by posted 05/17/2012
 
Our fundraiser was very successful and we are very grateful for your support.
 
It was an evening full of laughter as Billerica Youth Lacrosse held Billerica Youth Lacrosse Comedy night on Friday May 11 at the Billerica Elks.  This jam-packed night featured three hilarious comics, Dave Russo, Paul Gilligan, and Dave Rattigan.  The event was held to raise funds for the continued support of Billerica Youth Lacrosse and maintenance of the Elks field.  The event also featured many impressive gift basket raffles and silent auction items. 
 
Our fundraising team worked very hard to have a successful fundraiser and with your help, we were able to accomplish that goal. Special Thank You to all team moms and sponsors.
 
Once again Billerica Youth Lacrosse, would like to thank you for your very generous support in having a successful fundraiser

by posted 03/16/2012
 
Parents,

Billerica Youth Lacrosse has partnered with Big League Decals to bring you a fun way to show your Billerica Lacrosse pride, on your vehicle, or wherever you might like to put a lacrosse decal.  The decals are custom made with your child's name and number on them, and display either a boy or a girl lacrosse player, along with the words "Billerica Youth Lacrosse".  

Please visit http://www.bigleaguedecals.com/Billerica-Lacrosse-s/79.htm today and order your child's window decal!  It not only is a great way to show your Billerica pride, but it also helps support Billerica Youth Lacrosse.  Don't forget, use promotional code "BYL" when ordering, and shipping is direct to your home, and free!

Coaches will be providing uniform numbers soon. 

by posted 02/11/2012
 
Subject: Change to Uniform Policy (Updated)

Dear Parents,
This notice is to make you aware of a change to the Billerica Youth Lacrosse uniform policy and procedure. Historically, BYL has purchased and issued uniforms to all traveling teams with the expectation that the uniforms would be returned at the end of the season for use in subsequent years. We have reached a point, however, where the continuance of this practice has become impractical.   Therefore, effective immediately for this coming spring 2012 season, each player will need to purchase their own uniform directly.  This will be your uniform to keep.  You will be able to use this uniform for as many seasons it fits them.              
The rationale for the change is threefold.  The number of teams participating in BYL has expanded significantly over the past few years requiring us to purchase more uniforms on a more frequent basis.  Also, we have seen an unfortunate decrease in the number of uniforms being returned to us at the end of the season.  These “lost” uniforms, combined with more frequently required purchases and the increasing cost of uniforms in general, has made the historic uniform policy cost prohibitive and difficult to manage. 
To implement this change we have contracted with All-Sports Promotions to be our uniform supplier. In order to facilitate the uniform purchase process, we will need to fit the kids for their uniforms.   We have scheduled four fittings.  Date, time and place as follows:

• Feb 21st (Tuesday) Town Hall Auditorium 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
• Feb 23rd (Thursday) Town Hall Auditorium 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

• Feb 26th (Sunday) 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the High School Gym during Winter Clinic
• March 4th (Sunday) 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the High School during Winter Clinic.

It is required to have a uniform in order to play, so please ensure that you get to one of the fittings.  If you foresee having difficulty getting to a fitting, please let us know so that we may attempt an alternate plan.  The uniforms costs are below:

• Boys Travel – Grades 3-8      $40.00                   Includes shirt and shorts
• Boys In-House – Grades 1-2 $20.00                   Includes reversible tank shirt
• Girls Travel – All Grades         $40.00                   Includes shirt and skirt

We believe this change to be in the best interests of the players, the parents, and BYL.  There will be no need to worry about returning or collecting uniforms any longer, and more importantly, over the long-run it will keep costs down and help keep registrations fees reasonable going forward.   Lastly, we thank your for your understanding and support as we implement this change. 

Sincerely,

Board of Directors
Billerica Lacrosse Association

by posted 11/27/2011
 
Dear Parents,
 
We are pleased to announce that Billerica Youth Lacrosse Boys Division will be rejoining the Massachusetts Bay Youth Lacrosse League (MBYLL) for the 2012 spring season.  This will end our affiliation with the Town Pride League after 4 great seasons.  After careful evaluation of all the options for this coming spring, the BLA Board believes that returning to MBYLL is the best choice for our program moving forward.  Billerica was a founding member of MBYLL and the league is very excited to have us has back in the fold.
MBYLL will be entering its 19^th season and is by far the largest organized youth lacrosse organization in the region.  The MBYLL mission is teach, grow and honor the game of lacrosse throughout Massachusetts by providing leadership, guidance, training and structure to all participating town programs.   The league philosophy includes some core tenants such as:

• All players participate equally (i.e. equal playing time) in all games. 
• Teams are evenly balanced based on player skill, experience, size, etc., at every age level, in all MBYLL games.
• There are NO ‘stacked’ teams and NO ‘A’ & ‘B’ teams at any level in any town program playing in the MBYLL. 
•  NO standings are kept and NO playoffs or league championships are held in the MBYLL. 
• The MBYLL is an inclusive organization that provides a safe, enjoyable, learning experience for all participants; and in an environment not swept up in the pressure filled, win-at-all-cost mentality all too common in today's youth sports.
• The overriding goal is for all players, coaches, teams & programs to reflect role-model sportsmanship on & off the field while we learn, share, and teach the fundamental skills & teamwork required to play the game well.
• MBYLL has created a “select” program which Billerica may choose to participate (additional fee)

The MBYLL mission and philosophy aligns well with that of Billerica Youth Lacrosse and was a key consideration for this change.  Additional key considerations included travel distance to games, Sunday vs. Saturday game days, and overall competition level.  Based on this, here are some changes you will see for 2012:

• Most of the teams we will compete against will be border towns or relatively close. 
• The primary game schedule will be played on Sundays.
• The teams will be age based rather than grade based (U15, U13, and U11).  As an example, the U15 team(s) will primarily be a combination of 7^th and 8^th graders.   
• At the U11 level, MBYLL still uses a full field format although there is a strong push from member towns to go to a modified (small ball) field, which BLA firmly supports.  A vote on this by the MBYLL is expected soon. 
•  U9 level boys will continue as an in-house program as in the past.

In addition to the above, the BLA Board has set limits to team sizes as follows:

• Full field – 22 players
• Short Field – 13 players
• In-house (grades 1-2) – No limit

We hope you will embrace this change and continue to provide your generous support as we truly believe will enhance the lacrosse experience for everyone, players, parents and coaches alike.   We will continue to provide you with regular updates as to our progress so please check the website regularly.  If you have any immediate questions, please feel free to contact us directly. 
 
Best regards,
 
The BLA Board of Directors.