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Neighbor News

Lacrosse Invades Shorewood Area

Lacrosse is becoming more popular every year, especially in the Midwest. There are many youth programs and out there, but New Wave excels

Lacrosse is the fastest-growing high school sport in the nation. In the last few years, varsity lacrosse teams have increased 200 percent nationwide, while youth lacrosse participation has more than tripled. In the Midwest, this number is even more elevated. Many children are showing an increased interest in the sport of lacrosse and New Wave Lacrosse has a program for every skill level.

When our kids enter elementary school, it’s prime time for us to begin to teach them the fundamentals of the game. Teaching them how to catch and throw properly, where to stand on the field, and how to communicate with teammates and coaches are the building blocks of this age group. We want our kids to believe in themselves and in their capacity to perform basic tasks, which in turn become the fundamentals of self-confidence.

And even though our kids may begin to excel and become more competitive during this period, it is critical that we keep in mind that learning the skills of the game takes precedence over the game’s outcome. This is becoming an increasingly difficult message to integrate these days as competitive tryouts and travel teams are starting at younger ages. But, the same principles apply for the older, more competitive teams. This is time to learn, have fun and build solid relationships so our kids have the tools to manage their next, more competitive stages.

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New Wave believes that the best coaches mold the best players, which is why we recruit top talent and leadership to teach our players how to excel both on and off the field. We look to not only instill solid fundamentals but also the critical thinking skills to apply them most effectively in a game situation.

New Wave Lacrosse, along with the Shorewood, Plainfield, Naperville, and Oswego Park Districts, is proud to offer another great skills program jam-packed with top-level instruction. Not from those areas? No problem! Participants can pick any park district to register through. Each week, players will receive 45 minutes of skill work followed by 40 minutes of live games at Blue Chip Sports Complex in Plainfield (and the newly built Naperville Yard off IL-88). This program is a great balance of skill development and fast-paced, competitive games. All skill levels are welcome. Reversible jersey is included in the program fee.

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Learn more about New Wave’s Winter Skills Programs and our many other programs at newwavelax.com/bcwinter or newwavelax.com/nywinter. The next program starts on January 11th, so don’t delay!

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