I used the slogan “Catch the Fun Play Lacrosse” not just because it is a catchy slogan (it is!) but because it represents one the basic core values or reasons anyone should have for playing the sport. While playing a Box Lacrosse game in Peterborough, Ontario in the late 1980′s I saw a flier for their in house youth programs, boldly printed on the front was “CATCH THE FUN PLAY LACROSSE” coined by John Swan (The head of the Peterborough Minor Lacrosse Assoc.) the phrase stuck with me and as I observed the hundreds of children that were playing in their programs and the success attained by the Peterborough organization. An organization I have had the privilege to closely observe, learn, and share information with over the past 30 years, their programs have produced many professional players, college players, coaches, and solid fundamentally sound players. While they teach the technical and clinical aspects to the game they also make it a priority to have fun, especially for the very young children just entering their programs. When kids are having fun they learn more and want to participate voluntarily. The kids in Peterborough are always carrying their sticks around everywhere they go. I also have had the privilege to observe and learn from many coaches and players from the Onondaga Nation and frequently visit their Territory to watch games, learn, and hang out with friends. For them the game takes on a more spiritual nature but they too make it fun to “play” rather than to “work” at the game. When watching a Major Senior League game in Ontario Canada or watching The Onondaga Redhawks Senior Team play , you can’t help but notice that their are hundreds of children watching the games and after the game they get to go on the floor and play (shoot around). To see the energy, enthusiasm, and zeal for the sport is truly breathtaking they are all smiling and are all happy and they are all playing! These organizations turn out tremendously great world class players because it is fun for them and that was instilled in the them early on, they gladly play for several hours a day, practicing, and watching others play. It is fun to be around the sport whether playing or watching,
That is why I formed Pro Edge Lacrosse. To bring to the children, High School Players, and Adults of Philadelphia the techniques, mind set, and strategies that I have learned during my 38 years of playing, coaching, and officiating and more importantly what I have learned and experienced from my Canadian and Iroquois relationships the past 30 years. Coaching and training methods that traditional US Youth programs, High Schools, and colleges do not teach. Yes it is fun to play Lacrosse and that will always be in the forefront of everything I do with the sport! Lacrosse is the fast growing sport in North America. It is billed as the Fastest Game on Two feet. It takes skill and practice to master the stick skills and a dedication and commitment to build the stamina and endurance needed to play.