The Chelmsford Youth Lacrosse (CYL) Cub Lacrosse Program is designed for Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten players as an introductory experience to the sport of lacrosse. This program focuses on building fundamental movement skills, basic lacrosse techniques, and a love for the game in a fun, safe, and age-appropriate environment.

In alignment with youth lacrosse development principles, the Cub Program emphasizes:

• Fun and engagement as the foundation of learning

• Introduction to basic stick skills (cradling, scooping, throwing, catching)

• Development of coordination, balance, and overall athletic movement

• Positive reinforcement and confidence building

Sessions are structured around stations, small-group activities, and simple games designed to keep players active, engaged, and learning at all times.

The Cub Lacrosse Program is instructional in nature and does not include league standings, score keeping, or formal competition. All participants receive equal participation, with the focus placed on development, effort, and enjoyment.

Coaching and Leadership

Cub Lacrosse practices are overseen by two CYL coordinators who are responsible for practice planning, organization, and overall instruction. These coordinators are supported on the field by CYL 5th–8th grade Select-level boys and girls players, who assist with drills, stations, and demonstrations.

This leadership model not only provides young players with positive role models, but also reinforces the importance of mentorship, responsibility, and giving back to the sport. Older players gain valuable leadership experience while helping introduce the next generation of athletes to lacrosse in a positive and supportive environment.

The Cub Lacrosse Program serves as the entry point into the CYL development pathway and prepares players for future participation in the Classic Program at the 1/2 grade level.

Chelmsford Youth Lacrosse’s Classic Program serves boys and girls in grades 1 through 8 and participates in the Mass Youth Lacrosse (MYL) League. Teams compete in one league game per week, typically on Sundays, and hold two practices during the week.

In alignment with MYL’s mission, the Classic Program emphasizes player development, skill progression, sportsmanship, and enjoyment of the game. Equal participation and age-appropriate instruction are prioritized, with no emphasis placed on wins and losses at this level.

Team Structure and Placement

Classic teams are organized using MYL-recommended grade groupings:

• Grades 1/2

• Grades 3/4

• Grades 5/6

• Grades 7/8

Team placement is based on total registration numbers within each grade grouping. When multiple teams are formed at a given level, players are evenly distributed by skill level, experience, and overall development to promote balanced competition and fair playing opportunities across all teams.

Coaching and Volunteers

In accordance with MYL standards, all Classic team coaches are unpaid volunteers and are typically parents or guardians of players within the grade group. All coaching volunteers must be approved by the CYL Board and must meet MYL requirements, including background checks and required coaching education.

Submission of a volunteer application does not guarantee placement. Families interested in volunteering as a coach or team parent should contact their CYL age group director for additional information.

The Unofficial 3/4 Girls and Boys Select Development Team is designed for players in grades 3 and 4 who demonstrate advanced skill development, strong engagement, and readiness for a more challenging lacrosse environment as part of the MYL development pathway.

This team is not an official Mass Youth Lacrosse (MYL) Select team and does not participate in MYL Select League play. Instead, it serves as a developmental step between the Classic Program and official MYL Select teams, with a focus on preparing athletes for the expectations and competitive demands of Select lacrosse at the 5/6 level and beyond.

In alignment with MYL development principles, the program emphasizes:

• Age-appropriate, skill-based instruction

• Long-term athlete development over short-term results

• Progressive introduction to advanced individual and team concepts

• Sportsmanship, respect, and love for the game

Competition opportunities may include scrimmages, jamborees, or non-league games and are intended to support player growth rather than competitive outcomes.

Participation in the Unofficial 3/4 Select Development Team requires a higher level of commitment than the Classic Program. Selection is based on evaluation, readiness, and roster availability. Playing time is not guaranteed and may vary based on attendance, effort, coachability, and overall development.

This program is designed to support player progression within the MYL framework while maintaining CYL’s commitment to positive, development-focused youth lacrosse.

Chelmsford Youth Lacrosse’s Select Program serves boys and girls in grades 5 through 8 and participates in the Mass Youth Lacrosse (MYL) Select League. The Select Program is designed for players seeking a higher level of competition and a more advanced lacrosse experience.

Teams typically compete in one league game per week, primarily on Fridays, and hold 1 extra practice (separate from classic) during the week. The Select Program emphasizes advanced skill development, team concepts, competitive play, and preparation for higher levels of lacrosse, while continuing to promote sportsmanship, respect, and accountability.

Team Structure and Player Selection

Select teams are organized using MYL grade groupings:

• Grades 5/6

• Grades 7/8

Placement on a Select team is determined through a formal evaluation process. Players are selected based on skill level, lacrosse IQ, effort, coachability, and overall readiness for a competitive environment. Due to roster limitations, not all interested players may be selected.

Teams are formed to compete at an appropriate MYL Select division level and are not required to maintain equal talent distribution across teams.

Playing Time Philosophy

In alignment with MYL Select guidelines, playing time is not guaranteed and may vary based on game situations, opponent level, and team needs. Coaches strive to balance individual development with competitive success. Playing time decisions may be influenced by practice attendance, effort, attitude, positional needs, and overall performance.

Coaching and Expectations

Select teams are led by coaches with a higher-level lacrosse background, including prior competitive playing and/or coaching experience. All Select coaches are approved by the CYL Board and must meet all MYL requirements, including background checks and required coaching certifications.

Select coaches are expected to:

• Provide a competitive, development-focused environment

• Teach advanced individual and team concepts

• Prepare athletes for higher levels of play

• Hold players to elevated standards of commitment, effort, and accountability

Player Commitment and Attendance 

The CYL Select program is intended for players seeking a higher level of competition and commitment. In accordance with Mass Youth Lacrosse Select guidelines, players selected to a Select team are expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to their team throughout the season.  All select players MUST participate in the CYL Classic season and be on a CYL classic roster.

• Practice Commitment: Players are expected to attend all scheduled practices. Consistent attendance is essential to team development, implementation of systems, and competitive preparedness.

• Game Availability: Players are expected to be available for all scheduled league games, which are typically played on Fridays.

• Communication: Any conflicts with practices or games must be communicated to the coaching staff in advance. Unexcused or repeated absences may affect a player’s role or availability.

• Effort and Conduct: Players are expected to consistently demonstrate effort, focus, coachability, and respect for teammates, opponents, officials, and coaches.

• Competitive Roster Expectations: Select rosters are formed with the understanding that playing time is not guaranteed. Attendance, effort, performance, and readiness are factors that may be considered when determining playing time, positions, and game participation.

Participation on a Select team represents a season-long commitment. Families should carefully consider other sport or extracurricular obligations before accepting a Select roster position. Failure to meet commitment expectations may result in reduced playing time or additional action at the discretion of the coaching staff and CYL leadership, consistent with MYL Select philosophy.