CLUB LACROSSE INFORMATION

When we say "club lacrosse", we are not referring to Maplewood Lacrosse Club, but the for-profit club travel teams that some players join in addition to Maplewood Lacrosse Club.  It's confusing.

Lots of families ask us questions about Club Lacrosse.  Club can be a great experience for kids who really love the sport, want to play more and want to get better.   Club Lacrosse can also be a bit of a mystery at first.  Many clubs assume you know what your kid is trying out for and if you are new to it, you probably don't.   Hopefully this page or the links below answer a few of your questions.  Reach out anytime if your player is interested and you have questions or would like to hear from families who have been part of a club. 

Just a note: We want our players to be well-rounded athletes and humans.  We want them to play other sports and enjoy their other interests.  While club lacrosse can be a really great experience for athletes who really love the sport and want to extend their season in a challenging environment, it's not for everyone due to the expense, time commitment or intensity.

There are plenty of ways kids can enjoy more lacrosse and get better without joining a club.  They can start with playing catch with a friend or hitting the wall.  (This is where MLC alum and lacrosse pro Jules Heningburg used to practice in town)   Most clubs host skills sessions throughout year and you don't have to be part of the club to join.  There are also box lacrosse leagues, winter leagues, and summer camps.  

Can anyone join a club team?   Not exactly, but many kids (even kids who are just getting started) are able to.  All club teams have try-outs and a certain number of kids (18-23 or so) are invited to join each team.   Some clubs are known to be more competitive and demanding and have a single (elite) team per grade.  Some have multiple teams, and really encourage players of all skill levels to try out.  

At what age can my son join a club team?  Some clubs start as early as second grade (but that's very young) and others start later.  Many families wait until at least 5th grade to join a club. 

How much do club teams cost?  Most clubs in our general area charge roughly $3500-$4000/year for players up to grade 8.   What is included in the fees varies a fair amount, but typically fall and spring practices, 2-3 fall tournaments, 4 summer tournaments, a uniform and sometimes winter practices fit into that number.   They all require a deposit and have payment plans.  You'll be required to to sign a contract in JULY (or whenever your kid joins)  committing to the club that year (even though the main tournament season is June).  Travel cost are on top of that.  

How much of a time commitment is it?  Can my kid do other things?   It's probably less than you think.  If your kids play other sports and you are used to club teams having 2+ practices and a tournament most weeks, lacrosse will be a breeze (except in June).  For some clubs, fall is very light with a practice less than once/week and then 2 or 3 single day tournaments likely in NJ/PA and for others, practices are twice a week with 2-3 single day tournaments.   Winter could mean no (required) lacrosse or a few scattered practices in winter and early spring is also fairly light.

Where are the tournaments?  Clubs in our area seem to compete in a lot in or around Monmouth, NJ, Allentown, West Chester, PA, Middletown, NY,  Long Island, Delaware and Maryland (especially as kids get older).  Clubs enter tournaments and brackets based on their team's ability that year so which tournaments they enter may vary year to year.  

Club Lacrosse Typical Schedule (up to 8th grade)

July Tryouts (plan on at least 2 sessions) for the following year's team 

August Additional try-outs if teams have any spots left

Sep-Oct Fall Practices and Skills Sessions (Some clubs include 6-10 fall practices.  Some include fall practices 2x/week.  Some charge for skills sessions and others include them)

Late Oct-Nov 2-3 Tournaments (Fall tournaments are usually 1-day)

Winter Some clubs include winter practices and others take a break.  Many participate in optional indoor or box leagues.

Early Spring Practices resume

June/Early July Tournaments | Clubs participate in approximately 4 Saturday + Sunday 

*Some clubs host supplemental try-outs in Fall or Spring if they need players.  Some may need extra players for 1-2 tournaments in June and will allow kids to come to a practice as a try-out so there are opportunities if you didn't try out in July.  

Local Lacrosse Clubs & Main Practice Locations (up to 8th Grade)

*Practice locations have been known to change season to season for some teams

Tri-State Lacrosse | Practice in Wayne 

Evolution (EVO) Lacrosse | Practice in Wayne, Verona etc

BBL (Central) | Practice in Florham Park, Madison

Riot | Practice in Morris Plains

Patriot | Practice in Morristown, Parsippany

Steps | Practice in Randoph

Leading Edge | Practice (varies a lot) in Piscataway, Summit etc