Navigation through year round and off season development can be tricky. In our opinion here with the Loons we also do not think 2 days a week of club lacrosse should be mandated through the fall and winter months. We certainly think it’s appropriate to charge members for that if they are involved in other seasonal sports. We certainly “off the opportunity for year round involvement” we just do not “require it”. The fact remains the more attention and effort you place towards a certain sport or skill along with knowledgeable coaching a repetition you are bound to improve! Others around you may be doing more, some may be doing less, that’s natural. You should gauge your interest, review options, and consult with staff to create the proper development plan and path that suits you!

Influences and other factors affect different scenarios. When it comes time to decide these are some of the factors that certainly come into play:

“Time Management Factors” and “Influences”:
Budget, transportation, distance, available time, other sports/club activities, family engagement, and at the top of the list…academic priority.

To write one obsolete script for each individual is simply impossible. Therefore we create options for involvement that many choose to participate in to achieve the training, build confidence, and of course have fun. We dont believe in an off season, we call it “Training Season”!

List of “Optional programming” available:
Loons Box, Elite Training Sessions, M.O.S.T. times, Fall Tournament (youth- Ti Invite), Winter Tournament (ADRLN Challenge, Drop In Clinics, Collegiate Prospect Days (held by NCAA schools) and more.

One last thing before we roll out some scenarios…your motivating factors:
Desire to improve & Love of the game, available time, friends who are enrolled, enjoy our methodology, Long term end goal (build towards recruitment/collegiate player), evolution of one’s skill set, and of course…Fun!

Ok. Now we are ready, here are some scenarios on a spectrum of involvement that we have seen and advised through the years. Again, this is unique to each individual and family.

SCENARIO 1: The “All In High School Athlete”
Athlete- Does not play a fall or winter sport. Grades are on par and do not have too much of a need for other support. Does not work a part time job. This athlete is in HS and within driving distance. Budget is not a factor. Fully dedicated to play college lacrosse at the highest level.
Enrolled in: Elite Training Sessions 1-2 a week, Loons Box Lacrosse season, Winter Tournament and possibly selects a prospect day at a college of interest.

SCENARIO 2: “The Youth All-In”
Athlete- On par with the academics. Does not play a fall or winter sport and if they do its lower level rec. They are able to get rides most evenings. Friends are in a lot of programming and they carpool. Enrolled in: Elite Training Sessions 1-2 a week, Loons Box Lacrosse Local, Fall Tournament, Winter Tournament, attends M.O.S.T. on a few of their off days. (we want to make sure that it’s not too demanding and they are not quitting another sport if they enjoy it. This scenario plays out for the player who just loves lacrosse at all costs!)

SCENARIO 3- The “High School Multi sport” mid level
Athlete- Plays another rec sport in fall/winter. Does fine in the classroom but maybe needs a little more time studying for tests. Want to play college lacrosse but does not really know where to take it from there. Athlete can drive and get to practices/events. Athlete enrolled in: Loons Box season or Elite Training Sessions, Winter tournament, M.O.S.T. of off days.

SCENARIO 4- The “High School Varsity /Youth high level Traveling Multi Sport”
Athlete- Involved in and also a leader in a varsity Fall or Winter sport. Does not have a job due to prioritizing time for in season sport. Rides….the parent doesn’t leave the car and has enough points to own their personal location of Caribou and Starbucks. Enrolled In: Local Loons Box League, attends M.O.S.T. when they can and when their body can take it! Consider the opportunity to go to the Winter event or Box tournament if it does not conflict with a tournament or game for another sport they are in.

SCENARIO 5/6- “Operating on a limited budget” , and the “In not sure what I want for my Future”
Athlete- Does very well in school and therefore creates the opportunity for more outside the classroom due to their work ethic. Certainly wants to play a high level of lacrosse and develop. Budget limits a large amount of travel and funds involved. Desire limits the amount of commitment it may take to dedicate as a priority over other influences. Athlete Involved in: Elite Training Sessions 1-2 days a week or Loons Box Lacrosse. Attend M.O.S.T. as much as they can.

Scenario 7- “Student struggling with academics”
This student struggles with academics and has a hard time staying with the pace of the rest of the classroom. They may be involved in a rec sport in fall or winter but stressed with the time. Athlete Involved in: Loons Box Lacrosse, or Elite Training Sessions 1 day a week. At the most. If grades struggle even further academics should take full priority until they are at pace with assignments and the student can prove they can handle further extra curricular activities. A day a week for E.T.S. or box should be manageable but you still need to earn it in the classroom first.

We know this is not possible every night and very difficult with some families. Try to have sit down meals at least 3 days a week with your family. At home or otherwise, preferably at home. Shut off the phones. Look each other in the eye and interact. Even if it’s brief and then everyone gets back into their busy lives you still get that moment to find balance and center. This is neglected nowadays (by some) and a number of influences get in the way. We certainly do live in a day and age where there are a large spectrum of opportunities in sports, clubs, and even what TV streaming service to subscribe to…it’s endless.

Prioritize what brings you joy.
Find what balances you.
What is feasible for your family.
What are you willing to dedicate to becoming a better player?
Do you want to commit your efforts to become a college lacrosse player, or play HS rec sports.

There are a number of factors that take place. Talk with your family. Confide in our staff for advice and have fun being a student athlete!

Location

1633 Terrace Dr, Roseville, MN 55113, USA