FAQs
General Questions
What age groups can participate in youth lacrosse?
Youth lacrosse programs typically offer divisions for players ages 5 to 14.
Boys are grouped by age such as 8U, 10U, 12U, and 14U.
Girls are grouped by grades such as K-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8.
Who can play for the McLean Lacrosse Club?
MLC can only register players who live within the club area, which covers these high school pyramids:
- McLean
- Langley
- Marshall
- Yorktown
- Meridian
It doesn’t matter where your player goes to school; your home address decides your team.
What age group should I register my child for?
The McLean Lacrosse Club participates in the NVYLL. Families can use their age verification tool to determine their child’s age group or see the below tables.
Boys
| Division | Born Between |
|---|---|
| 14U | 03/15/2012 - 08/31/2014 |
| 12U | 09/01/2014 - 08/31/2016 |
| 10U | 09/01/2016 - 08/31/2018 |
| 8U | 09/01/2018 - 08/31/2020 |
Girls
| Division | Grades |
|---|---|
| 7-8 | 7th and 8th |
| 5-6 | 5th and 6th |
| 3-4 | 3rd and 4th |
| K-2 | Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd |
What age group will my son fall under if he was born on a given day?
McLean Lacrosse Club will uphold the rules and regulations of the NVYLL. Their rules are as follows:
- League Play - NVYLL organizes boys’ competition by age, and considers physical, cognitive, and emotional maturity when grouping players.
- The following age groupings are determined as of the August 31st preceding competition:
- 14U: All players must not yet be 14 years old on the August 31st preceding competition. NVYLL allows an exception for 8th and 9th graders to play 14U where they must not be 15 years old on the March 15 preceding competition for that Spring season.
- 12U: All players must not yet be 12 years old on the August 31st preceding competition.
- 10U: All players must not yet be 10 years old on the August 31st preceding competition.
- 8U: All players must not yet be 8 years old on the August 31st preceding competition.
- NOTE: Age group references used in this section are in common usage but should not be understood literally. The 14U (read: “Under 14”) grouping means that, if a player is 14 years old prior to the cutoff date, he may not participate in 14U competition.
Source: NVYLL V 03.13.2026 page 19
What equipment does my child need to play lacrosse?
Boys’ lacrosse requires a helmet, mouthguard, shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, a protective cup, cleats, and a lacrosse stick.
Girls’ lacrosse requires goggles, a mouthguard, cleats, and a lacrosse stick. Goalies need additional equipment like chest protectors, throat guards, and goalie gloves.
What is the time commitment for youth lacrosse?
The season usually lasts eight (8) weeks, with practices and games requiring 3–5 hours per week.
Are boys’ and girls’ lacrosse rules different?
Yes, boys’ and girls’ lacrosse have different rules, particularly regarding contact. Boys’ lacrosse allows limited body checking, while girls’ lacrosse emphasizes stick skills and non-contact play.
Does my child need prior experience to join?
No, youth lacrosse programs welcome beginners. Coaches focus on teaching fundamental skills, such as passing, catching, shooting, and ground ball control.
How can my child improve their skills outside of practice?
Encourage your child to practice cradling, throwing, catching, and shooting in the backyard. Wall ball drills are also an excellent way to build hand-eye coordination.
Is the program and the athletes insured?
Yes, our program and athletes are insured by NVYLL. Those costs are included in registration.
Who will coach my child?
Our lacrosse club is designed as a community-based program that relies on volunteers, including parents and selected high school seniors (both boys and girls), to serve as coaches. This collaborative approach has been successful and aligns well with the efforts of our neighboring teams.
Why are you requesting me to sign up with USA Lacrosse?
We are asking all families to register their child with USA Lacrosse. This protects families and our organization with age verification, code of conduct, and in addition it covers liability insurance for the player(s).
Practices and Games
Game Weekends
TBD
Practices
TBD
How often are practices and games?
This varies by program, but most youth teams practice 1–2 times per week with games on weekends. Games are held in various locations. For home games, they will be held at McLean High School main stadium.
Parent Involvement
How can I get involved as a parent?
Parents can volunteer as coaches, team managers, or scorekeepers. Our league also seeks help with event coordination and fundraising efforts.
Do I need lacrosse experience to coach?
No! Most leagues provide training for new coaches, covering rules, drills, and practice plans.
Mobile App
What app can I install on my phone to keep track of my child’s MLC team?
MLC is currently using PlayMetrics to manage the club and associated teams. To download the app:
• iPhone / iPad: Search for “PlayMetrics” in the Apple App Store, or tap this link
• Android: Search for “PlayMetrics” in the Google Play Store, or tap this link.
Sign in with the PlayMetrics account you used to register with MLC.
Can I add my child’s MLC team calendar to my personal calendar?
Directions for subscribing to your team calendar from the PlayMetrics app are coming soon.
