Free try lacrosse events a big success for Delta association

It seems that the new outdoor sports court in Ladner is already a game changer for Delta Lacrosse.

The association used the now-covered outdoor box for its second free Try Lacrosse event last Saturday (February 18) hosted by former pro star Garrett Billings.

The Tsawwassen resident guided about 100 children through some introductory skills during the two-hour session.

As with the first event last month, a large number of participants were female. That resulted in enough new players signing up for Delta to ground two female rookie teams for the first time in its history next season.

“COVID has really taken a toll on our women’s program,” said Erin Harris, Delta Lacrosse vice president and women’s coordinator. “Our goal this year and next is to return to our pre-COVID numbers without question. We have the draw in the community and the population to do this easily. It’s just that a lot of people don’t know anything about lacrosse in Delta.

“We have some great stars from the National Lacrosse League and a lot of other players on US scholarships. Our responsibility over the next few years is to help the community understand the opportunities for these kids and lacrosse. Hockey is doing such a good job and we have to keep up with his performance.”

Billings was brought in to oversee the grassroots development program and told him so optimist Back in December, his goal was to get the new players coming back for more.

Harris agrees.

“Our real focus going forward is to ensure that the grassroots girls who join now have the most lacrosse experience,” she said. “I can definitely speak from my own daughter’s experience. She is a certified coach. All her confidence comes from lacrosse. When things get difficult at school, lacrosse is always a great outlet.”

The association’s marketing efforts, which include social media, signage throughout the community and print advertising in the optimist for its pre-season events is also paying off on the boys’ side with a big surge in registration numbers at the entry levels.

Local standout and pro star Mitch Jones serves as technical director and oversees a preseason lacrosse academy. It is another program made possible by the covered box.

“Without that, we probably would have had to cancel today. You just can’t have 100 kids running around on a slippery surface,” Harris added. “This venue has created a place where the teenagers can just go and play. They have 13- and 14-year-olds practicing their behind-the-back shot and showing eight-year-olds how to do it. It’s awesome.”

It’s not too late to register for the 2023 box lacrosse season. Visit deltalacrosse.ca for more information.