You are the dense one! Do you people not realize that in other parts of the country the sport of lacrosse is not as popular as it is in MD or LI . States where the sport is just catching on couldn't possibly field multiple teams for a rec league or a local travel club team without combining years i.e. U9, u11 etc. You simple can't compare lacrosse to soccer or basketball because the participation is just not there yet. There is always going to be a age differences. As far as isolated examples of 16 yr olds vs 13 yr olds... you combine the arrival of the 8th grade and growth spurts for some with the unfortunate early recruiting process and it's obvious why already talented players choose to try and secure a roster spot. Most if not all these players have stood out and played up for years and now it's time for the decision makers on the sidelines to watch these boys compete against kids in the same high school graduating year. If you have the means and you believe your son actually has a shot to play at the next Level knock yourself out parents.