SLA Programs
 
SLA offers both local recreation and competitive league programs for girls and boys
 

As a recreational lacrosse provider, spring the primary season for SLA Lacrosse, although we do often offer some programs outside of our spring season.    During lacrosse "off-seasons" (summer, fall and winter), SLA offers several programs to help grow the base of lacrosse playing boys and girls in Stafford County.  From free beginner clinics and school-based clinics to fall fundamental development programs and winter skills workouts, SLA is the hub of youth lacrosse in Stafford County.  

Please note: A membership in USA Lacrosse will be required for each player and coach.  This is an insurance requirement as SLA has changed the manner in which we insure players, volunteers and our organization.

SPRING: 

Registration for spring programs opens on or about December 1st.  SLA offers two divisions of play for both boys and girls programs.  Our Local Recreation division provides local lacrosse at all age levels where player participation numbers support the offering.  Our Local Recreation program consists of fundamental instruction, small-sided practices and local games.  At younger age groups, small-sided instruction and play will allow for greater player enjoyment and skill development with more individualized instruction and greater participation.  At older age groups, the local rec option provides full-sided instruction and play and prepares players for participation in the sport at higher levels of schooling and competition. This program runs from late February through May.  All games are in Stafford against SLA teams.  

For a broader exposure to lacrosse as well as greater levels of competition, SLA also participates in the Northern Virginia Youth Lacrosse League (NVYLL).  The NVYLL is a group of 24 recreation associations throughout northern Virginia (from Stafford County to Loudoun County) that band together to offer youth lacrosse at multiple skill levels.  Participation in the NVYLL levels of play consists of up to three practices a week, an 8-game regular season and a playoff experience.  SLA may participate in NVYLL "A" and "B" levels, with the number of teams we field determined by player registration and preference.  Assessments will be held for each of the top two-three age groups for boys and girls to determine how many NVYLL teams will be at each level.  This league playing option is only available in the spring season, and runs from early February to early June.

Each player will be required to have a full game uniform for NVYLL, and only reversible jersey for Local Rec play.

FALL:

Our normal fall recreation program generally consists of a 1 day per week for ~6 weeks fundamental skills development program for players looking to improve their skills and get a head start on the spring season.  This program has traditionally been held on Sundays in September and October (sometimes into early November) at Embrey Mill Park to avoid scheduling conflicts with other fall sports.  Registration for these programs open in late August to early September and is open through September.

LATE FALL / EARLY WINTER: 

SLA annually offers a free beginner clinic to the youth of Stafford County to introduce new players to the sport, allowing them to 'try it on' before committing to equipment purchases and registering for the spring season.  This clinic is usually held in mid-late November and is announced well in advance on our website and through a flyer distribution through Stafford County Public Schools PeachJar system.  This clinic normally lasts for 1.5-2 hours per age group and features as instructors many of our coaches as well as many former players now playing in local high school programs.

Please see the Boys Programs or Girls Programs pages for more details about each age group and our programs. Registration fees covers the costs for fields, referees, insurance, field equipment and other Association costs related to administering our programs. 

SLA is a 100% volunteer organization, so each dollar you spend with us you get back in the form of lacrosse for your child.  We always need volunteers to help out.  You do not have to know lacrosse to learn to coach, or help with administration or logistics.  Anyone can help; many hands make our programs stronger!    

See the Boys Program pages or Girls Program pages on menu to left for more information on our programs.  

If you need information about coaching with SLA, please see our Coach Program pages.  Our Equipment pages provide detail about required equipment as well as equipment sales and rental programs.