Feedback on VLC Club Lacrosse?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

I'm not sure I agree with your position that club lacrosse is no more likely to flourish than rec is based on a couple of factors. First, let start off by saying I think club lacrosse actions over the last decade to rec lacrosse have been like a vampire to a damsel running through the woods late at night. They are sucking much of the ability for rec lacrosse to survive and is a clear detriment to their longtime goals. If they kill rec lacrosse (at least in NOVA) they will have killed the low cost entry point for many parents to the game. There is absolutely a place for rec and club teams should recognize its importance. though unfortunately many do not.

What is your solution to the problem? Club has a right to exist and will continue to exist because there is great demand for it. The players who get good and love lacrosse don't want to be (and shouldn't have to be) spread out amongst a bunch of rec teams playing with and against rec players who suck. The good players want to play with, and against, other good players.

The Virginia clubs are not saying "you can't play rec if you play for us" so how are they sucking the life out of rec?

I think you reap what you sow. I would disagree that there is "great" demand for it. Looking at past and current sales and not looking toward the future is a recipe for failure. The folks at Tower Records and Blockbuster video were thinking the same thing. VLC, Madlax, and Blackwolf used to get the best players and have recruiting success because rec programs fed the best of the best players to the top programs. Tyrouts were well attended and it was tough to make one of these teams. The growth of lacrosse was created and developed by MYLA and NVYLL. The Crabs were one of the first clubs. They joined with HOCO and wanted to grow club and the expense of rec and basically killed rec lacrosse in MD. NVYLL was still growing and with more population and expansion in Loudoun that seemed to just continue. However, now NVYLL numbers are way down which means the feeder programs are not getting what they used to. I think Blackwolf maybe had one D1 commitment this year? VLC lost the 2027 team? Madlax used to field three teams at some age levels. The fact is that there are fewer players feeding more clubs. They way the clubs could fix this issue is to pull our of the HOCO league, the parents would thank you. All the top kids would play NVYLL. I think players should have to play with others of lesser skill. They will always have HS and College and club to compete and prove the highest level. No need to play only with and against other top players in third grade that is just silly. Give the spring back to NVYLL. I know this won't happen but when these clubs can't field teams, do not say you were not warned.

[Anonymous]

I don't know about NOVA but MOCO has an absolutely ineffective system in how a league can operate and the costs associated with start up. MOCO also won't start a lacrosse league in partnership with a private organization because they have passed legislation against it. Howard County works with private orgs to incentive and grow youth sports because they realize it is a positive for youth and the county's coffers.

MOCO might cost a team almost 2x the cost price of what HoCo charges.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't know about NOVA but MOCO has an absolutely ineffective system in how a league can operate and the costs associated with start up. MOCO also won't start a lacrosse league in partnership with a private organization because they have passed legislation against it. Howard County works with private orgs to incentive and grow youth sports because they realize it is a positive for youth and the county's coffers.

MOCO might cost a team almost 2x the cost price of what HoCo charges.

The issue is not what HoCo charges a club. The issue is what a private club charges it's players. The issue is and always will be the leaders of club lacrosse. RM, CB, MM and the like run youth lacrosse for a profit. When they were kids, that would have laughed at the idea. If all the clubs disappeared in the Spring and only played fall and summer ball, charged a little less, and all the players returned to play in rec leagues it would be better for the sport overall. As it stands, kids pay 10X as much to play in youth leagues like the HOCO league because the clubs are making the money. The quality of play is no better than it would have been if the clubs did not exist. This is leading to lower participation rates which will eventually hurt the clubs they are just too blind and in the moment to see it.

"Howard County works with private orgs to incentive and grow youth sports because they realize it is a positive for youth and the county's coffers." This is a ridiculous statement. First it is NOT growing youth sports it is killing youth lacrosse. Second, no more money only less money will go to the county coffers. The money is paying for the club team owners who charge each family 10X what a youth team would charge.

[Anonymous]

Poor showing by VLC teams again coaching needs to improve.

[Anonymous]

What tournament/Age group?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What tournament/Age group?

I think some MS tournament, apparently someone is getting worked up over 4th grade lacrosse.

[Anonymous]

Did one of the mom's have to warm the team up again?

[Anonymous]

2029 team went 2-1 which is good for that event those are good teams.

[Anonymous]

Good teams? They barely beat the B teams of madlax and BLC

[Anonymous]

that's a great start for the 29's!

Hope the 25's continue to improve. They picked up some guys and should be ready to go as they kick off a big year for those young men! Good luck this fall VLC!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:that's a great start for the 29's!

Hope the 25's continue to improve. They picked up some guys and should be ready to go as they kick off a big year for those young men! Good luck this fall VLC!

Who’s coaching the 2025s?

[Anonymous]

Will the 2024 get more high level recruits. I think they only have two so far.

[Anonymous]

Three top 20 so far: UVA, Yale and Boston University. More to come.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Good teams? They barely beat the B teams of madlax and BLC

Pretty sure that was the VLC B team so........

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Good teams? They barely beat the B teams of madlax and BLC

Pretty sure that was the VLC B team so........

Wrong! It was the 2029 VLC A team