New Camp Offers Players the Chance to Get 'Real' About Lacrosse

“This is dedication,” says coach Bill Villareal as members of the Team Real Lacrosse Club demonstrate his words during a vigorous, rainy practice on the lacrosse field. 

Villareal founded Team Real last September, catering to girls from Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut. Divided into high school (grades 9 to 12) and youth (grades 4 to 8) divisions, the camp has amassed 92 players since its inception.

Sixty-five of those players are in the summer camp, and a handful are practicing on the field as Villareal notes the accomplishments they’ve made thus far. 

“It’s really about getting the kids recognition for the hard work they put into the sport,” says Villareal.

There certainly has been some hard-won recognition for Team Real.

The High School division went undefeated in the Indoor Action Sports Girls’ High School Recruiting showcase in Marlborough, MA, with a 4-0 streak. They also reigned as champions at the UMASS Amherst Xtreme Lax ’11 Tournament, while the Youth Division met a similar victory as champions of the New England Youth Lacrosse All-Star Tournament.     

This type of recognition is valuable for players seeking college acceptances, says Villareal.

“If I can provide a player the opportunity to [get into college through lacrosse], I’ll do it,” says Villareal.

Club Real extends it reach beyond athletes making future investments, however. Villareal says that three types of players come to the camp: the aforementioned players focused on improving their game, girls looking to learn the sport or players who simply want to hangout with their friends.

“I’ll coach the same whether it’s a new player or someone who wants to take it to a higher level,” says Villareal.

The variety of players Club Real welcomes, along with its flexibility (“They know they can come in the winter or spring and do it again,” says Villareal), may have catalyzed some of the club’s generous growth in the past 10 months, which Villareal says has “blossomed” from about five players to the current roster of 92.

“I think it’s a lot better than some of the other teams we’ve played for. We’re able to have fun,” said Jordan Borrosh, a student at and player on Club Real, adding that those interested should “definitely sign up.”

Another part of Team Real’s allure is Villareal’s impressive resumé. A former defenseman at the United States Naval Academy Preparatory School in Newport, he’s had experience in Division I tournaments, as well as numerous coaching jobs across Rhode Island. 

“Bottom line, 'Coach V' is probably the best coach we’ve ever had,” says Amelia McHugh, also a Portsmouth High student.

On his team’s successes, Villareal is vibrant, but of his own accomplishments, he is more succinct.

“The kids are happy with it, the parents are happy with it,” says Villareal, smiling.