SO YOU WANT TO PLAY LACROSSE...
But what program is right for your child?
Fundamentals:
The Sarnia Pacers fundamentals program is divided into two age groups:
- Ages 3/4 (current birth years: 2021-2022)
- Ages 5/6 (current birth years: 2019-2020)
These two programs take place at the Point Edward Arena on the same nights (usually Tuesday) at two different times. The first age group typically runs from 5:30 - 6:15 and the second age group 6:15 - 7pm.
This program has an instructor leading on the floor with lacrosse knowledge and expertise. The 3/4 year old group has one parent/guardian on the floor with each athlete for ease of movement between stations.
During this program, participants are introduced to the sport of lacrosse, with the focus being on the fundamentals of the game (catching, throwing, scooping the ball). Weighted swax lax balls are used to introduce these concepts to avoid the balls bouncing all over the floor. In order to participate in these programs, a helmet, gloves and a stick are required. Athletes must have clean running shoes on their feet. All participants are provided with a Sarnia Pacers t-shirt to wear.
Over time, the 5/6 year old group may add in some 3 on 3 game play scenarios where athletes who are ready are introduced to some basics of the game of lacrosse in a game-play setting. This program is strictly non-contact.
To register for these two programs you pay a one-time fee of $150.
When registering for this program, you do have the option at the 5/6 year old age group to “try-out” for the Paperweight Rep Team (which will be discussed further down on this information sheet). If you choose not to do so, the registration cost remains at $
Houseleague:
This program is NOT CURRENTLY available for the 2025 season. A decision will be made based on numbers at the March 25, 2025 executive meeting.
The Sarnia Pacers houseleague program is divided into two groups:
- U9 (current birth years:2017-2018)
- Combined U11 and U13 group (current birth years: 2013-2016)
These programs are traditionally for those athletes who have never played the game of lacrosse or for those who are looking for a once a week commitment with no out of town gameplay. Each program has a Coach leading on the floor with lacrosse knowledge and expertise.
During this program, participants are introduced to the sport of lacrosse, with the focus being on the fundamentals of the game (catching, throwing, scooping the ball). Weighted swax lax balls are used to introduce these concepts to avoid the balls bouncing all over the floor. As the weeks progress, weighted lacrosse balls are introduced before regular lacrosse balls come into play. In order to participate in these programs, a helmet, gloves and a stick are required for the first two weeks. After week 2 when gameplay is introduced with some contact, shoulder pads are required with most participants also wearing kidney pads and slash guards. Athletes must have clean running shoes on their feet. All participants are provided with a Sarnia Pacers t-shirt to wear.
Over time, 3 on 3 game play scenarios are introduced to teach some basics of the game of lacrosse in a game-play setting. There is a possibility that teams will be formed to play in a round robin format within the division if numbers permit.
This is a 10 week program that costs $ to register. This option is NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE for online registration. Should your child be interested in this program, please email Steph Dunlop, President, at [email protected] to be added to the waiting list. All decisions regarding these 2 age groups and houseleague programming will be made March 25th and information will be shared with interested parties after that date.
Rep/Travel:
The Sarnia Minor Lacrosse Association is pleased to provide Rep/Travel teams at the following age levels:
- U7 (formerly Paperweight) one team (current birth years: 2019 - 2020)
- U9 (formerly Tyke) two teams (current birth years: 2017 - 2018)
- U11 (formerly Novice) two teams (current birth years: 2015-2016)
- U13 (formerly PeeWee) two teams (current birth years: 2013-2014)
- U15 (formerly Bantam) two teams (current birth years: 2011-2012)
- U17 (formerly Midget) one team (current birth years: 2009-2010)
- U22 (formerly Juvenile) one team (current birth years: 2004-2008)
Each of these teams are chosen through a tryout process (mid-late April of the current season) Teams are selected by a Head Coach and their bench staff) The Tier 1 team is chosen first, with Tier 2 team selection to follow.
To register for these tryouts, the registration fee is $300. This is FULLY REFUNDABLE if your athlete is not selected for a team.
An additional team assessment is to be paid in full immediately following tryouts. These fees typically range from $300-$600 depending on floor time, tournament fees, number of players on a team, fundraising, and sponsorship).
Athletes selected for these Rep/Travel teams are expected to fulfill team commitments (2 practices per week - typically Tues/Thurs for Tier 1 teams and Mon/Wed for Tier 2 teams, home and away games within the Zone which consists of Sarnia, London, Strathroy, Wallaceburg and Windsor, 3 tournaments throughout the summer months and the Provincial Festival held the first week of August in Whitby.)