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 Mass Youth Lax (MYL).

What are the age groups?

There are five age groups: Kindergarten and some first time Grade 1 (AYL K/1), Grades 1 & 2 (MYL 1/2); Grades 3 & 4 (MYL 3/4); Grades 5 & 6 (MYL 5/6); Grades 7 & 8 (MYL 7/8).

When is the season?

Indoor practice sessions start in March.  MYL games start the first weekend in April, and are usually played on Sunday afternoons, with occasional makeup games on weeknights.

Who do we play?

All of our MYL teams are "travel teams" in that we play other towns, both home and away.  See MYL for more information on this league. When the season starts, games will be posted on our website.

When are the practices?

Pre-season indoor practices will be held at a local indoor facility (Forekicks in Marlboro, or another local facility), typically on Saturday mornings.  Your coach will contact you with the exact details in late February.  During the regular season, practices are usually held in the early evening during the week, either at Carrier (Kidde Fenwal) or the Ashland Middle School.  Players are expected to attend practices; otherwise, their playing time during games may be limited.

When are the games?

MYL games will be played on Sundays, typically between 10 am and 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 home games are on the turf field at Ashland Middle School.

Registration

When is registration?

Registration runs from November 1st to January 31st each year.  Registration can only be done online at ashlandyouthlacrosse.org. Registrations after January 31st are welcome but will incur a late fee.

Why is registration in the fall for the spring season?

While it seems early, there are a number of items that must be completed in late fall and early January, including team registration with Mass Youth Lax (MYL), uniform ordering, booking indoor practice time, and coordinating field times with the town.

How do I register?

Use the "Register" link on the top-right of our website.

How much does it cost to play?

Registration fees are adjusted based on the grade level.  AYL offers early bird discounts, sibling discounts, and financial aid upon request.  The fees are used to cover player insurance, field rentals, league fees, year-end jamboree, indoor practice time, referee fees, coach training, and other costs associated with running the lacrosse program.  Registrations received after January 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 wait-listed.

Are scholarships/financial assistance available?

Yes. We believe that no child should be denied the chance to play due to financial reasons. To request a scholarship, please contact AYL via ashlandyouthlacrosse@gmail.com and details can be discussed directly with our President. Scholarships are held in strict confidence.

Uniforms and Equipment

Where do I get uniforms?

Practice pennies will be provided by AYL to all new players in their first year of the program.  Additional pinnies and sizes are available for purchase.

Game uniforms must be purchased separately via our uniform supplier, Stoller Sports.  Game uniforms are required for all MYL Classic teams (Grades 1-8).

Our goal is to have uniforms last for as many seasons as possible.

Please reach out to AYL if you need financial assistance.

What equipment is needed? Where can I get it?

See the equipment sections under "For Parents and Players" tab in the horizontal menu at the top of the AYL website.  There are many places that sell equipment, some offer a discounted "starter package." Options include Lacrosse Unlimited in Wellesley/Franklin and Dick’s Sporting Goods in Natick/Northboro.  You can also check second-hand sporting goods shops such as PlayItAgain Sports or 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

What is MYL?

The Ashland Youth Lacrosse program plays in the Metrowest division of the Mass Youth Lax (MYL) league for both our boys' and girls' programs. Our schedule and rules are set by the MYL, with the rules typically a close derivative of the national high school rules. The league also organizes a year-end Jamboree and many off-season clinics and events.

Why is the MYL philosophy unique and different from many other youth sports?

MYL is considered an “instructional” league.  There are no standings kept, no league championship or playoffs.  All teams from each town are equally skilled (no A team, B team).  The goals are teaching the sport and providing a rewarding experience for all involved.  To learn more, please visit Mass Youth Lax (MYL).

What other towns do we play?

Our division generally covers east to Brookline, west to Shrewsbury/Grafton, and south to Upton/Mendon. Most games are played closer to home against Natick, Wayland, Holliston, Hopkinton, Framingham, Medway, Northboro/Southboro, etc.

The Game of Lacrosse

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 one of the fastest-growing sports over the last decade at the NCAA level with 557 college teams in 2009, and that's just the tip of the iceberg. More than 500 college club programs, including nearly 200 women's teams, compete at the US Lacrosse Intercollegiate Associates level.  To learn more, please visit www.uslacrosse.org.

Additional information is available on our "For Players and Parents" section of the website, including instructional videos and equipment information.