The Fairfield Youth Lacrosse program is designed to help each player reach his potential as a lacrosse player.  Mastery of the skills of the game is of the utmost importance at all levels and FYL places emphasis on skill development in all grades, 1-8.  As a player moves through the FYL program they will be taught the game of lacrosse in a fun and supportive environment. The program curriculum has been designed to maximize the skill development of players at each respective level in a progressive fashion. We endeavor to create a continuity of experience between coaches and age groups. The focus of all of our teams is to encourage growth and development.

UNIFORMS

All players in grades 5-8 will be required to wear a uniform.  If you are new to travel lacrosse, you will be required to purchase a new uniform for the season.  Uniform cost is approximately $90.00 per player and includes a reversible jersey and shorts.  Uniforms for grades 1-4 will be provided.

To further clarify, if you have participated in FYL in grades 1-4 and are entering 5th grade, the the travel uniform is different and you will need to purchase a new uniform.  If you are new to FYL and will be playing in grades 5-8, you will need to purchase a new uniform.  If you played travel last year and your uniform still fits, you do not need to purchase a new uniform (but you can if you want to). 

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT FOR ALL AGE LEVELS*

(Not included with uniform)  Lacrosse Helmet, Mouthpiece (all age levels), Lacrosse Stick, Gloves, Shoulder Pads, Elbow Pads and an Athletic Supporter with Cup.

US LACROSSE

For insurance purposes, all Fairfield Youth Lacrosse players are required to be members of US Lacrosse.  US Lacrosse membership is $30 per player.  Your registration must be active through the end of our season.   You will be directed to the US lacrosse website to renew or purchase your membership prior to completing your Fairfield Youth Lacrosse registration.

AGE SEGMENTATION

US Lacrosse has specified age guidelines to create an atmosphere of fair play and development.  CONNY (CT - NY Youth Lacrosse) has adopted those guidelines for grades 5-8 and as a member of CONNY, Fairfield Youth Lacrosse must follow these guidelines.  Players are required to play with their current grade.

TRAVEL COMMITMENT (Grades 5-8)

All players selected for travel teams must agree to make lacrosse their priority sport for the entire course of the season. We expect and encourage all of our athletes to play other sports during the rest of the year, as it both increases athletic development and, more importantly, adds to players’ enthusiasm for all of the sports they play. Travel players not adhering to this commitment are subject to potential consequences including reduced playing time or potential removal from the team based on the coaches’ discretion.  

COMMUNICATION

In order to encourage players to develop as young men and women, players should communicate directly with their coaches, and by the travel level this is a requirement. This includes concerns or questions regarding playing time, positions, team placement and suggestions for improvement/feedback.  An exception is for health issues such as allergies, asthma, ADD/ADHD, diabetes, etc., which parents should communicate directly with coaches if they feel the need. All health issues will be kept strictly confidential. If parents have issues with a coach, they should discuss those with an FYL board member after observing a 24 hour waiting period. Please remember that most all of our coaches are volunteers, and respect their time and dedication to creating a fun, learning experience for all of our players.

PROGRAMMING

1st - 2nd Grades: Girls

• Players are grouped according to their enrolled school grade only.  We do not allow players to play with older siblings.
• Focus will be on developing and improving stick skills - catching, throwing, scooping, and shooting.  Players will also grasp the concepts of positions and placement on the field.  
• 7v7 intra-grade games will be at the discretion of the coaches'. 
• Practices on Saturdays and Sundays
• Price $285

3rd - 4th Grades: Girls

• Players will be grouped according to their enrolled school grade only. We do not allow players to play with older siblings.
• Focus will be on developing and improving stick skills - catching, throwing, ground balls, and shooting.  Players will also grasp the concepts of positions and placement on the field. 
• 1 midweek practice (days TBD) and 2 weekend practices on Saturday and Sunday.
• For 3rd grade, small field 7v7 intra-grade games will occur and will be part of practices.
• For 4th grade, full field intra-grade games will occur and will be part of practices. Going full field will prepare this grade for 5th grade when they will go full field.
• *The grade level coordinator will look to schedule neighboring town scrimmages during the season so teams can experience full field play.  The exact amount is TBD. Please note, there is no travel schedule until 5th grade and there is no formal CONNY league play in these grades, therefore official scoring and standings will not be in place. 
• Price: $385

5th - 8th Grade Girls

• A and B teams for each grade (with the possible exception of the 2024 8th grade due to the size of the grade)
• A/B roster sizes will vary based on the number of players per grade, by their position and their skill level. Players will play in the grade they are enrolled in. 
• 2 team practices during the week and up to 2 travel games per weekend. 
• Play to Develop - winning is a high priority, but second to developing good long term lacrosse skills
• Playing time is based on coach's discretion, informed by the 3 A's: ability, attitude, aptitude.
• *New in 2024: FYL will consider creating a house league based on the number of players per grade and evaluation results. This house league will only apply to players in grades 5th - 7th grade and will be designed purely for the development of each player who is either brand new to the sport or not quite ready for a full travel experience. 
• In house will consist of 2 practices a week with the goal of some culminating events toward the end of the season.  
• The house league program fee will be determined after evaluations when it will also be determined if a house league will be created. If your child tries out for a travel team and is placed in our house league (if one is created), a credit will be issued to you for the difference in program fees.