but this one is still my favorite because there are so many different teams that we get to play against. Each year, it feels like there is something new here.”
Mark Norton, who first attended the Jamboree as a parent with his son who played in the Melrose Youth Lacrosse program, now attends as part of the US Lacrosse Eastern Massachusetts chapter. As a consistent returner to the Jamboree, Norton looks forward to seeing the excitement at Fort Devens each year as well as seeing the growth of the game. “My favorite part of my time at the Jamboree is just spreading the word about lacrosse and being able to meet a whole bunch of parents and kids from all over," he said. "That’s what it’s all about.”
“My personal favorite experience is seeing the smiling faces and all the players, coaches, and families having a great time and truly enjoying the full experience of what is the Mass Bay Jamboree,” said Spangenberg. Just walking through Fort Devens on an early June weekend, there is without a doubt no shortage of smiles and laughter from all those involved. Spangenberg also added, “the feedback we've received indicates our team of workers and volunteers did a wonderful job once again. Of course, yes, two beautiful sunny weekends helps too!”
For Olivier, directing the largest youth lacrosse Jamboree in the country never gets old: “Seeing the Devens complex on a sunny weekend day in June with 13 fields in play and thousands of players, parents, coaches, workers, and volunteers enjoying themselves is what this is all about." The MBYLL Jamboree may continue to grow, but the annual event will always allow players, coaches, and families from all across the state to gather once a year and share their love for the game of lacrosse. What more could any lacrosse fan ask for?
“The Jamboree incorporates a lot of different towns, different areas into one spot so it’s definitely cool to have the whole state come together and play the game. It’s fun to see all the skills that come out of the different areas of Massachusetts.”
Jack O'Brien, Milton U13 Coach
-AO
The Scoop / Summer '15 13