ABOUT US
Mission
MetroLacrosse is a non-profit organization whose mission is to address the social and economic disparities that exist in urban settings by inspiring personal, educational and athletic success among urban youth and teens.
Our History
MetroLacrosse's original goal was to diminish the disparity between sports programs available to
Boston's urban youth as compared to their suburban counterparts. MetroLacrosse recognized the
opportunity to achieve a more profound impact on urban youth: to inspire, motivate, and support
participants to achieve success both on and off the field.
Formally established in the spring of 2000, the origins of MetroLacrosse date back to 1997 when
founder Zack Lehman developed a program for inner-city youth in a single neighborhood of Boston.
Based on the explosive growth and demonstrated impact of this program, MetroLacrosse was established
to provide similar opportunities to youth and teens throughout Boston’s urban neighborhoods. Today,
through a unique integration of lacrosse, youth development and educational activities, MetroLacrosse
provides more than 700 youth from urban communities with
social, recreational and learning opportunities.
Specifically, through its programs MetroLacrosse strives to:
- Instill character in each participant;
to teach fundamental values and skills (Responsibility, Effort, Sportsmanship, Enthusiasm, Participation, Communication, and Teamwork )
that we believe constitute the foundation for success in life;
- Provide as many hours of high-quality out-of-school
programming to as many youth and teens as possible;
- Introduce youth to caring adult role-models who are
well-trained to significantly impact participants' futures;
- Teach youth the importance of a healthy and active
lifestyle; and
- Motivate participants to capitalize on the many academic,
networking, and career opportunities that the sport of lacrosse
offers.
The organization’s year-round programs serve more than 700 youth and teens across the cities of Boston and Chelsea:
- A ten-week spring season
- A one-week overnight summer camp in New Hampshire
- A four-week summer leadership program for rising high school participants
- An eight-week coaches-in-training program for high school participants
- A six-week fall season
- Winter clinics and fitness sessions
- Year-round Intramural Programs in collaboration with community-based strategic partners
- SAT, ISSE, and SSAT test preparation
- Secondary school placement advising
- College exploration and advisory services
