YMCA brings lacrosse to region
Posted on Wednesday, October 3, 2007
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/bcdr/News/54185/
BENTONVILLE — In northwest Arkansas, lacrosse is becoming more than a description of some obscure sport played in other parts of the country.
The YMCA of Northwest Arkansas is working to bring the sport to the area, allowing children here a first-time opportunity to participate in the sport.
According to the National Governing Body of Lacrosse’s Web site, www. lacrosse. org, lacrosse is “ a combination of basketball, soccer and hockey. ”
Considered the summer sport in Canada, lacrosse is becoming increasingly popular in the United States, according to the NGBL.
The YMCA became involved approximately four months ago, when it partnered with some area parents who had moved from other parts of the country where the sport is played.
“ It’s a new sport for the region, and really for the state, ” YMCA of Northwest Arkansas President Chris Sooter said. “ It’s really popular in other parts of the country, and a lot of people (moving here ) are used to playing lacrosse. ”
The YMCA of NWA Lacrosse Club is open to boys in grades five through 12. Approximately 25 players have signed up to be part of the club, and more events are planned for those interested in the sport.
Although the club is only open to boys now, Sooter said the club will eventually open up for girls.
A players’ clinic will be held at 2 p. m. Oct. 13 at the Lincoln Junior High School practice field, 1206 N. W. Leopard Lane. There, players will work with the University of Arkansas lacrosse team to learn how to play the sport.
Sooter said the club will practice through the fall and start playing in the spring.
For more information, visit the YMCA of Northwest Arkansas Web site at www. ymcanwa. org.