The Scoop Spring 2018 | Page 11

The sport of lacrosse is growing at a rapid pace in Massachusetts. Every year, the number of youth programs in the state increases. In addition to that, numerous high schools adopt programs of their own each year. Kids these days have more opportunities than ever to pick up a lacrosse stick and join a team, which was not always the case. Sports has always been a big part of the culture in this area, but the popularity of lacrosse has skyrocketed unlike any other.

For a youth program to have success, it is essential for it to have a strong relationship with the high school team. Oftentimes when a certain town is dominant in one sport or the other, there is usually a link between the youth program and the high school team. For example, if a high school had a strong basketball team, it would make sense if the youth basketball program in that town was just as good. It works the same way for lacrosse.

One youth program in Massachusetts that has harnessed the idea of creating a strong bond with the high school team is Medway Youth Lacrosse. This program is one of the strongest youth organizations in the state and the town itself has seen a significant amount of success in lacrosse. Both programs have benefitted from the synergy.

“They are combined programs when you think about it,” said Peter Soule, who is the U15 Select Coach in Medway and Co-Director for Mass Bay Select League. “If you start having success at the high school level, that draws attention to the youth program. If you have success at the youth level, it just [furthers] the whole success of the program. It’s a cycle that kind of feeds itself.”

The Medway High School coaches are in constant communication with the youth coaches and vice versa. For the programs to be successful, the high school coaches know they must have a good

connection with the youth coaches and players. The high school coaches commonly attend the indoor clinics that Medway Youth Lacrosse runs in the winter months and have developed drills and practices for the youth coaches to utilize. This helps prepare the youth athletes for the high school game.

“As the high school coach, it’s great to see the youth players learn and improve,” said Chris Harvey, who coaches the varsity team at Medway High. “We exchange ideas and [information] with the youth coaches and can work together on a program that will be consistent from youth to high school.

“We currently have over sixty boys in the [high school] program, [and it] is a direct result of the strong youth program. [It] helps us have the numbers for the JV and third team, while a lot of towns our size only have a varsity team.”

Not only do the Medway High School coaches assist the youth coaches during practices, several high school players are selected to help with the coaching

The Scoop / Spring '18 11

Medway U9 Development Team with Assistant Coach Brendan Kenney (2019 Varsity Captain)

Medway U13 Select team, Head Coach Nick D'Innocenzo, former MYL, MHS, college player in the background

Medway U9 Development Team with Assistant Coach Brendan Kenney (2019 Varsity Captain)

Medway U9 Development Team with Assistant Coach Brendan Kenney (2019 Varsity Captain)

Medway 2nd Year U9 Team

Coach Jay Behan in the background

All photos courtesy of Medway Youth Lacrosse