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The success of the high school programs is, in large part, lead by youth lacrosse programs that feed experienced players to the next level.  There are currently 14 boys and 12 girls middle school programs along with 4 youth recreation leagues in place in south Florida.  Each of these programs has had overwhelming success with growing numbers of players each year.  The most recent youth programs in Boca Raton and Parkland have grown to over 400 players and 300 players, respectively, in a brief 2-3 years of existence.  The Weston and Jupiter youth recreation programs have been thriving for even longer.

Lacrosse is such a big draw due to its fast-paced action, high-scoring contests, and the opportunity for young athletes of all types, skills and sizes.  Players do not have to be the fastest, biggest or strongest to compete or to have fun.  Additionally, athletes who are looking to stay in shape when their primary sport is out of season, find themselves joining lacrosse leagues to stay fit, but most of all because they enjoy the game.

 Lacrosse in Davie

Lacrosse is no stranger to Davie where Western High School, St. Thomas Aquinas, Nova High School, and Archbishop McCarthy all field varsity club programs.  Other programs in the area include Cypress Bay HS, American Heritage-Plantation, and South Plantation HS.  Some coaches and supporters in the area from those programs are pressing forward with launching a recreational lacrosse program for Davie athletes from kindergarten to eighth grade.

Pete Dunne, who played his college lacrosse at University of Virginia and founder of the newly formed Davie Youth Lacrosse Foundation, has formed a multi-division instructional league for both boys and girls.  The boys recreational program calls for a kindergarten through second grade division (Bantam); a third and fourth grade division (Lightning); a fifth and sixth grade division (Juniors); and a seventh and eighth grade division (Seniors).  Contact will be limited in the younger divisions.  The girls program will consist of a third through fifth grade division and a sixth through eighth grade division.  The program will be played  at Bamford/Pine Island Park.

“We are excited about our lacrosse program in Davie and the opportunity it may offer to Davie athletes who are interested in a spring sport alternative to baseball.  Our program will be committed to teaching the fundamentals of the game at an early age, stressing the need for team play and promoting a positive playing experience.  The resounding success of the Parkland and Boca programs is a strong indicator of the expected participation in Davie” said Dunne. 

The Davie Youth Lacrosse Foundation will hold free lacrosse clinics for all kindergarten through eighth grade athletes registered for the Broncos recreation program.  The season will run from January through mid-May.  Games will be played between teams within each age group and games will be scheduled with other youth recreation programs in the area.