Abenaki Youth Lacrosse is a total volunteer organization. We are not sponsored or funded by the school district or the town recreation departments. The program is run by a Board of Directors and a volunteer coaching staff along with the assistance of the parents of all players. 

We are dedicated to the instruction of the game of lacrosse, sportsmanship, teamwork, and fair play. All players will be given equal opportunity to improve their skills through participation. The development of the child is what matters most, not winning at all costs.

Abenaki Youth Lacrosse respects, values, and celebrates diversity.  As such, we are committed to establishing and maintaining an inclusive culture that fosters equitable experiences for all organization members, including players and their families, regardless of race, orientation, ability, or talent level.

Eligible Players:
The club is open to all girls and boys who reside within the boundaries of the SAU 49 school district and those surrounding towns that do not currently field a youth lacrosse team. 

Season Information:
Preseason: March (dependent on facility & funds available)
Season begins: April (Weather permitting)
Season Ends: mid-June
Abenaki End-of-season Gathering: To be announced

Time Commitment:
Practices @ The Nick
1-2 hours depending on coach
2-3 Days per week

Games:
Typically Sundays: half away and half are home
Time: Varies - Morning/afternoon based on field availability at each site

Determining your son/daughter’s level of play: Level of play is determined by grade first. However, if your child is too old based on the age requirement, then they will play up. When you register, Abenaki will help you determine the correct team for your child. 

8U: Grades 1&2 - must be 8 years old or younger on the August 31st preceding competition

10U: Grades 3&4 - must be 10 years old or younger on the August 31st preceding competition

12U: Grades 5&6 - must be 12 years old or younger on the August 31st preceding competition

14U: Grades 7&8 (and 9th grade if not playing in high school) - must be 14 years old or younger on the August 31st preceding competition

Required Equipment:
Boys: Helmet (US Lacrosse Regulation), shoulder pads, arm guards, gloves, lacrosse stick, mouth guard, athletic supporter and protective cup, cleats.

Girls: Lacrosse stick, goggles (US Lacrosse regulation/SEI certified), mouth guard, sneakers/cleats

EQUIPMENT GUIDE: https://www.usalacrosse.com/sites/default/files/documents/Safety/USAL-equipment-guide-low.pdf

Fees:
$30 US Lacrosse Membership (paid separately; parents are responsible for signing up or renewing your child's membership)
$175 Abenaki Lacrosse Registration Fee ($60 for instructional)

Uniforms: 2023 registration includes the purchase of your child's uniform. Your child will be able to wear this year's uniform in future lacrosse seasons; if he/she outgrows the uniform, loses it, or mistreats it, there will be an ordering system in place for replacement next year. While we appreciate the enjoyment and pride your players will have in wearing the uniform, please try to maintain “game condition” as much as possible.

Explanation of Fee allocation:

• approximately $90 is allocated to Abenaki Lacrosse for annual expenses such as field equipment, game & practice equipment, goalie gear, medkit supplies, and uniform purchases. Paying officials for home games, our insurance premium, team registration fees for NHYLA, festival costs, coach and player gifts, and coach certification reimbursements are other significant expenses that fall under this category.
• approximately $60 goes toward The Nick Rental Fee (Note: This does not cover the cost to rent the facility for the season; additional fundraising by Abenaki board, players and families work to cover the full cost).
• $25 for the uniform purchase (cost and uniform purchase procedure will change next season)

Discounts: 

• Coaching Discount: Parents who volunteer to coach can have up to two children play for free