The Cranford Lacrosse Club was established to introduce the youth of Cranford to the great sport of lacrosse, providing instruction and the opportunity to play against other teams and prepare our athletes for high school lacrosse.
Age Divisions (2023 Season)
Lax Kids: An introduction to lacrosse designed for boys and girls (typically kindergarten age). Players will use mini sticks and balls as they learn basic skills such as catching, throwing, cradling and scooping. We do cone drills and simple games to help their coordination and confidence. It is designed to be a lot of fun and good exercise.
1st & 2nd Grade Rookie League: An entry-level, in-town instructional lacrosse program in which players will use traditional lacrosse equipment (see below). Players will participate in basic skill practice such as catching, throwing, cradling and shooting and play in small-sided games. The club and coaches will schedule friendly scrimmages with other clubs for fun and we usually enter into 1-2 tournaments.
3rd Grade Boys: Teams will play home and away games against other clubs for fun. The goals of this program are to continue the development of basic lacrosse skills and sportsmanship and to provide equal playing time for all participants. Teams may also have an opportunity to participate in tournament play. The club will usually enter into 2-3 tournaments.
3rd / 4th Grade Girls: Teams will play home and away games against other clubs for fun. The goals of this program are to continue the development of basic lacrosse skills and sportsmanship and to provide equal playing time for all participants. Teams may also have an opportunity to participate in tournament play.
5th through 8th Grade Teams: These teams participate in a travel league (the NJJYLL for boys and JGLA for girls) and play both home and away games with other teams in these leagues. These teams also participate in tournament play. The travel division offers a more skilled level of play against other competitive teams. The goals are to develop young lacrosse players and to teach them additional skills and game strategy as well as good sportsmanship. For 5th-6th graders, playing time is determined by commitment and attitude, and is at the discretion of the coaches. CLC may elect to hold tryouts, depending on the number of registered players, to create two separate (A and B) level teams.
There will be separate 7th & 8th grade boy teams, while girls traditionally play on combined 5/6th and 7/8th grade teams. CLC may elect to hold tryouts, depending on the number of registered players, to create two separate (A and B) level teams. At the 7/8th grade level, coaches will determine playing time based largely on ability and performance as well as attendance and attitude. The goal of this team is to provide a high level of instruction and challenge and to develop players who will go on to play in high school.
Participants in all age divisions (aside from Lax Kids) must supply themselves with the appropriate personal equipment. For boys that includes lacrosse helmet, shoulder pads, arm pads, gloves, and boys-style stick. For girls it includes eye guard and girls-style stick. Both boys and girls need mouthguards. Players need to purchase a uniform or reversible pinnie depending on their age group.
Clinics
Cranford Lacrosse Club does not align itself with any particular fee-based lacrosse clinic or leagues. However, by clicking on the “Lax Link” button you will find a list of these programs to use for your own purposes. The Cranford Lacrosse Club may hold our own clinics for our members, and if so, we will provide the information on this website or you will be emailed by the coaches of your team.
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