1. When will my child practice during the week? 

SLA relies on volunteer coaches who schedule practices around their schedule.  In the pre-season, and before all coaches have been identified, it is difficult to predict when practices will occur during the week.  However, for planning purposes during the spring season teams will practice two to three times a week (based on coach preference & availability) from Monday to Friday, with Saturday games.  No practice will be begin prior to 5pm, with most starting at 5:30pm or later.  

2. Where will my child’s team practice? 

Based in part on our 2018 Agreement with Stafford County, we are gaining greater access to the facilities of the county.  However, we do not have a single home facility.  Our fields allocations are based on availability as well as the needs of other sports (soccer, flag football, etc.).  In general, we are planning for the artificial turf fields at Embrey Mill Park to serve as our primary facility, although we will certainly utilize other fields (school and park) as needed. 

3. Do I have to purchase a uniform? 

An SLA uniform is required to play, girls are provided a penny - size selection is done at registration. Boys will need a uniform, if they have played in previous seasons, they can continue to use that jersey until they need a new one. During the registration process, parents will be prompted to select a penny or uniform size. 

4. Will my son be evaluated for placement on a team? 

In the Local Recreation Division, teams will be organized to be as evenly skilled as possible to maintain a fair competitive balance. 

For the NVYLL teams, all coaches will use the same evaluation criteria.  The below table outlines the criteria of how each athlete is evaluated for inclusion on an NVYLL team.  Please note: the numbers of NVYLL teams at any age group will depend on the number and skill of the interested players.  Please see the Boys Program page on the menu to the left for more information.   

Assessment Criteria Boys

Cradling/Ball handling (right & left hand) Passing and Catching (right and left hand) Groundballs(right and left hand) Shooting (right and left hand) 1v1 skills Team Play (offense & defense) / “Lacrosse IQ” Athleticism 

Assessments for our NVYLL Division teams are NOT tryouts.  We have a place for ALL players; all players desiring to play on an NVYLL team will be accommodated within the constraints of available roster sizes.  Coaches assess skill level to ensure the athlete is placed on a team and in a division commensurate with the athlete’s skill, and that the team is placed within the proper skill division of this very large league.  Some players not assessed to an NVYLL team will be recommended to play in the Local Recreation division to continue to build their skills for future years. 

Assessment Criteria Girls

All coaches will use the same evaluation criteria.  When your daughter arrives for assessment, she will be assigned a penny with a number.  The following are assessed to place each player on a team that will teach them and advance their skills: Rt Hand Cradle, Left Hand Cradle, Passing and Catching Groundballs, 1v1 Team Play, and Athleticism.

5. What equipment does my son need? 

In all age groups except 6U, your son will need the full set of equipment. 

Your daughter will need a girls’ or Womens' lacrosse stick, a colored mouthguard, and U.S. Lacrosse approved eyewear. 

Please the the Equipment Requirements page under our Programs tab.

6. Lacrosse is expensive. Does SLA offer scholarships? 

Our mission is to make the sport accessible to all Stafford County youth.  Please complete the SLA Financial Aid Request Form and contact us at stafford.lacrosse@gmail.com.  

7. I live outside Stafford County.  Can my child play lacrosse with SLA? 

In most cases, yes, absolutely.  If your child is signed up for our Local Recreation Division at any age group, there are no restrictions.  

If your child desires to play on one of our teams in the Northern Virginia Youth Lacrosse League (NVYLL, a more competitive recreational league for more experienced players) where you live is a factor in his eligibility.  For the counties surrounding Stafford that do not play in this league, including Spotsylvania as well as Fredericksburg City, there are generally no restrictions.   

For the counties surrounding Stafford that do play in this league, we have to abide by the league operating rules that require players to play with the club in their area that supports their local high school program.  However, there is a process by which waivers to this rule are possible.  If the latter case applies to you, please email us.