*MetroLacrosse has officially merged with Harlem-Lacrosse Boston!

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OUR PROGRAM

MetroLacrosse is proud that its programs reflect the racial, ethnic and socioeconomic diversity of Boston’s neighborhoods as a whole. A common interest in lacrosse and sports-based learning brings players, families, volunteers, donors and staff together in powerful and intentional ways. Since the sport of lacrosse has not traditionally been played in urban areas, MetroLacrosse has seized an opportunity to provide access to a sport that would otherwise be unavailable to its participants. Today, MetroLacrosse is the largest and most comprehensive urban lacrosse and youth development program in the United States.

The demographics of MetroLacrosse participants reflect the diversity of their communities (43% African-American, 40% Hispanic, 7% Caucasian, 4% Asian, and 6% bi-racial/other). Unlike typical lacrosse programs, MetroLacrosse draws participants from low-income neighborhoods and more than 91% of participants attend public schools. While most MetroLacrosse youth speak English, more than 24% speak another language at home including Arabic, Chinese, Creole, French, Spanish, Somali, Portuguese, and Vietnamese.

MetroLacrosse strives to:
  •      -   Instill character in each participant; to teach fundamental values and skills (Responsibility, Effort, Sportsmanship, Participation,  Enthusiasm, 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, with programs that include:
  •      -    A 10 week 3rd-8th grade spring season and 12 week high school season
  •         Academic tutoring
  •      -    Two, week-long overnight summer camps in New Hampshire
  •      -    A week lacrosse-based summer program at Chelsea High School
  •      -    An eight-week coaches-in-training employment opportunity for high school participants
  •      -    An eight-week fall season
  •      -    Winter clinics and fitness sessions
  •      -    Boys and girls club teams that compete in league play in the winter and spring
  •      -    Travel tournament teams in the summer
  •      -    Year-round Intramural Programs in collaboration with community-based strategic partners
  •      -    Secondary school placement advising

Boston Globe Feature at Franklin Field in Dorchester

Spring 2018

# Participants
370
% Female Participants
46
# Teams
16
# Coaches/Mentors
40

“We feel comfortable talking to the coaches and they open up to us and help us with our problems because they care about you, even if you’re struggling in class.” – Male, 5th Grade

“There is nothing like Metro. It’s more than a sport, it’s a family and I feel like there’s nothing like that at school and everyone really cares for you along with the coaches caring and make you the best you can be that is what makes it so great.” Female, 7th Grade

“MetroLacrosse taught me how to be a leader. It happened over time because you have to set an example for your team.” – Male, 8th Grade

“Metro helped me finding a sport I liked and Metro helped me be a better teammate and person in general and it made me commit and have a passion to something even after high school. It made me realize I could love something a lot” – Female, 9th Grade

“MetroLacrosse inspires you to do a lot. And they’re helpful, our coaches, they’re helpful. They tell you you should put school before anything.” – Male, 6th grade