New to the area, daughter interested in lacrosse

[Anonymous]

Hi all,

We just moved to Potomac, and our daughter, finishing 5th grade in June, is interested in playing lacrosse. Where do you recommend we look in terms of learning how to play, beginner teams, etc? We live in Potomac, and she'll go to Cabin John Middle School and Churchill High School (not sure if there are middle school or hs teams?).

As complete newbies, I thank you so much for any help/guidance you can offer.

[Anonymous]

Run as fast as you can away from lax, my honest to go advice

[Anonymous]

Sorry for the first post not reflecting a warm welcome. I will give it a shot.

First, lacrosse can be a wonderful sport for your daughter. It rewards, fitness, resilience, skill development, and teamwork. I was very fortunate that both daughters chose it over soccer (no offense to soccer folks), and have generally enjoyed the experience the past 10 years.

You have good access to lacrosse development in your area. Not an expert on rec leagues on the Maryland side, but you have two good youth clubs in Bethesda Lacrosse Club and M&D DC.

Tryouts are generally in July and I believe both clubs would have A and B level teams at the 6th grade level, so no pressure if your daughter hasn't had enough practice to make the top team.

There are also lots of high school girls in the area who have business working with youger players for technique practice. And I'm sure that your daughter will have friends at Middle School who play and could organize some workouts.

I don't believe that CJMS will have interscholastic lacrosse, but Churchill plays in the Maryland 4A division and will have a competitive schedule.

[Anonymous]

What about getting in a few clinics or camps this summer and trying to get some wall ball practice before then? I think most important would be to get a stick in her hand and getting some comfort.

[Anonymous]

Yes! Maybe try a few camps first before dropping thousands on a travel team…there are day camps/clinics at local high schools. I live in VA - I know Langley HS does one, I’m sure the MD schools do too. You can also look at clinics at Visitation, St John’s or Stone Ridge. My daughter (rising HS sophomore) has always had fun at the UMD overnight camp - UVA also hosts one.

Ignore the first poster, OP. Both of my kids play and while it’s a lot (time, $, energy), it’s been wonderful - they’ve learned so much and we’ve had great times together because of it. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. (Also - you can play lacrosse and not get wrapped up in travel! Rec league is fun too!)

Good luck to your daughter! I hope she loves it!

[Anonymous]

I'll add that Landon has some clinics in the summer too that arent too high level.

[Anonymous]

Before you start down this path, you might want to spend a little time understanding what you are getting into. I don't know where you are from, but if it isn't one of the lacrosse "hot beds" or an area of significant growth, the size and scope of youth lacrosse may surprise or even shock you.

It's possible to pick up basic skills at a camp and play at Churchill HS. This is the lowest rung of competition on the area.

The more competitive girls and boys programs are at the private schools.

Many parents in this area spend many thousands of dollars with the clubs and at private schools pursuing lax careers for their kids.

[Anonymous]

Does Next Level/M&D DC still run their rec league? I think BLC's Little Ladies is for younger kids but I would start with a rec program and some clinics before considering travel.