club vs. rec girl's Lacrosse

[Anonymous]

Baltimore poster again, we see Stars at a lot of tournaments, and I think they are the only Va team in the NGLL, whiere games are mostly in the Baltimore area, so you probably want to avoid them. On the other hand they seem to be the best VA club.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Lots of helpful information here. Thanks!! Does anyone know of all these listed clubs which requires least travel?

Anonymous wrote:Lots of good club options in NOVA. Stars, VA Metro, and Cardinals have the most competitive teams. The next tier down would include Crash and Pride, both of which also have good coaching and player development programs. Further west there is 3d and I think there is a developmental team in the Burke area. Now Madlax is trying to get into the act too.

My daughter has loved the club experience and stayed with the same team throughout, but know what you're getting into, as these days it is essentially a year-round sport. Our team plays fall travel, participates in a winter league, plays in the NGYPLL in the spring, and then have summer tournaments. With that kind of time and financial commitment, tryout for multiple clubs in August and go for the team that seems to be the best fit for you and your daughter.

Check their website, but I don't think Pride played in a spring league. VA Metro, Cardinals, and Crash all played in the NPYGLL and Stars in the NGLL. Technically, playing in a spring league and even indoor ball during winter may be considered optional by the club -- so check that out too. Pride practices in the McLean area and draws heavily from there and north Arlington.

[Anonymous]

OP again. So I did some research on the girls lax clubs in NOVA. I found out that Evergreen Lax Club in Leesburg offered year round training, twice a week, without the commitment of attending tournaments or scrimmages. This actually could work for us but the weekday practice time runs as late as 9:30 which is a deal killer. Are there any other NOVA clubs offer training only programs? Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP again. So I did some research on the girls lax clubs in NOVA. I found out that Evergreen Lax Club in Leesburg offered year round training, twice a week, without the commitment of attending tournaments or scrimmages. This actually could work for us but the weekday practice time runs as late as 9:30 which is a deal killer. Are there any other NOVA clubs offer training only programs? Thanks.

I don't think this route will get you what you want. A good deal of the skill building in club lacrosse comes from playing other high level players in games.

[Anonymous]

I figured that myself but hated to admit it. I feel it is not easy for ordinary families to support their kids to play at advanced level. Maybe we'll keep her in rec league and see where it leads. To make myself feel better I hope it'll keep her continue getting better without getting burnout.

[Anonymous]

It doesn't sound like the right fit for you. You have to be pretty invested beyond just the financial piece of it because it becomes your life. We are an "ordinary" family but we don't do much sitting around--- our free time is sports.

[Anonymous]

Yeah, I dont want it to become my life, and my daughter doesn't want it to be her life. There are plenty of other fun things to do.

[Anonymous]

Look, if its training only the coaches can't get too upset if DD can't stay the entire time. And those Evergreen facilities are the envy of all NOVA laxers. Another option worth exploring is small group and/or private lessons. Check out the opportunities listed on some of the rec league websites and/or reach out to your local HS or club team coaches. Eventually, DD will need to face better competition, but this might be a reasonably convenient and affordable way to build up her skills.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Look, if its training only the coaches can't get too upset if DD can't stay the entire time. And those Evergreen facilities are the envy of all NOVA laxers. Another option worth exploring is small group and/or private lessons. Check out the opportunities listed on some of the rec league websites and/or reach out to your local HS or club team coaches. Eventually, DD will need to face better competition, but this might be a reasonably convenient and affordable way to build up her skills.

Makes sense and helpful advice. Thanks!!

[Anonymous]

Would you recommend Stars or Pride for a 6th grader? Skill level is not at Stars Blue, but maybe the Black team. I think?!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Would you recommend Stars or Pride for a 6th grader? Skill level is not at Stars Blue, but maybe the Black team. I think?!

My daughter has never played with Stars, but we have had some girls on our team over the years who have. It is obviously an excellent program, but the one complaint you hear about is the close-knit affiliation of most kids there with SSSA. Pride is not quite as competitive, but still a good program. At some age levels Pride will field three teams, which is helpful for developmental players. My impression is that Pride tends to have many more public school kids who will go on to play at McLean, Langley, Yorktown, W&L, or George Mason HS. At present, Pride also does not extend beyond 8th grade. The Stars kids will "graduate" to one of the Capital teams.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Would you recommend Stars or Pride for a 6th grader? Skill level is not at Stars Blue, but maybe the Black team. I think?!

Always play up. The coaching for Stars, both Blue and Black teams, is excellent. Your daughter definitely should try out!