Boys
Ages & Eligibility
SV Youth Lacrosse forms boys teams based on grade. This is consistent with other teams throughout the Lehigh Valley Lacrosse League, as well as our girls' program.
Youth team groupings are:
- 1st/2nd grade
- 3rd/4th grade
- 5th/6th grade
- 7th/8th grade
For kindergarten age children, we now offer a special program to introduce players to the sport called Little Laxers.
Instruction and Play Time Philosophy by Grade Level
Saucon Valley Youth Lacrosse fosters the development of each player’s lacrosse skills, knowledge of the game, and overall physical fitness. Our program accepts beginners and new players at all grade levels. Many of our successful players came from other sports and tried lacrosse during their elementary or middle school years.
PreK-K - our Saucon Little Laxers is a co-ed version of lacrosse that utilizes modified equipment, modified rules and is designed for youth to achieve quick success executing the basics skills of lacrosse (cradling, ground balls, passing, catching and shooting) using a soft-stick lacrosse stick. This is a great way to "try it out" and see if your child enjoys the sport, without investing in equipment required at the older levels. The rules of soft-stick lacrosse and the modified equipment also make it a version of the sport that does not require protective equipment to learn and enjoy.
1st / 2nd Grade – Our 1/2 level serves as an introduction to boy’s lacrosse. Participant equipment required: sneakers (cleats preferred), certified protective equipment (helmet, shoulder/chest pads, arm pads, gloves, protective cup), mouthpiece and a stick. At this level, we focus on teaching the basics of the game (e.g. throwing, catching, rules of the game, etc.) in a fun and positive environment. Games with certified officials are scheduled throughout the season with other LVYLL teams. All players see equal opportunities during practices and games.
3rd / 4th Grade – Our 3/4 team(s), along with other LVYLL programs at this level, are “balanced” where players are assigned to teams to make all teams similar in terms of skill and competitiveness. Instruction at this level continues to emphasize basic lacrosse skills and how to play various positions. Play time during practices and games are equal and all players are given the opportunity to try any position during the course of the season, if desired. At this level boys are encouraged to attend as many practices as possible to improve skills.
5th / 6th Grade - At the 5/6 grade level, the game becomes more competitive and teams may be split by skill level. Instruction continues to reinforce basic lacrosse skills as well as strategy, plays and positions. Over the course of the season, it is expected that all players will get equal playing time but this does not mean all players will receive equal playing time during every game. All players should get the opportunity to try different positions throughout the course of the year. At this level boys are expected to attend practices as possible to improve skills. If your son cannot attend most practices or games, his playing time may be reduced.
7th / 8th Grade – The 7/8 level is a critical time for players to fine-tune their skills and obtain maximum knowledge of the game in order to prepare for competitive high school programs. At this level, players will generally settle into a certain position(s), however, is encouraged to try different positions throughout the course of the year as needed or desired. Over the course of the season, it is expected that all players will get equal playing time but this does not mean all players will receive equal playing time during every game. Playing time at this level is a function of attendance at practice, ability, and effort. By this level, it is expected players will be committed to the lacrosse season.
Practices & Games
Practices begin in mid to late February, weather permitting. There is the potential for pre-season practices if indoor space can be secured at a local indoor turf facility or time in a SV School gym.
- PreK-K - 6 sessions (1x week) over the course of 6 weeks.
- 1st/2nd grade - 1-2 practices per week plus 1 game.
- 3rd/4th grade - 2 practices per week plus 1 game.
- 5th/6th grade - 2-3 practices per week plus 1 game.
- 7th/8th grade - 2-3 practices per week plus 1 game.
** Once registration has concluded, your coaches will communicate via TeamSnap with specific start date, time and location of practices.
The LVYLL typically schedules league games to start in early April, depending on weather and if fields are viable for play. The youth lacrosse season generally goes through the end of May. Games may be scheduled during the week, as well as on weekends.
The program utilizes TeamSnap for all game, practice and team announcements. Your team’s game schedule will be uploaded to TeamSnap once it is known in early March. Practice schedules will be added as soon as possible. Please note, especially early in the season, that it is crucial to check TeamSnap frequently for rescheduled games, rescheduled practices or other team communication. Coaches request that parents acknowledge their players availability for games and practices to help with the planning of each team’s activities.
Tournaments
Saucon Valley 3rd/4th, 5th/6th and 7th/8th boys teams may participate in local play days or tournaments, if viable given the teams' league schedule. Coaches will advise players and parents if an opportunity for non-league play arises.
All teams participate in the local season-end LVYLL tournament mid to late May.
SV Lacrosse follows the rules and guidelines as published by USA Lacrosse. Youth boys’ rules are available, as well as a helpful guideline for parents new to lacrosse. Questions about equipment and answers to other frequently asked questions can be found here.
Equipment
Questions about proper lacrosse equipment for your player? US Lacrosse publishes an Equipment Fitting Guide to help provide first-time buyers, parents and players with suggested guidelines in purchasing equipment. The guide explains how lacrosse equipment should feel when properly worn. Photographs and descriptions for both field players and goalies are featured.
Feel free to also ask your child's coach as well!