Answers to all the big questions, like when is the season, who can sign up, and what equipment do I need.
We’ve provided detailed answers to the most common questions: when the season runs, who can sign up, equipment needed, and what to expect.
This section covers the essentials for new Sting families, so you can feel confident getting your player involved.
Key details on schedule, cost, commitment, travel and how teams and playing time work — all the basics!
Registration ranges from $50-150, depending on grade. Other items like uniforms may be additional. Discounts are available for families registering multiple players.
Costs are kept as low as possible to make the program accessible for all families. Registration covers league fees, officials, equipment, and field usage.
Financial assistance may be available for those in need. Please reach out if cost is a concern. We’re happy to help.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| K-2 Clinic | $50 |
| 3rd-8th Grade Teams | $150 |
| 5th-8th Grade Select | $75 |
| Uniform Jersey | $30 |
| Uniform Shorts | $25 |
Simplest possible answer: Lacrosse runs from February vacation through (almost) the end of the school year.
We begin with indoor pre-season practices in late February, typically the week immediately following Feb vacation.
Outdoor practices and games start in early/mid-April and continue weekly through mid-June.
The indoor pre-season (5-6 weeks) is a low-pressure way for players to learn fundamentals and get comfortable before heading outside.
Once the weather improves, the full season begins with about 8 weeks of outdoor practices and games.
Practices are typically one night per week for 60-90 minutes. Specific days and times vary each year based on field and coach availability.
Practices begin indoors at the Clark YMCA in Winchendon, then move outdoors once the season starts. Most teams practice once per week, though older groups may have additional opportunities.
Games are always played on Sundays. Game season begins on the first or second Sunday in April and runs through mid-June.
Games will typically last one hour, though players should expect to arrive early for warmups. Total time commitment for games is about 1.5 hours for younger players and 2 hours for older grades.
Indoor and outdoor practice schedules are finalized in January and provided to families upon registration.
Game schedules are created my Mass Youth Lax and released in late March/early April. Sting Lax has no control over game schedules or release dates!
Home games are played at Landry Field in Ashburnham and Oakmont Regional High School in Westminster. Away games are scheduled through the Mass Youth Lacrosse league against nearby towns.
Playing in MYL means facing a variety of local programs, giving players a fun and balanced mix of competition while staying close to home.
Games are played against other local programs, like Leominster, Nashoba, and Wachusett. Most travel is within about 45 minutes.
Schedules are designed to keep travel reasonable for families. While some games may be a bit farther, most are within 30-45 minutes.
Most teams practice once per week, with younger groups typically practicing for 60 minutes and older groups occasionally practicing longer or more frequently.
Younger teams focus on keeping things fun and manageable, while older teams may have additional opportunities as the level of play increases.
Once schedules are set, families can expect a consistent weekly routine.
Attendance expectations vary by age, but we understand that families are balancing multiple commitments.
At younger levels, we take a flexible approach: if you miss a practice or game, no problem.
At older levels, attendance becomes more important as team concepts and game play develop.
Playing time is not impacted by missed practices at the Classic level of play (recreational / instructional). As players progress into higher-level Select programs, the expectations and accountability increase.
Please do! Multi-sport athletes are strongly encouraged, especially at younger ages.
We believe playing multiple sports helps overall athletic development and keeps kids engaged.
If conflicts come up, just communicate with your coach and we’ll work with you.
Sting is primarily a recreational program focused on development, fun, and learning the game, with optional Select teams for more experienced players.
Per Mass Youth Lax requirements, Classic teams are open to all players, regardless of skill or experience level – come one, come all!
For those looking for additional competition, Select teams may be offered at the 5/6 and 7/8 levels, depending on interest and registration numbers.
Teams are formed by grade and gender, with all registered players in an age group typically placed on one team.
We serve players from across North Central MA and nearby areas. This mainly Ashburnham, Westminster, Fitchburg, Gardner, and Winchendon, but anyone is welcome (as long as your town doesn’t have their own MYL team!)
At most levels, all players are part of a single team, creating a strong, inclusive group environment.
No tryouts or evaluations are held for Classic teams. Registration and playing time is open to all players.
Mass Youth Lax does not allow tryouts at the Classic level. This ensures equal opportunity for development–and FUN!–for all who want to try lacrosse.
If Select teams are offered, they may include evaluations and team selection depending on the number of interested players.
At the youth level, our focus is on development, participation, and building a love for the game.
Playing time is shared as evenly as possible, especially at younger levels. This includes avoiding any “specializing” players into pre-defined positions.
As players get older and the level of play increases, game situations may influence rotations, but development and opportunity remain the priorities.
Key info on registration, communication, and how to stay informed throughout the season.
Registration is rolling and does not have a strict cutoff date. New player registrations are always welcome!
Families are encouraged to register early so we can plan teams, coaches, and schedules accordingly.
While we do our best to accommodate all players, earlier registration helps ensure a smoother start to the season.
We do not typically operate with a formal waitlist, as our goal is to include all players who register.
In most cases, players can join at any point before the season begins.
If any issues arise due to numbers or team balance, we will communicate directly with families.
If your player decides not to participate before the season begins, refunds are generally available.
We understand that plans can change. If you have a change in plans, just reach out and we’ll work with you to find a fair solution.
All communication is handled through OTTO Sport, along with email notifications.
Families will receive updates from both the program and individual coaches, with most communication coming directly from your coach once the season begins.
Expect regular updates throughout the week, as well as additional messages for schedule changes, game details, or important announcements.
You’ll receive notifications through the app and email, so you won’t miss anything.
We also have a parent Facebook group where families can connect, ask questions, and help each other with things like equipment swaps, lost items, and general discussion.
We use OTTO Sport for scheduling, messaging, and team communication. It’s a simple, all-in-one tool that keeps everything in one place.
Parents will receive notifications through the app and email whenever new messages or updates are posted.
We recommend enabling notifications so you stay up to date throughout the season.
What players need, how beginners start, and what practices and games look like.
Interested in Sting Lax’s “Little Bees” kindergarten learn-to-lax program? Fill out the form below!
