Lacrosse continues to grow locally

AMHERST?- The sport of Lacrosse is growing every year and if you want to get in on the fun now's the time to make your move.
The Tantramar Marsh Hawks Lacrosse Association will soon be holding its registration for the 2008 season at the Tantramar Veterans Memorial Civic Centre in Sackville for kids ages eight to 18.
"We had about 100 kids register last year and I anticipate as many, if not more, this year," Tantramar Marsh Hawk coach Eric Sloan said.
Not only did about 20 Amherst kids play last year but also, "we had kids from Springhill and Parrsboro as well," Sloan added.
The kids play in the Moncton league with eight and nine-year-olds playing in the initiation program, while 10 and 11-year-olds play peewee. Then there is bantam, midget and intermediate. Intermediate is for 17 and 18-year-olds.
The initiation program is held one day a week.
"In initiation we teach them the basics of the game," Sloan said. "It's more of a fun thing where they get to learn without the competition."
Last year the Tantramar Marsh Hawks fielded two teams in both peewee and bantam and one team in midget.
Lacrosse mom and organizer Holly MacDonald said it's a great game to get your kids involved in.
"My son's been playing lacrosse for the last three years" MacDonald said. "It's has definitely become a more popular sport since he first started."
When her son began playing three years ago they just practised, but now there are seven eight midget teams he plays against.
Last year each division had about eight teams, with the Marsh Hawks playing two games a week, one in Sackville and one at the Moncton 4Plex. They also try to practice one day a week in Sackville.
"It's a great schedule," MacDonald said. "The kids play on the concrete surface so it's important to have a good pair of sneakers,"
Other equipment players need is a lacrosse stick and ball, a helmet, shoulder pads and rib cage padding.
It's a great sport," MacDonald said. "There's a lot of skill involved but the kids pick it up quickly."
Besides learning about passing, balance and angles MacDonald said it's quite a physical game.
"The trick is to try and knock the ball off the opponents stick," MacDonald said. "But when you come into contact with a player, you can't just push them with your stick, you have to contact the player with both of your hands while they are holding the stick. So your not coming at them at full force."
Cost of registration is $125 for returning members and $75 for new members.
"The cost difference is an incentive for first time players to join," MacDonald said.
Registration is Wednesday, April 9, and Thursday, April 10, from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

dmathieson@amherstdaily.com