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Last word on Cape Championship . . .

May 22, 2014
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I hope the following is the main message that comes out of Cape's victory. By now we've all seen the TV and internet news clips of Cape players rejoicing in their victory as teammates from the time they played together as little kids. I personally recall a long ago Atlantic Lacrosse U11 or maybe U13 Eastern Shore Lacrosse League championship game where in sudden death overtime a little guy scooped up a loose ball, dodged past two defenders and scored to win the game. Members of that team went on to win three consecutive U13 and U15 tournaments, and all but a few of those kids are on this year's Cape state championship roster. Every school district in Delaware can experience the same with the following formula.

1. Organizers committed to a year-round effort of registration, fund raising, equipment management, league meetings, etc.
2. Committed parents and qualified youth coaches, not just for a season but for at least five years.
3. A location to practice and play.
4. A true heart for kids and the roll the lacrosse experience can play in their lives.

From the beginning of March through most of May, if you drive past Hudson Fields on Rt. 1 on a Saturday you'll see hundreds of boys and girls of all ages playing teams from as near as Ocean City, and as far away as Kent Island or Chestertown, Md. When school ends in early June, many of them continue with summer club teams through July, and some participate on fall-ball teams in late September through early November. Indoor lax starts in early December and goes through February until the annual cycle begins again in March. High school age boys and girls tryout for very competitive club teams which offer year-round off-season playing opportunities. Many of the boys on Cape's state championship team began their club team careers with a club development team, working their way up to the top team within a year or two.

The message is that the success of Cape lacrosse (boys and girls) is no accident, but the result of years of dedicated effort and commitment. Every community and school district in Delaware can achieve similar success, and it is critical to understand that play should begin prior to age twelve, and preferably by age nine or ten. Finally, the entire process can begin with a single team of committed players, parents, and coaches as long as they move up through the age groups together.


This post was edited on 6/4 4:43 PM by Atlanticlax

This post was edited on 6/4 4:54 PM by Atlanticlax
 
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