The 2016 Boston Youth Lacrosse Association began its spring season this past weekend with two girls’ home games at Moakley Park. The fifth and sixth grade and the seventh and eighth grade girls’ team played against Revere and went home with victories.
This association, originally the South Boston Youth Lacrosse League, recently expanded to include youth from all Boston neighborhoods. The association is currently comprised of eight teams. There are four boys’ teams and four girls’ teams broken down by grades from the first through the eighth grade.
Taylor Wallace, Anna Stefanov and Lindsay Birch coach the seventh and eighth grade girls’ team.
“I’ve been part of this program for the past three years,” Birch said, “and it’s been an honor to coach these girls. They work hard at every practice and play hard during every game. As a coach they make me very proud.
“Lacrosse is growing in Massachusetts,” she added. “I think the program is a great way for the youth of Boston to be exposed to this sport. This is a great program to be involved in. We are looking forward to a great season and many more to come.”
Amy Matthews and Katherine Campbell coach the fifth and sixth grade girls’ team.
“Our players come from all over the city,” Campbell said. “But many are from South Boston. We have girls ranging from being in their sixth year in the program down to brand new players to the sport.
“We defeated Revere 8-0 but Revere’s program is in its infancy,” Campbell added. “The girls all played wonderfully due to great pre-season practices during the last month.
“Our goals are to have fun first and foremost,” she concluded, “but also to continue to build each girl’s lacrosse skills so they will be in a good position should they want to play in high school and beyond.”
The season just started, so any interested perspective players who are in the specified age groups should bostonyouthlacrosse.org for more information, or show up for a practice. Practices for all teams are Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon at Moakley Park.
The seventh and eighth grade girls’ team is coached by Lindsay Birch, Taylor Wallace, and Anna Stefanov. The players are Lauren Cloherty, Emma Brooks, Juliet Fitzgerald, Rachel Rans, Viktoriya Rybak, Abigail Seero, Linda Stefanov, Ava Costigliola, Macy Murtagh, Tari Pecevich, Alann Grealy and Chloe Connors.
