US Lacrosse Community Forum Forums NORTHEAST LACROSSE BOTC MAIN FORUM (LI, CT, WC) Bypassing Middle School Lax for Club Team

There is much more to Middle School sports then the sport itself. There is the simple fact that that the kids are participating in a physical activity every day of the week. Yes, club teams practice, but not every day. It also teaches them something about time management. Balancing homework and other commitments after practice forces them to take some responsibility for their time and how they spend it.

There is also the social aspect of participating on a school team. Middle School is often a big adjustment for young students. Here they have the chance to bond with their friends, take some pride in representing their school and socialize with other kids whom they would not normally have something in common with. This also helps to bolster confidence and helps them assimilate with others in the school. Other students and teachers often attend these games. Sometimes the “benefits” of being on a team are not realized on the field but rather in the hallways the next day. “Hey, I saw you out on the field yesterday...”

Perhaps the stronger players are not being challenged as much as they would like, but they do have the stick in their hands everyday, and that is always a good thing. The weaker or new players benefit from practicing against the better players everyday. They may not get as much playing time but they get the practice in everyday. It only helps to make them better.

If you look at each game as a stepping stone to D1 lacrosse in your sons career, then yes, it may seem like a waist of time. But, if you look at it as an opportunity for him have fun with his friends, continue to expand his love and knowledge of the game, and grow as a student athlete and member of the school community, then it is certainly worth it.

“Club lacrosse only” may give them a better lacrosse experience but they would missing out on a lot more.