Q: What are the differences between “Rec” and “Club” lacrosse?

A: Historically, a “rec” team was a community-based team with the goal of developing young players and teaching fundamentals. Rec teams typically play close to home or in “in house” leagues. Oftentimes, rec programs would offer more advanced travel or “all-star” teams for families that wanted more competitive play.

As lacrosse has exploded in popularity in the past twenty years, so has the proliferation of club lacrosse.

Club lacrosse is different from the recreation/community-based model that many of us grew up with. Club teams tend to be run by private organizations and are often for-profit organizations. Club organizations tend to cater to players who want to play lacrosse more than just during the spring season, want more focused instruction, and want to play at a more competitive level. Club programs also tend to be much more expensive than rec programs.

 

Q: What is Ville Lacrosse?

A: It is a fun, competitive division of Catonsville Youth Lacrosse that is available to players and families that want a little more instruction and competition, and are willing to make a bigger commitment to lacrosse. The Ville provides the community of Catonsville with access to club-level lacrosse. We provide talented youth lacrosse players the opportunity to compete with their friends. We make it easier on families by offering local practices (no weeknight trips up the beltway for practice!).

Q: How is Ville Lacrosse different from CLC Rec Lacrosse?

A: Ville Lacrosse is designed to help boys and girls players who love the sport of lacrosse and want to make a more significant commitment to learning the game. Ville participants will have access to more focused instruction, and more competitive play. CLC Rec Lacrosse is best suited for families who enjoy lacrosse, but don’t want to make as significant of a commitment. Some of the key differences between Ville and CLC Rec:

• Ville teams have tryouts, and participation is not guaranteed. CLC Rec does not have tryouts, and available to everyone.
• Ville teams practice/play year-round. CLC Rec is spring only.
• Ville teams will play in 1-2 Summer tournaments. CLC Rec does not (typically) participate in Summer tournaments.

 

Q: Who coaches Ville lacrosse?

A: We are a volunteer-based program, and most of our coaches are parents of children. However, these parents have significant experience playing/coaching lacrosse at the high school and college level. We are very proud of the experience our coaches bring to the Ville.

Q: What does a typical Ville Lacrosse experience look like?

A: Tryouts are held in July each year and teams form shortly thereafter. Typically, Ville teams will practice once a week during the Fall and some Ville teams will participate in a Fall tournament. Ville teams also have indoor sessions during the Winter months and some teams may play in a Winter indoor league. In the Spring, Ville teams practice twice a week and will participate in Club-level leagues. Finally, most Ville teams participate in two or three Summer tournaments. Players are expected to also practice on their own (i.e., wall ball/rebounder) to improve their skills.

Q: My son or daughter participates in other sports in the Fall and/or Winter. Will this be a problem with being a member of a Ville team?

A: While the Ville provides lacrosse instruction and activities outside of the Spring and Summer tournament season, attendance at those activities should not come at the expense of an in-season sport. We encourage multi-sport athletes! That being said, attendance in the Fall and Winter is required provided there is not a conflict with an in-season sport.

Q: What about other sports during the Spring and Summer tournament season?

A: We require that members of the Ville prioritize lacrosse over other sports during our season. Playing for the Ville requires a full commitment to lacrosse during the Spring and Summer tournament season. During the Spring and Summer tournament season, it is not acceptable for Ville participants to miss lacrosse for out of season sports.

Families who would choose to miss an in-season lacrosse practice or game for an out of season sport are a better fit for the CLC Rec program.

If you have any specific questions about attendance in-season, please discuss with your team’s coach before accepting a position on a Ville team. Please carefully consider the commitment to your child’s Ville coaches and teammates before accepting a position when offered.

Q: How much of a financial commitment is Ville?

A: VILLE Lacrosse is committed to providing high-level coaching, competitive play, and strong player development at a cost that remains reasonable for local families. While exact costs can vary slightly from year to year, the average annual cost to participate is typically between $800–$950. Uniforms are a separate cost and generally run around $100. Players are also responsible for providing their own equipment, including sticks, protective gear, cleats, and other required lacrosse items.

Q: What is the Ville refund policy?

A: Once a player commits to Ville after tryouts, that roster spot is reserved specifically for them. Ville operates as a non-profit, pay-to-play club, meaning player fees are used directly to cover team expenses such as tournaments, field time, equipment, and program operations. Because of this structure, we budget and plan based on committed roster spots. The program will make reasonable efforts to fill the open spot. If a replacement is secured, a refund (or partial refund) may be issued.

Q: I still have some questions about Ville Lacrosse. Who can I reach out to ask those questions or get more details?

A: info@catonsvillelacrosse.com