The Sunshine Coast Lacrosse Association (SCLA) is back for another exciting season of floor-pounding action.
This year's season began in earnest last week at the Sunshine Coast Arena. Players and coaches are excited about their second season of lacrosse, and the registration numbers prove that enthusiasm.
So far 110 players have registered for lacrosse on the Coast, up from 73 players last year. The association has eight teams this season, which will see each team have one practice and one game each week from now until June.
The teams include a Tyke squad for ages 5 to 8, two Novice squads for ages 8 to 10, two Peewee squads for ages 11 to 12, two Bantam squads for ages 13 to 14 and one Midget squad for ages 15 to 16.
Lacrosse nights are Monday through Thursday at the arena, with game nights on Wednesdays and a double-header on Thursdays with action from 6 to 9:30 p.m.
Association vice president Jim Cooper said the league is off to a good start this year and they hope to build on that positive momentum.
"Our numbers are up, so we're delighted with that. It shows a good increase from last year," Cooper said. "With the increase in players we're also up to four nights of lacrosse at the arena. Last year we had only two nights. I think this year it's been easier to manage and hopefully we can just continue to see the association grow."
Cooper said the goals this year were to see registration numbers increase, while trying to get more of a house league going and get actual game play started.
He said that besides the house league play, the Midget team plans to travel to the Interior later in the season for a tournament. As well, several exhibition games will be played off Coast for several of the teams against Lower Mainland competition.
Like any new league, the SCLA is in need of funds, volunteers and coaches. To that end, a fund-raising dance will be held on Saturday, May 15, at the Roberts Creek Hall.
Tickets are $10 in advance, available at Trail Bay Source for Sports, Gibsons Family Sports and at the arena during lacrosse nights. Tickets will also be available at the door the night of the event for $15.
As for volunteers and coaches, the association encourages interested parents to come out to the arena during lacrosse nights to check out the sport.
"The best way to get involved is to come out and see for yourself," said Aaron Gilbert, head coach for the association. "We do have certified coaches, but it's nothing for a coach to come out and work with new coaches and teach them the game. Last year half of our coaches had never coached before."
Cooper is quick to point out that the community has been very supportive so far, especially Coast Aggregates, Trail Bay Source for Sports, Gibsons Family Sports and the Halfmoon Bay Fire Department.
"Without these sponsors, we couldn't have started a league," Cooper said.
To find out more about lacrosse on the Coast, visit the association website at www.sclacrosse.8m.com.
