Providence Youth Lacrosse's primary purpose is to teach and promote the game of lacrosse in a fun, safe and sportsmanlike environment. As a youth league, PYL is dedicated to the skill development of lacrosse players and teaches a game of speed, position and finesse rather than physical intimidation or promoting a team's winning record. Along with learning lacrosse, PYL strives to instill the values of sportsmanship, respect, teamwork, fair play and a love of the sport of lacrosse for teammates, coaches and officials; in essence we "Honor the Game". PYL believes that sportsmanship is a way of life and will conduct all activities in a manner that will set an example of good sportsmanship and friendly competition for our young players.
Providence Youth Lacrosse is a non-profit organization whose mission is to teach lacrosse to boys and girls from K through 8th grade who live and/or go to school in Providence, RI.
Providence Youth Lacrosse is an active member of the Positive Coaching Alliance, a nationwide organization dedicated to promoting a positive culture in youth sports so that every young athlete can have a positive, character-building experience.
PHILOSOPHY
The goal of Providence Youth Lacrosse Association is to provide a constructive and positive experience for young athletes, while advancing and supporting the sport of lacrosse in the city of Providence. The program puts a priority on the interests of the participants while providing an enjoyable environment in which to learn the sport of lacrosse.
CORE VALUES
The following core values will guide Providence Youth Lacrosse (PYL) both now and in the future. PYL believes its programs have the potential to develop more than lacrosse skills - we develop character values that will benefit today’s players now, and in later years and in other endeavors. It’s not just about lacrosse.
SPORTSMANSHIP
Foremost of all values is to learn a sense of fair play. We will not gloat in victory, and we will be gracious in defeat. We will promote friendship with teammates and opponents alike, and we will respect officials.
RESPECT FOR THE INDIVIDUAL
We will treat all others and all players as we would want to be treated and as we would want our children to be treated.
INTEGRITY
We seek to foster honesty and fair play in accordance with the rules of the game.
EFFORT
Each member of PYL, whether player, parent, or volunteer staff, should try to do his or her best. We recognize that young athletes develop at different rates and stages, and not everyone may have the same ability in any given age group, but everyone can try to perform to the best of his or her ability.
ENJOYMENT
We want the lacrosse experience to be fun, satisfying and rewarding for all participants. We want each child, at the end of every season, to look forward to playing lacrosse again the following year.
TEAMWORK
We value the strength of learning to work together. Teamwork is reinforced and rewarded by success in the lacrosse experience. We will not value individual exploits over team success and we will promote trust in teammates over selfish play.
LOYALTY
We are loyal to teammates and to other parents because we understand that teamwork and overall success cannot be achieved without mutual appreciation and a desire for all players to do well and enjoy success.
MISC.
Providence Youth Lacrosse was formed to foster, encourage, and promote the sport of lacrosse for the children and families who live and go to school in Providence. We provide instruction and a positive learning environment for children in K through 8th grade.
As an instructional league, there are no tryouts, and all kids are welcome to play, regardless of skill or experience level. We typically practice twice during the week and play competitive games against teams from other cities and towns on Saturdays.
Providence Youth Lacrosse is a member of the Rhode Island Youth Lacrosse League (RIYLL).
We field all players as equally as possible with the goal of teaching the sport and providing a fun experience for all involved. We are determined to provide kids with an outlet that has not been swept up in the pressure filled, win-at-all-cost mania conspicuous in sports today.
