By Dana Williams
If you visit Malverne High School's football field just before sundown on Wednesdays or Fridays, you could see these eight, nine and 10-year-old boys on the attack or defending their goal during their practices.
"We have five third graders and 14 fourth graders on the team," explained the team's head coach Charlie, who spearheaded efforts with village and school officials in Malverne to create the team. "We are members of US Lacrosse ... and we’re all really working together to keep this program growing."
Although many of the players are lacrosse newbies, Charlie said, they are dedicated to excelling at the sport. Since officially forming in March, the team has competed against teams in Rockville Centre, Lynbrook and Bellmore, among other areas, in the Nassau County Police Activity League. "This team has really been great for the kids because it exposes them to a different sport and they are playing teams and meeting kids from other places," said Malverne resident Orla Carey, whose son Rory, 10, plays on the team. "My son loves it and he is learning, and this is really a great program."
While learning the ins and outs of lacrosse, the kids -- who live in Malverne, West Hempstead, Valley Stream, Lynbrook and Hempstead -- are competing against teams who have a slight advantage because their players have been playing the sport for at least two years.
After watching the kids compete, however, several coaches and parents said, the young athletes on Malverne’s Youth Lacrosse team should be commended because the experience factor does not stop them from playing with energy, intelligence and patience when they are on the field.
"The kids have adapted really well to the sport and they are very enthusiastic about playing," said Malverne resident Rich Catalano, one of the team's assistant coaches. "Even though we haven't been winning, the kids have learned so much since March and they are really doing great for first-time players."
"This is a pilot program and we have grown so much, and it's really amazing to see these kids play," added Valley Stream resident Jake Maloney, whose sons James, 9, and Luca, 10, are members of the team. "Lacrosse is a tough and fast-paced sport but the kids go out there on the field and play hard ... and this is a good program for them."
The youth lacrosse team is the start of something new in Malverne and organizers plan to expand in the upcoming months. The coaches and parents are aiming to establish Malverne boys and girls youth lacrosse teams in all age groups in the near future.
Members of the Malverne Lax Youth Lacrosse team are currently gearing up for a summer tournament and an indoor lacrosse league in the fall. "The boys are pioneers [who are] paving the road for Malverne's youth lacrosse," Charlie said. "They have played all season with heart, hustle and sportsmanship -- and regardless of game scores -- it has been a victorious season and I am very proud of them."
For more information about the lacrosse team, e-mail malvernelax@gmail.com.
Comments about this story? DWilliams@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 205.
