By Dana Williams
What started off last March as a small effort to help kids develop a liking for lacrosse, has evolved into a nearly full-fledged sports program, which now includes both boys and girls teams.
And coaches in the program say they plan to keep growing.
"We really worked hard since last season to spread the word about the program," said Malverne resident Charlie, one of the coaches and a founder of the program. "We have grown so much since our first season and we're hoping to continue to expand this program in the seasons to come."
Malverne Lax, which officially kicked-off this year's season on April 4, features a third/fourth grade and fifth grade boys team as well as a sixth grade girls team. The teams are members of US Lacrosse, a national governing body of men's and women's lacrosse and the players hail from Malverne, West Hempstead and Valley Stream, among other areas.
Officials have also expanded the program this season to include a nine-session intramural clinic for boys and girls in first and second grade.
"This program has been really great for the kids because they are developing their skills at lacrosse at an early age, which can help to prepare them for the high school level," said Malverne resident Martin Mahon, whose daughter Sarah, 12, is a player in the program. "Before this program started, we had to go to Lynbrook and Rockville Centre to play lacrosse, so it's a real asset to have a program like this here in the village that we live in."
Many of the players are beginners, but coaches said, that is not a problem because the program is designed to develop each player's skills and tactical knowledge of the sport.
In fact, the coaches implemented a Positive Coaching Alliance philosophy in the program, which not only encourages the young players to win each time they step on the field, but also aims to teach them about teamwork, patience, sportsmanship and respect for the game, among other important lessons.
The teams, officials said, practice twice a week at Malverne High School and the practices are geared to also improve the players endurance, speed, agility and strength.
"For most of the kids, this is the first time they have ever picked up a stick, but they are still doing very well," said Lael Von Elm, the head coach of the third/fourth grade boys team. "The kids' skills are improving each time they play, and they are learning about teamwork and building friendships in the process, which is very important."
Malverne Lax's season will continue through June. Officials are planning to have a Malverne Lax Day in May to help celebrate the program's success.
"We're looking to schedule the celebration on a day when all the teams have home games," Charlie said. "It's really going to be a way for us to thank the parents, players and community for helping to make the program a success."
For more information about the program, e-mail malvernelax@gmail.com or go to malvernelax.com.
Comments about this story? DWilliams@
liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 205.
