On Saturday, December 15th, we wrapped up the West Dallas fall season with our first annual lacrosse festival. It was a beautiful and unusually warm day with some amazing kids, coaches and volunteers. The day started with a lacrosse clinic run by our high school board members. Each board member volunteered and participated in our fall ball season by coaching at one of our three community partner sites. These coaches provided sound instruction and guidance for our boys and girls. During our festival clinic, the coaches ran various stations highlighting basic lacrosse skills such as passing, shooting or cradling.
The highlight of the day, though, came when all of our participants geared up to play in their very first lacrosse scrimmage. On the boys side, the Nash Davis Comets faced off against the Lakewest Tigers. The Comets were led by head coach, James, who started our West Dallas Development Board. James was also assisted by Clay and Matthew. On the Lakewest side, coaches Will K., Will L., Henry, Drew K. and Drew C. coached their Tigers to a tough 4-2 win. It was an amazing experience for everyone and we thank these coaches for their support and leadership.
On the opposite field, our girls got a great scrimmage experience too. With the help of our Girls’ Leadership Board and other volunteer coaches, girls from Lakewest YMCA and Girls Inc. played in a fun and exciting scrimmage. During half time, our young players got a chance to see how fast the game moves as the high school coaches played in a 4v4 scrimmage of their own. Anchored by goalies, Lizbeth and Evan (borrowed from the boys), the high school coaches put on quite a show that inspired the girls to get right back in the game.
Overall, it was a phenomenal day and we really appreciate all of the support from our volunteers and community partners. We are very much looking forward to next year’s festival and we hope to continue to lay the foundation for a strong lacrosse future in West Dallas.