The HAA Youth Lacrosse program offers youth players an opportunity to learn and enjoy the “fastest game on two feet”.
The HAA Youth Lacrosse program is open to boys and girls in grades 1 thru 8 who live in Harvard or surrounding towns.
Do I have to know anything about lacrosse to play?
No prior experience is required or expected. We will teach the basic skills necessary to play. For U13 & U15, body checking is allowed and "long sticks" are routinely used by the defense. Girls are welcome to play on the same team as the boys. There is no separate youth girls team at this time.
Do I need special equipment?
Yes. At a minimum, the rules require the following: A regulation helmet with chinstrap, mouth guard, regulation gloves, shoulder pads, elbow pads, and a lacrosse stick. HAA Lacrosse is doing what it can to encourage equipment swaps; however, for new players, we strongly recommend you buy a new helmet due to safety concerns around used helmets. Also, the HAA Lacrosse program will make some used or new equipment available to families facing financial hardship.
Do I need a US Lacrosse registration?
Yes. US Lacrosse membership is a requirement to play HAA Lacrosse, because it offers an insurance program that protects the program in the event of a serious injury of one of its players while playing for the team.
However, you do NOT have to register in two places: during HAA registration, you will be asked to join or renew your membership to US Lacrosse. Costs: $25 (youth) or $35 (high school) which is separate from the HAA Lacrosse registration fee. You pay both fees at the end of the registration.
Season: mid-February thru mid-June
Patriot Youth Lacrosse League: HAA Lacrosse participates in the Patriot Youth Lacrosse League which is a development league intended to teach the sport of Lacrosse and provide a positive experience for each player.
Practice Schedule: Two times per week, probably in the early evenings. Friday will most likely be one of the practice days. We will begin with a few indoor clinics in mid-to-late February, followed by outdoor practices when weather permits and throughout the season.
Practices will be at Depot Road fields.
Game Schedule: Games are usually Sunday afternoons between noon and 5:00 PM. There will be several games during the week, as well.
The games last about 1-1/2 hours. Most home games are played at Depot Road fields.
Coaches are needed to ensure this program runs. Interested parents should contact Joe Gatto (978-456-2360 or
What do I get for my registration fee?
The $100 registration fee covers the league dues, the referees, field use, team supplies, end-of-season jamboree, goalie equipment, lacrosse balls, etc.
For new players, you must purchase a uniform - a team jersey and a pair of lacrosse shorts. The lacrosse jacket is OPTIONAL. It has been popular in the past years, so we are offering it during registration. Y means youth and A means adult in front of the sizes in the registration form (e.g. YXL = youth extra large; AM = adult medium).
For returning players, if your uniform from last year fits, there is no need to order a new one for this season.
