About Us

Mission

Groton Mystic Lacrosse Association is dedicated to providing a safe, fun environment where all players are given the opportunity to learn lacrosse, and build self-esteem and confidence. Players learn to play as a part of a team through participation in games and practices. The organization is open to the youth of Groton, CT and surrounding areas that do not have a youth lacrosse organization.

Goals

In fulfillment of our mission, the Groton Mystic Lacrosse Association strives to achieve the following goals:

• Teach the fundamentals of the game in a safe and fun environment for learning and competition
• Teach personal responsibility, good sportsmanship, and respect for fellow players and the game
• For our younger players, provide the chance to learn the game of lacrosse without sacrificing other sports and activities vital to their overall and athletic development
• Support the development of skilled lacrosse players for the High School Boys and Girls Lacrosse teams
• Provide players an opportunity to demonstrate good citizenship through club-sponsored volunteer activities
• Provide ongoing support and endorsement of players in future endeavors such as college competition and jobs through a strong network of coaches, parents and business persons

Instruction and Play Time Philosophy by Grade Level

While the philosophy for each grade level is different, our main goal is to foster the development of each player’s lacrosse skills through practice, drills and competition. We strive to provide a development system that will develop a love for the game, and produce players ready to excel at High School lacrosse. 

• U8: K - 2nd Grade – Our Bantam program serves as the foundation for further participation in our program. Bantam Coaches focus on teaching the basics of the game (e.g. throwing, catching, rules of the game, etc.) in a fun and positive clinic environment. At this level, all players see equal opportunities during practices and games. Games are scheduled with surrounding towns to minimize travel, and are officiated by the coaches to facilitate learning the game.  

• U10: 3rd and 4th Grade – Our Lightning teams provide players their first opportunity to play organized games against teams from other towns. Typically, the teams at this level are “balanced” (e.g. 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 while introducing strategy, structured plays and how to play various positions. Play time during practices and games should be equal and all players should be given the opportunity to try any position during the course of the season. At this level we encourage kids to attend as many practices as possible to improve their skills.

• U12 5th and 6th Grade – At the 5th and 6th grade level, the game becomes more competitive and teams may be split by grade and/or 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 that all players will receive equal playing time during each game. No player should ever play an entire game unless insufficient players or injuries prevent substitutions. All players should get the opportunity to try different positions throughout the course of the year. At this level, especially in 6th grade, players should begin to prioritize lacrosse during the lacrosse season. Therefore, if your son/daughter has other activities and cannot attend most practices or games their playing time may be affected. Negative attitude and/or poor sportsmanship may also affect playing time.  

• U14 7th and 8th Grade – 7th and 8th grade are critical years for players to fine-tune their skills and obtain maximum knowledge of the game in order to prepare for competitive high school programs. By this level, it is expected players will be committed to the lacrosse season. The only excused absences for all practices and games include sickness, academic, family, and/or religious related issues. Teams will be split by grade and skill level and playing time at this level is a function of attendance at practice, ability, attitude and effort. While coaches will involve all players throughout the season, players participating on the most competitive teams should not expect equal playing time.