Boys & Girls Club Lacrosse Pushed Back to Winter

Earlier in the year, the College Park Boys & Girls Club lacrosse team explored the possibility of a fall league. However, the league has elected against any games this fall, according to the team's treasurer Joan Keller. Instead, the new commissioner, Stacey Morrison, plans to enroll the team in a winter league.

"This will be our first time to enter a winter league," said Morrison. "The games will be in December and January."

The club team will participate in the Southern Maryland Youth Lacrosse League, which has been in existence since 1914, and is one of 12 Prince George's County leagues. According to outgoing commissioner Carolyn Fink, children from all over the area are accepted into the league.

In College Park, as well as all other participating towns, there are four teams divided by age: the Bantams, ages 8 and under, the PeeWees, ages 10 and under; the Midgets, ages 13 and under; and the Juniors, ages 14 and under. Sometimes an individual with previous experience in the league has the opportunity for advancement regardless of age.

"You can always play up," said Fink. "It's up to the coaches."

Although Fink says the College Park league is very competitive, inexperienced children are still welcome to play and learn.

In many cases, players continue on in future teams. Fink estimates that around half the team's roster typically plays in high school, and approximately a quarter of those continue on in college.

"Once kids start playing, they love the game," she said.

Despite recreational lacrosse offerings in the area, many public schools do not have lacrosse teams.

"This area does not have a lacrosse team in high school," she said. "It makes it hard for some players. Some go to private school to play. Eleanor Roosevelt also has an excellent lacrosse team. That's where my sons went."

Fink originally became involved in the league to support her sons and husband, players and a coach respectively. Today, one of her sons, and former player, is a coach just like his father once was.

Parents interested in registering their children for winter lacrosse can contact the Boys & Girls Club directly.

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