Voice of Hope Lacrosse Camp

This week I had the opportunity to work with boys and girls from Voice of Hope. Seeing the way the kids picked up the game so fast and how much they enjoyed us being there to teach them a new sport that they usually would not be able to see, is always fun to see. Being around kids who are picking up a lacrosse stick for the very first time and are trying to learn the sport is a nice reward for the volunteers. We were able to hand out a couple of sticks to the boys and girls at the camp. Hopefully having a stick at home will help them become encouraged to play more and also help spread lacrosse to their friends and family. I love volunteering at camps like this because for one week I am a part of bringing kids something new and fun that they will not forget. Having camps like this can really impact the lives of some kids, which would be my favorite part about volunteering at camps. I enjoyed this week and hope to do it again soon.

- Lizbeth | Summer Intern

Girls Empowerment

"At the Girls Empowerment Clinic this past Sunday, I was so pleased at the number of girls who came and participated. All of the girls were fully engaged, excited to learn new skills and review basics before the season began. The different drills allowed each girl to show off her strengths and work on her weaknesses. The girls already had the basics down, so we were able to introduce new ideas such as crease rolls and multiple dodges. They picked up these skills exceptionally fast and demonstrated what they learned in the scrimmage at the end of the clinic. Their favorite drill, however, seemed to be the dogfights, where the competitive spirit definitely came out. After giving my presentation on Title IX and healthy lifestyles, they asked myself and the other coaches a few questions about our experiences.  I am so glad I got the opportunity to host this clinic. It is nice to see younger girls taking an interest in the sport and really wanting to advance themselves as players, showing a true passion for the game. After playing for so many years, it was great to spread my knowledge of the game and help others who are just starting lacrosse."

- Coach Emily | Plano Premier

"When we picked Elizabeth up from the workshop I was expecting her to be tired after a full afternoon. Instead she was excited about what she had learned and about the upcoming lacrosse season. She enjoying hearing from the young women who lead the workshop and told us first the information/statistics about how girls in lacrosse or other organized sports tend to have higher academic achievement and better fitness and health as an adult. She also had a clear idea about the healthiness of different snacks.  She was very excited about her shorts as well! (thank you).  She described the coaches as personable and friendly.  She was appreciated learning and practicing offensive techniques such as dodges.  Although physically tired she was enthusiastic about her sport.  This workshop was a great way to start the spring season."

- Mother of a BRIDGE player | Irma Rangel Lady Panthers

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West Dallas Lacrosse Festival

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.

BRIDGE Expands into West Dallas Over the Summer

This summer has been a busy one for BRIDGE Lacrosse Dallas as they aimed to introduce lacrosse to low-to-moderate income youth boys and girls in South and West Dallas and Oak Cliff.

In the later month of May, BRIDGE was approached by four different organizations, primarily in the West Dallas and Oak Cliff area, expressing an interest in bringing lacrosse to their communities. BRIDGE was excited about the opportunity to branch out into the nontraditional communities and created summer partnerships with Girls, Inc., Lakewest Family YMCA, Nash-Davis Recreation Center and Promise House, hosting seven lacrosse clinics throughout June and July.

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The Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge

All of the lacrosse clinics were instructed by girl and boy high school lacrosse players from various teams around the DFW metroplex including; Parish Episcopal, Jesuit, Hillcrest, ESD, St. Mark’s, Hockaday, Greenhill, Irma Rangel, Plano Premier, Keller, McKinney, Coppell and Lake Highlands. Volunteers were able to receive school community service hours for their time with BLD.

William Long, a current player on the Parish Episcopal men’s lacrosse team, explains why he enjoyed volunteering his time with BRIDGE:

“The experience is truly special because you get to work with kids from all levels of the sport doing what we love, teaching underserved kids teamwork, camaraderie, and the game of lacrosse.”

As in previous years, BLD also teamed up with their South Dallas summer partners, Circle of Support and Heart of a Warrior, both hosts of summer programs for youth that is highly focused in academics and various enrichment opportunities, one being the introduction of lacrosse. With the help of 38 lacrosse volunteers, BRIDGE Lacrosse Dallas was able to serve over 380 youth boys and girls and provide an opportunity to learn a new sport typically not found within their communities.