at the top of the AYL web site.  There are many places that sell equipment, some offer a discounted "starter package." Options include Lacrosse Unlimited in Wellesley and Dick’s Sporting Goods.  You can also check second hand sporting goods shops such as PlayItAgain sports or you can ask around as older kids usually keep their old equipment which can be loaned or shared. You can also find great deals online.
 
MYL League Information

Q: What is MYL ?
A: The Ashland Youth Lacrosse program plays in the Metrowest division of the Mass Youth Lax League (MYL) for boys and girls. Our schedule and rules are set by the MYL \based on recommendations from US Lacrosse. The league also organizes a year end Jamboree.

Q: Why is the MYL  philosophy unique and different from many youth sports?
A: MYL is considered an “instructional” league.  There are no standings kept, no league championship or playoffs.  Currently, all teams from each town are equal in skill (no A team, B team).  The goals are teaching the sport and providing a rewarding experience for all involved.  To learn more go to : www.massyouthlax.org

Q: What other towns do we play?
A: Our division generally covers from Newton, west to Shrewsbury/Grafton, and south down to Upton/Mendon. Typical opponents include Natick, Wayland, Holliston, Hopkinton, Framingham, Grafton, Northboro/Southboro, etc.
 
The Game of Lacrosse
 
Q: Can you tell me a little bit about the sport of lacrosse?
The sport of lacrosse is a combination of basketball, soccer and hockey. Anyone can play lacrosse--big or small. The game requires and rewards coordination and agility, not brawn. Quickness and speed are two highly prized qualities in lacrosse. An exhilarating sport, lacrosse is fast-paced and full of action. Lacrosse is played with a stick, the crosse, which must be mastered by the player to throw, catch and scoop the ball.
 
Lacrosse is one of the fastest growing team sports in the United States. Youth participation in the sport has grown over 138% since 2001 to nearly 300,000. No sport has grown faster at the high school level over the last 10 years and there are now an estimated 228,000 high school players. Lacrosse is also the fastest-growing sport over the last six years at the NCAA level with 557 college teams in 2009, and that's just the tip of the iceberg. There are more than 500 college club programs, including nearly 200 women's teams that compete at the US Lacrosse Intercollegiate Associates level.  To learn more go to www.uslacrosse.org

Also visit our "For Players and Parents" section of the website for videos and more information.