U9

(formerly U8 or Tyke)

Under 9 - Ages 7 & 8

The U9 season is set up as follows:

🔸U9 is co-ed
🔸U9 teams play with 8-16 players per team
🔸U9 can have friend requests (please email the Registrar)
🔸U9 teams have two practices per week for 1 hour, typically Mon/Wed or Tues/Thurs
🔸U9 teams practice and play the whole field, so floor times are more competitive
🔸U9 floor times are typically split into skill development, games, and a scrimmage
🔸U9 players require full gear

🏆 The purpose of U9 is to introduce, reinforce, emphasize, and develop the fundamental skills of lacrosse. The focus is to promote an environment that encourages participation, skill development, and overall enjoyment of the game.

U9 is typically played with teams created for parity. If the club has enough players to create more than 1 team, the teams are formed with the intent of creating equal strength teams (parity teams).

NOTICE: In the circumstance that a player joins the club after teams are made, it is at the discretion of the Registrar to which team the player will be placed. The goal is to create equal strength teams, and the Registrar makes their best effort to accomplish this.

Games

👟 U9 teams typically play one game per week. They are with other clubs in the Greater Edmonton Lacrosse Council (GELC).

🥍 The U9 season ends with a Jamboree (local weekend tournament), in June. This is hosted by the GELC, and all players get a participation medal and T-shirt.

🥅 U9 division does not participate in Playoffs or Provincials; however may participate in a tournament (at the Coach's discretion).

🎽 JERSEY: You will be loaned a team jersey for Games. Jerseys will only be brought to Game days.

Equipment required:

• Helmet with a full face cage (Hockey helmet is approved for use)
• **Mouthguard (junior)
• Lacrosse Stick (youth size)
• Gloves (hockey is acceptable; however, lacrosse gloves are more flexible and make it easier for the players to handle their stick while learning)
• Shoulder pads / chest protector (can use a hockey one)
• Kidney belt (specific to the sport of lacrosse)
• Elbow pads 
• Indoor runners (need grip for slippery floors)

** Mouthguards are mandatory for U9 age division during games, as per ALA Regulation 8.05.