HOWICK – After a summer without the sport, local players are excited that the North Perth Lacrosse Association is back in full swing.
Many adjustments had to be made, health and safety protocols implemented and plans changed several times, but the Outlaws managed to be one of the first minor lacrosse associations in the province to begin their Return to Activity programming.
The season got underway June 21 with the players spending the first two weeks taking part in skills and drills sessions to get them ready for the 10-week season. After a week of evaluations and team selections, game play began July 12.
When asked for their thoughts on lacrosse this summer, players were all happy to be playing Canada’s national summer sport. Henry Schalk,11, from Monkton, had this to say about his first year of lacrosse. “It’s very competitive and sweaty, but I love it.”
Returning player Wyatt Schiestel, 7, of Fordwich said, “Actually it feels kind of nice to be out playing again. I am looking forward to contact again. But it is nice to be outside because you get the wind.”
North Perth Lacrosse normally plays the sport indoors out of Listowel and Wingham arenas, but with public health restrictions, and a focus on safety and minimizing risk, they moved the season outdoors and found themselves in the new location of the Howick soccer fields.
They organized their own local league format for teams U15 and under, with all practices and games in Howick against other North Perth teams. The U22 and U17 teams have a limited travel schedule with such teams as Centre Wellington, Guelph, Cambridge, and KW. The rules had to be modified as the season began with no contact and no faceoffs.
Despite all the changes to the game, an untraditional season format, and some reluctance to play sports during the pandemic, registration numbers have been stronger than expected including over 30 new players. The association is operating 10 teams this season, which is set to conclude August 25.
When asked his thoughts on the season so far, Listowel resident, and U15/U13 coach, Cody Hudson said, “I think this year has been really unique, and the kids have done a great job adapting their play style so that they can continue to improve despite the restrictions at the beginning of the season. The 3 on 3 has definitely been pushing the kids’ endurance, which will benefit them as most of the kids were unlikely to be doing much high intensity workouts throughout the pandemic. As the kids have started to settle in with their teams, I have also noticed a lot of them becoming more open and the kids are able to return back to their social life that they might have been able to experience pre-pandemic. Overall, despite the constantly changing rules, I think the season has been a success and we can continue to grow the organization into the future.”
Hudson a former North Perth Outlaw and junior lacrosse player, is in his first-year coaching with the association.
None of this would have been possible without the dedication and countless hours put in by the executive, coaches, and volunteers. North Perth Lacrosse would like to thank everyone that had a hand in getting the kids back playing the sport.
The Outlaws would also like to thank Tim Hortons Listowel for sponsoring the free paperweight program for players 6 years old and younger, by supplying them with their very own Outlaws shirts to keep.
North Perth Lacrosse is also grateful to the Canadian Tire Jumpstart program, as they were a sports relief fund recipient, which helped offset costs in running this season and allowed for low registration fees.
Siblings Brody and Sophie Jackson of Gowanstown are also very pleased to be playing lacrosse this summer. Third year player Brody, 12, said, “It is great to be back on the lacrosse field again this summer. I have already learned some new drills and skills. Even though we are playing outside with some restrictions, it is great the we are able to play games against our teammates.”
Sophie, 10, said, “My first year of lacrosse has been a fun experience. I have been able to learn new skills and drills and learn the fundamentals of the game. I have been able to meet new people, while getting some exercise at the same time. I would recommend lacrosse to people who like sports.”
Feedback from players, parents, and coaches has been extremely positive, with many requests for the association to operate a similar local league again next summer. The North Perth Outlaws are hopeful to get back to a more traditional season and reintroduce their rep lacrosse program for boys and girls for the 2022 season.
They plan to offer free try lacrosse sessions for anybody new to the sport and wanting to try lacrosse in the winter and spring in various local communities, in a lead up to next season.
If you are interested in attending one of these sessions or possibly registering next year and would like to be added to their email list, please contact president@northperthoutlaws.ca.
For more information on the North Perth Outlaws you can visit their website at www.northperthoutlaws.ca.
