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The Blackhawk Youth Lacrosse Program is the youth arm of Hanover Lacrosse Club, which has sponsored teams for boys and girls in middle school and high school in the Mechanicsville-Atlee area for eight years. This is Blackhawk Lacrosse’s fourth season
When is the registration deadline? Feb. 1st
This year we have on-line registration all players must sign up through the site. Once you know that your child is playing please sign up as early as possible because that will aid us in setting up the teams and allocating the practice times and fields. Registration will begin Nov 1st for returning players and Nov. 15th for new players
Can my son play up or down an age bracket? This season we will be using the U – system. U9, U11, U13, U15. The goal is for players to be playing against players of the same age and physical development.
Where will they practice and play and how often?
We are still organizing the practice slots to accommodate all the teams. The U11 teams will practice twice during the week and one weekend game or practice.
Practices and Home Games will be at Courthouse Park on Rt. 301. Away games are dictated by home team.
How do I register my child? All new and returning players to register through the website.This allows Blackhawk Lacrosse to gather all needed information in a simple process. If you have any trouble registering please e-mail us at
What is the cost? The cost is $135.00 for the U11 teams.
What does the $125 cover? Each player will receive a reversible tank jersey & shorts (approx. $50.00) that they will get to keep. A $25 fee is passed directly to US Lacrosse, for annual membership, which covers insurance for the players regardless if they are at a game, practice or in the backyard playing. With membership to US Lacrosse they will also receive a magazine (7 issues) that has articles on players, coaches and different tactics and skills. The other money covers field fees, officials, goals, balls, paint to mark field & goalie equipment. All coaches and staff are volunteers.
Is Equipment provided? Each player is responsible for his own equipment. The league has contacted a lacrosse manufacturer’s rep. to find the best price for the kids. This will allow you to have your son properly fitted and save some money. We will have the first equipment fitting session on (TBA) at Cool Spring Baptist Church from 6:00pm-8:30pm. Players will be able to be fitted and order equipment at discounted rates. The second equipment fitting will take place near the end or January. The date will be posted on the website by January 1st
Do I need to go out and purchase equipment? No, the league will have two fitting days one on (TBA) and one in January where parents can come with their child and they will be properly fitted.
What is the cost of the Equipment? In 2008, the equipment ran between $160-$180. Please keep in mind that the gear should last 3 or 4 years until they outgrow it.
Can my son use his hockey gloves? No, lacrosse gloves have cuffs that are flexible and allow the players to cradle the stick. Hockey glove are rigid meant to protect the wrist from a slash. Plus it will void the insurance provided by US Lacrosse.
What about pads & equipment from other sports? Other pads and protection used for hockey or football are not allowed due to insurance. Mouthpieces, cups and cleats (non-metal) are Ok.
Can I purchase my own lacrosse equipment? Yes, just make sure it’s US Lacrosse approved. Used equipment can be purchased at Play-it Again Sports or Dicks and on the HLC website in the Swap Shop.
Do the coaches have experience coaching lacrosse? Yes, currently we have over a dozen coaches in the program that have played in High School and/or College.
My child has never played. Is that OK? For most of the kids this will be their first experience playing lacrosse. A few have attended clinics or played in the backyard. The program is geared towards teaching the kids the fundamentals – passing, catching & handling the ball. Once the kids begin developing the basics they will compete in small games where they will be very active. We will build the players skills to the point we can have a full field game.
Is lacrosse a rough sport? The league will be emphasizing the skill of the game. At the U9/U11 level there will be no ‘take out’ checks. There will be more checking when the players move on to middle school. For the Blackhawk program there will be stick checking and limited body checking.
Will kids play against kids from other grades? The players are divided by age. Typically, the second & third graders will not compete against the fourth & fifth graders in a game situation. The fourth & fifth graders are paired together. The kids are broken into a U9 & U11 teams. Last season we had (1) U9 team and (4) U11 teams. This year we are expecting (2) U9 team and (3+) U11 teams.
Does a player have to reside in Hanover County? No, there will be several players from outside of Hanover. Although most players will be from Hanover there will be players from Chesterfield, King & Queen, Henrico & the City of Richmond. Last season Hanover Lacrosse Club has sent home fliers through the schools. This season we will not be able to send home fliers. We will be placing several notices in local papers including The Mechanicsville Local. We have also tried to spread the word personally through our daily contacts.
What is the format of the league? Instructional/Intramural - Giving all the players lots opportunity to handle the ball. The club will also play several games against other clubs in the Richmond area. The two main clubs we will play against are Swift Creek & Weaver Athletic both located in Chesterfield. Last season Swift Creek fielded several teams. Home games will be played at Courthouse Park on Rt 301 - Away games are played at James River HS, Shady Grove YMCA, Swift Creek Sports Complex.
If you have additional questions, please contact
Mike Murray at 496-6475 or
(The Hanover County Lacrosse Club is a non-profit organization.)
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