Wilmington Youth Lacrosse Association
U9 Level Registration Information

U9 Developmental Program

Designed for K, 1st, & 2nd grade children with the goal of teaching the fundamentals of the sport while striving to maximize player enthusiasm and a love for the sport. The U9 program will be "low-key", emphasizing fun. The U9 program will be a combination of practices and games.

The U9's will practice 1 or 2 times per week for 1 to 1½ hours. Practices will be structured primarily in a "station format" with all kids receiving equal instruction. Any games will be "small ball". The benefit of this format is that it will maximize the number of "touches" that each player has with the ball, thereby improving skill development.

For Spring 2012, WYLA U9 program will play under the MBYLL U9 league. This means we will play other towns on Sundays similar to the U11, U13, and U15 WYLA program.

What is "small ball"?

Small ball means that the kids will play on a smaller field (approximately 60 x 35yds) than the regulation fields of 110 x 60yds. This sized field is more appropriate for the younger player's lungs and the size of the legs. Regardless of the age of the player, small ball is the best way for kids to improve their lacrosse skills. We want to promote catching and throwing and movement; not wind sprints without the ball! On a smaller field, players are closer together, which promotes shorter passes, which in turn promotes easier catches, and thereby facilitates more quality play and enjoyment. With smaller rosters, kids will get many opportunities to be on the field and thereby get the quality game touches that help develop their skills, but more importantly their self-esteem. Small ball will produce big results.

Required Equipment

See our equipment page. CLICK HERE

The fee for the WYLA U9 Developmental program is $100, which includes the following: