You may have seen it while driving by the Middle School field and wondered if the game had any rules. To the novice spectator, lacrosse can resemble organize confusion. However, there is some rhyme and reason to it, which is obvious in the great success of our High School Girls Programs. The Rams Girls Lacrosse program is the starting point to that success. In fact last year we had over 325 girls registered, making us the largest girls' lacrosse program in the metro area. Rams Girls Lacrosse is open to all girls in grades 3 to 8 who resided in the Village of Garden City or go to school within the village.

Coach Training

This year Rams Girls Lacrosse will be partnering with United States Lacrosse's Positive Coaching Alliance Program and Nassau County PAL in developing a Coach Leadership Program for high school students and adults. The curriculum is designed to for both the new and experienced coach and will assist in developing an understanding of the game as well as providing effective youth coaching techniques. Classes will be taught by local youth, high school and college coaches as well as lacrosse officials and experienced educators. Dates, times and location will be announced shortly and will be published in the Garden City News.

Student Coaching Opportunities

High school students who complete the program will be given the opportunity to take on a head coach role with a team while being mentored with an adult coach. The program is open to all high school students who have a desire to coach, basic knowledge of lacrosse and the ability to commit to attending team practices and games.

Indoor Clinic

Our indoor clinic and training sessions request is currently pending approval from the Village Recreation Department. Due to the increase participation, we have requested to start in December and run to March 2006. As soon as we receive approval from the village, the schedule will be announced.

3rd Grade Team Coaches Needed

Based on past seasons, we expect to run three 3rd grade teams. Anyone interested in coaching a third grade team should contact the program director.

Team Registration

Team registration will take place starting on October 29th and will end on January 15, 2006. Applications are available at Olympic Den, 676 Dogwood Avenue in Franklin Square (516.486.0975). The registration fee is $110.00 per player and includes uniform, mouth guard, insurance, game, league fees and USL membership. There is a $30 late registration fee for any player registering after December 18, 2005. Applications are also available at the Village Recreation Department.

Individual's wishing coach, volunteer, participate in the Coach Leadership Program or are in need of additional information can contact Gary O'Connor, Program Director by email at garyoconnor@msn.com (preferred) or by call 516 248-3898.