Lacrosse is traditionally a spring sport. Practices begin in early March, with games beginning in late March. The season typically ends by Memorial Day.
Little Laxers, our K-2nd grade program, begins in April and ends in mid-June.
How often are there practices and games?
HVL practices two times per week. Girls practice on Monday and Wednesday evenings. Boys practice on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Practices will be held at Twin Pines Turf in March through mid-April, and then move to the Athletic Fields at Timberlane when the weather is warmer and the days are longer.
Games are generally on Saturdays or Sundays. Occasionally a weekday evening practice will be replaced with a game. Home games are played at the same locations described above. Away games are played at other nearby towns, and are generally limited to a ~45 minute drive. Teams also participate in up to 1-2 one-day local tournaments.
Little Laxers (K-2nd grade) include six Sunday afternoon clinics. There are no games against other programs at this level.
What if my child has never played lacrosse before?
No problem! HVL is a recreational lacrosse program open to kids of ALL experience levels and we have beginners join us at all ages. Our goal at HVL is to not only expose as many kids as possible to this great game but to help also develop multi-sport athletes.
How are the age groups divided?
HVL is open to kids in Kindergarten through 8th grade.
Grades K-2 are a part of the Little Laxers program, which includes clinics on Sundays to develop lacrosse fundamentals.
Grades 3-8 require full equipment and play games against other programs. Teams are generally split into three age groups – 3/4, 5/6, & 7/8. Depending on the number of players signed up, the teams may be split further to maximize playing time.
Is Hopewell Valley Lacrosse a “travel club”?
No – Hopewell Valley Lacrosse is a recreational lacrosse program open to kids of all experience levels. Our season is from March-late May, which is prior to the start of travel lacrosse clubs’ main summer season. Because of this most, if not all, kids who play on travel lacrosse clubs teams also play recreationally for their local towns.
How does HVL differ from other recreational programs in our area?
As a baseline, recreational lacrosse nationwide is unique and differs from other sports in that the kids are competing against other towns’ programs, not in-house against each other.
Although HVL is a non-profit volunteer-driven organization, we utilize both volunteer and paid coaches when needed. All of our head coaches must be USA Lacrosse members and Level 1 coaching certified. In addition, practices are two times per week and teams compete in multiple tournaments, play days and Friday Night Light events.
Does Hopewell Valley Lacrosse provide financial assistance if needed?
Absolutely. Our goal is to introduce lacrosse to as many children in our community as possible. If you would like to inquire about financial assistance, please email us. All inquiries and assistance is confidential.
Are there additional costs?
Yes. To participate in any lacrosse program nationwide, all players must be current members of USA Lacrosse. This $35 membership is not included in the HVL registration fee. During registration you will be directed to the USA Lacrosse site to register.
Uniforms are also not included in our fee. Uniforms can be re-used from previous season. New uniforms can be purchased from our uniform supplier. Tops and shorts can also be purchased separately.
Why do I need a US Lacrosse membership?
All players are required to sign-up for a USA Lacrosse membership annually in order to participate in either club or recreational lacrosse programs nationwide. USA Lacrosse provides players’ insurance and is the governing body for all rules and coaching certifications. There are many other benefits of membership that can be found by visiting www.usalacrosse.com
What equipment is needed for Little Laxers (Grades K-2)?
Girls in grades 3-8 require a lacrosse stick (girls version), lacrosse eye protection, mouthpiece, and cleats (soccer, football, or lacrosse). Most kids wear soccer or football cleats. “Lacrosse cleats” are not required.
Boys in grades 3-8 require a lacrosse stick (boys version), lacrosse helmet, shoulder pads, arm pads, gloves, mouthpiece and cleats. Most kids wear soccer or football cleats. “Lacrosse cleats” are not required.
For boys, beginning in 2022 all shoulder pads must meet the NOCSAE ND200 standard and contain an SEI certification mark.
Where can I purchase lacrosse equipment?
Lacrosse equipment can be purchased locally at either a Lacrosse Unlimited or Dick’s Sporting Goods. Dicks is located in the Nassau Park Pavilion shopping Center off Route 1 in Princeton. Lacrosse Unlimited is located in the Princeton Shopping Center. Equipment can also be purchased online.
Used equipment can be purchased at RE Sports in Belle Mead, NJ.
HVL typically runs a discount weekend with Dicks Sporting Goods in late February or early March
How much does equipment cost?
For 3rd-8th graders, boys equipment can range from ~$250 – $350. Girls’ equipment can range from ~$75 to $125. There are many ways to keep equipment costs down by purchasing used, utilizing local equipment exchange programs, or even borrowing from a neighbor.
While HVL does have limited used equipment that is donated to the program, HVL does not currently facilitate used equipment exchanges.
Where do I get the uniform?
A link to purchase uniforms will be sent to families in January. Players may reuse uniforms from the previous season. The uniform consists of shorts and a reversible jersey. All pieces can be purchased separately.
What are the differences between boys and girls lacrosse?
Contact: The biggest difference between boys and girls lacrosse comes in the amount of permitted physical contact. As a result, there is much less protective equipment in the girls game.
Sticks: While the sticks look very similar, they are quite different. The depth of the pocket on a boys stick is much deeper than a girls stick.
Number of players: In the boys game, 10 players are on the field – 3 attack, 3 midfielders, 3 defensive players, and a goalie. In the girls game, there are 12 players on the field – 3 attack players, 5 midfielders, 3 defensive players and a goalie.
Field size: In boys lacrosse, the regulation field measures 110 yards long and 60 yards wide. In girls lacrosse, the field is a bit bigger: 120 yards long and 70 yards wide. Many times the fields will be the same size in rec programs like HVL so that we can use the same fields.
At younger grades (such as 3/4), both boys and girls games are typically played with less players (7v7) on a smaller field.
For more information about the boys and girls’ games, visit www.usalacrosse.com
How can I help support the program?
Please email us to learn more about our volunteer opportunities. From coaching to administrative help, we are always seeking parent volunteers to join our organization.
