Post-Collegiate Advice...

[jaynova]

Hey all,

I'm looking to get back into the sport after a 10 year break. I've done some initial looking in my area (Northern VA/DC) and found a number of post-collegiate clubs. It seems that there are two leagues represented in my area; the American Lacrosse League, and the United States Club Lacrosse Association.

I'd like to set my expectations correctly before contacting local teams, and hope there are some folks here that can give some guidance. I played 4 years in high school and have stuck to the occasional toss-around since. I'm prepared for some hard work re-acquiring my skills, but am unsure if there is a certain expectation of proficiency for someone attempting to join - it's been more than a few years, and I'm admittedly rusty. Does anyone know if there is typically a difference in the level of play between the ASCLA and the ALL? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Jay

[OldGoalie]

Couple of quick thoughts:

1) The USCLA is all but gone at this point. Most of the clubs left the USCLA this year and joined the ALL. Some of the clubs in upstate NY are still part of the USCLA. So, ALL is really your only option. In general, the old USCLA teams consisted of top former college players. Some of them either currently play or have played in the MLL, NLL, etc.

2) The skill level varies somewhat among the teams, however, in general, most everyone in the ALL has at least some college experience, either at the varsity or club level, or both (there are a few high school experienced players around, but not many.) That being said, if you're willing to work at it and train, and can play well, there's no reason you couldn't latch on to a club in need. I would contact the guys from Miller Lite, Washington LC, etc.

By the way, the season for the ALL is just about over, so you'll have to wait till next year to catch on for the spring, but it's not a bad idea to get in touch with guys now so that you can perhaps play some summer ball and get to know people.

Good luck!

[laxcomm]

Go to www.americanlacrosseleague.org to get a list of team contacts. Information is also available at www.uslacrosse.org/MDPCC/INDEX.PHTML.

[stegmakk]

Jay,

Look in your local papers for any rec league ads...or go to laxpower and check in their forums as they are generally older...
I would say the ALL might be too big a jump in just getting back into it...
Once you find a rec league and start talking to the guys youll find other rec leagues/pickup games/tournaments, etc...

[dugout]

Jaynova, how old are you?

[laxcomm]

Jaynova, I know that at least one of the Federal Division (metro DC area) teams from the ALL has a second team that has a spring schedule. This means that there are some unaffiliated teams in the area. As I said earlier, check the websites for contact information and start e-mailing or calling teams. I am certain that you will find a team to fit your needs. Like you, I played in HS, but not in college. Ten years after HS I started playing club ball and continued to do so for 15 years.

[jaynova]

Thanks for the guidance. I'm gathering that there may be folks engaged in various levels of play below that of the ALL. Seems like a "rec league" is probably what I'm looking for. I'll look into the leads you've given and see if i can't hook up with an appropriate group. Any further advice you can give would be greatly appreciated. Again, thanks for tracking me down the right path.

- Jay

dugout - I'm 31. You have something in mind?

[dugout]

I'm 31. You have something in mind?

There are Masters teams and a league in the area, which is for those over 35.
For example:
Maryland Masters (http://www.marylandmasterslax.org//index.php)

Good luck and welcome back!

[laxn]

Blue Moon Lacrosse Team
Washington Monuments Lacrosse Club is a Men's Lacrosse Club based in the DC Metropolitan Area that competes against local and regional Men's Post Collegiate Clubs and local Collegiate Clubs. Looking for players of advanced and intermediate skill and experience levels, but also open to enthusiastic beginners. 10+ games or so in Spring (late Feb. to late May) Saturday or Sundays late mornings or early afternoons. At home in DC on mall, and on the road in Baltimore, Philly, Virginia, etc.

E-mail me if you're interested or go directly to site and register: http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/WashingtonOpenLacrosse/

Email: newyorkjets@worldnet.att.net
http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/WashingtonOpenLacrosse/

That one seems nice and kind of low key. Less competitive than the ALL teams. I can't find any more info and the links for the site I posted are from IL but lead no where, I don't know how else to help, but you can try the emails....

Heres a box league in Chantilly:
Metro Area Box Lacrosse League
The MABLL will plays from May - February in three, 10-week seasons. Games are played on Saturdays and new players are welcomed. Please viti our website for more information...
Web Site (http://www.mabll.com/)


I think this one is ALL:

Team Coors Light
Type: Men's
Time: Summer / Fall
Location: Washington, DC / Silver Spring, MD
Web Site (http://www.eteamz.com/dcpatriotslax)

Triple Edge Adult league, not very competitive... Web sSite (http://tripleedgelax.com/07MensIndoorSpringLeague.html)

Advantage supposedly has Men's teams: Web Site (http://www.advantagelacrosse.com/)


Thats just a few, heres where I found them... http://www.insidelacrosse.com/page.cfm?PageRID=54

[roycegracie47]

Actually laxn, for both Coors Lite (just completed their first season in the ALL) and Blue Moon (independent) the web site should be http://eteamz.active.com/dclaxclub/

The others are no longer active. If you want more info on either of these teams let me know, also I can put you in contact with which guys to talk to if you're interested.