The Harvard Youth Lacrosse program offers youth players an opportunity to learn and enjoy the “fastest game on two feet”.

The Harvard Youth Lacrosse program is open to boys and girls in grades Kindergarten thru 8 who live in Harvard, Maynard, Ayer, Shirley, Lancaster, Lunenburg, Acton, Boxboro, and other surrounding towns. It is run under the auspices of the Harvard Athletic Association (HAA).
 
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. Girls are welcome to play on the same team as the boys. We are working toward resurrecting the girls youth program, and will have a Girls U11 team this year.

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. "Long sticks" are routinely used by the defense. 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 insurance coverage that protects the program in the event of a serious injury to one of its players while playing in the program. 

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: Harvard Youth Lacrosse participates in the Patriot Youth Lacrosse League (PYLL) 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, usually in the early evenings. We may begin with a few indoor clinics in mid-to-late February, followed by outdoor practices when weather permits and throughout the season.

Practices for U13 & U15 teams will be at Depot Road fields. Practices for U9 & U11 teams will be at Ann Lee Road fields.

Game Schedule: Games are usually Sunday afternoons between noon and 5:00 PM.  There will be a few mid-week games, as well. The games last about 1-1/2 hours.

U13 & U15 home games are played at Lower Depot Road field, while U9 & U11 home games are played at Ann Lee Road fields.

Coaches and other volunteers are needed to ensure this program runs. Interested parents should contact Joe Gatto (978-902-6184, 978-456-3149, or

What do I get for my registration fee?
The $170 registration fee covers PYLL league dues, the referees, field use, team supplies, mid-season PYLL tournament, end-of-season PYLL tournament, goalie equipment, lacrosse balls, a reversible practice pinney, jersey and shorts, etc. 

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).