Grow the Game

In School Educators Program.

Because of the unique nature of the game of lacrosse, it is a sport that offers an even playing field where engaged students who might not participate in organized sports or tend to shy away from participating in P.E. classes can excel. In each school we’ve gone into, we’ve seen kids who have lacked interest in traditional team sports form an immediate excitement and passion for the sport.

Uninhibited by preset expectations of the current sports culture and their skill level, kids are engaged, encouraged and free to have fun – learning through the experience alongside their peers. This sport and innovative program gives girls and boys a chance:

• To discover something new
• To be engaged as part of an emerging sport
• To return to fun in sports

The success of our program  is measured directly by the students and teachers enthusiasm, as well as by the number of students who want to participate in after school lacrosse programs. Most importantly we work with the educators to tailor to their students in a flexible meaningful collaboration with our trained coaches.

The goal of this program is to bring valuable lacrosse expertise and instruction to local schools and aid P.E. instructors in properly teaching lacrosse in their future classes.

• Introduce the sport of lacrosse to students.
• Develop a curriculum that can be used by P.E. teachers in the future.
• Connect interested students to after-school lacrosse programs in their communities

Program Curriculum.

Curriculum. Each class is taught a brief history of the game, the evolution of the sport, rules, team concepts & training techniques and individual lacrosse basic skills with real sticks provided by the coaches.

9:00 a.m.: Staff Introductions / Program Goals / Program Rules / Oral or video demonstration of the game, Basic skills  explanation and demonstration.

9:10 a.m.: Introduction to the Native American history of lacrosse
9:15 a.m.: Girls / Boys break out groups / warm up lap
9:25 a.m.: Ground Balls / Cradling Basics
9:35 a.m.: Throwing and catching demonstration
9:40 a.m.: Partner passing (one handed / two handed)
9:55 a.m.:  Contest: Catching and throwing on the run

Instructors. NC Lacrosse coaching staff is the best in the county.  All of our coaches are certified and have played both high school or collegiate lacrosse, directed & counseled summer camps and have coached youth, high school and collegiate teams.

Safety. Although there will always be at least one program leader that is first aid certified, program leaders will rely on each school’s P.E. instructor in case of an emergency. All games will be adapted to a non-contact version and soft balls will be used instead of lacrosse balls for safety purposes.

Equipment.  NC Lacrosse provides all lacrosse sticks and balls.  Goggles, cones, a (modified) goal should be provided by the schools where available.  When not available, NC Lacrosse will provide the necessary equipment.

Program Costs. This program is free to other non-profit based groups and most schools.

Grow the Game

Our Initiative

Founded in 2006, North County Lacrosse, a Lynden based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, works to create positive change in the lives of young people. The organization’s mission is to build a whatcom county wide community that inspires and empowers youth to excel in life and lacrosse. We achieve our mission through a wide variety of programs designed to develop character, build self-confidence, and instill a sense of community. We feel that our rural agricultural community is the perfect place to “Grow the Game” and develop county wide community supported lacrosse programs.  

Program offerings include summer camps, year-round skill training, leagues, tournaments, special events, travel team experiences, an in-school physical education program, recreational after-school programs, a youth leadership development program, scholarship fund and several other “Grow the Game” initiatives including training of future community leaders, coaches, and referees.

Each aspect of our programs work to provide valuable life and perspective-changing experiences to the area youth who come from a diverse array of socio-economic, cultural, and geographic backgrounds. We also partner with and provide support to the various scholastic and other community lacrosse organizations each year both in Whatcom County and outreach into BC Canada.