FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Wilmington Wings Girls Lacrosse Program
The Wings Girls Lacrosse Program is a non-profit, community-based, recreation lacrosse program established to serve youth athletes from Kindergarten through 8th grade. The Wings Girls Lacrosse Program is affiliated with the Philadelphia Area Girls Lacrosse Association (PAGLA) (http://pagla.org).
The Wings Girls Lacrosse Program (WGL) is run by volunteer coaches and program directors/coordinators. Our goal is for athletes to have fun while learning and developing in the game of lacrosse. Sportsmanship and teamwork are emphasized at ALL levels. Beginners are taught basic skills and a broad sense of positioning. Experienced players are taught advanced skills, tactical play, and specific positioning.
Who can I reach out to with questions about the Wings Girls Lacrosse Program?
Program Director, Erin Walther: erin@wilmingtonlacrosse.com
Coaching Director, Becca
Wings Executive Director (boys & girls), Erin Walther: erin
Can my daughter play for WGL if she has never played lacrosse?
Absolutely! We welcome all skill levels to our program, and we offer a variety of options to accommodate all ability and interest levels.
If my daughter plays at an advanced level of lacrosse, can she play up a grade level?
PAGLA does not allow girls to play up regardless of their ability. We appreciate that every girl in the program may have a different experience level and, as we continue to grow, our goal is to ensure the program can grow with the skill level of the girls in the program.
What equipment do girls need to play lacrosse?
Girls need cleats, a colored mouth guard, protective eyewear, and a girls lacrosse stick. Helmets are not mandated and are optional. Equipment can be purchased at any store (retail or online) that sells lacrosse equipment. Goaltenders must wear helmet with face mask, gloves, mouth guard, chest and throat protection. Youth goalies are also required to wear pelvic and abdominal padding. Goalie equipment is provided by WLA.
Each year, we have a special Wings’ Appreciate Day at Dick's Sporting Goods where our Wings families receive a special discount and assistance in choosing the right equipment for the game. Wings’ Appreciation Day will be announced later this fall.
How many girls are in the program?
In 2019, we had over 200 girls in our program; registrations were up more than 25% from prior year. We continue to position our program for further growth at all levels, especially our newest group K-2.
REGISTRATION
When does WGL registration open?
Registration opens November 15th and closes January 15th.
Would registration close before January 15?
It is possible. If there are high numbers of girls in a certain age group then registration could close for that specific group before January 15th. Each team has a max number of players to guarantee that all players get playing time during games and so we can ensure appropriate ratio coach to player. Communication of an age group closing will be posted on the website. Register early!
Will registration be extended beyond January 15 as in year’s past?
Registration for teams/age groups that are not "full" based on our coach to player ratio could remain beyond January 15, 2021. However, once registration is closed for a specific age group, we cannot take any more players. Register early!!!
What is the Registration fee for the 2021 season?
K-2: $150
3/4 - 5/6 - 7/8: $275
Is there a payment plan option?
Yes, WLA offers two payment options; pay in full or pay in installments (full payment received by registration close). Installments only a consideration for families registering in November/December. Please see registration details for the terms of the payment plan.
Does WLA offer financial assistance?
Yes, WLA has funds set aside to assist families. We do not want the cost of this sport to prevent young athletes from enjoying this game. If you need financial assistance, go to "Downloads" located in the left column of the Homepage. Print the Financial Assistance doc, complete, and mail!
Is there a new uniform for the 2022 season?
Yes, we attempt to recycle uniforms for at least 2 years with option to purchase new sizes of either item at registration.
Do we need to register our daughter with US Lacrosse?
Yes, all athletes must join or update their US Lacrosse membership before registering to play with Wilmington Lacrosse. US Lacrosse has adopted an age verification system, which includes a review of the birth certificate or other legal documents to confirm a players birth date. Besides membership offerings like Lacrosse Magazine and access to the US Lacrosse convention, US Lacrosse provides insurance coverage (beyond personal coverage) to your children and their coaches. This coverage is also a mandatory requirement for the facilities that we use and for all tournaments, clinics, and camps.
TEAMS
How are the teams grouped, by age or grade?
Our program is grouped by school grade; K-2, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8. Please see the Girls Program tab for specific info on each group. There will be multiple teams within each group, e.g. in 2019 we had 2- 7/8 teams, 3- 5/6 teams, 4- 3/4 teams and 3- K-2 teams.
Will there be tryouts?
Our program strives to offer a place for every lacrosse player. We hold two evaluation dates for each group to make fair and balanced teams at every level.
Where are tryouts?
76ers Field House, 401 Garasches Lane, Wilmington, DE 19801
When are tryouts?
TBD
Do you take team requests?
You may submit a request to the girls’ program directors; however, please know we cannot 100% guarantee your requests. It is our first priority to make fair and balanced teams. Each age group will practice at the same time & place on the same days so carpooling is not an issue. We feel that meeting and making new sport friends is an important component to youth sports.
For the 7/8 teams, what is the expectation for girls who are also playing on their middle & high school teams?
In 2019, we piloted one mandatory and one non-mandatory practice each week (vs. two mandatory practices). This enables our 7/8 girls the flexibility to stay with the Wings Program while still playing for their school. We love that so many of the girls remain active with the Wings Program through eighth grade and following their graduation from the program as Coaching Assistants and Jr. Referees.
SCHEDULE
When does the girls’ season officially start and finish?
The season starts with try-outs in early February at an indoor facility. Pre-season practices begin in early March following team selection. The game schedule will kick-off in late March. The season ends at the end of May.
What are some key dates for the 2021 season?
Team Evaluations (with exception of K-2): TBD
Early Season Practices: March, location TBD
Regular Season: end of March through end of May
When will the full schedule be available?
- Early Season Schedule will be listed on our website in January.
- Please make sure your contact information is listed for all necessary parties that require these updates. It is crucial that this information is in there or you will miss out on important practice and game information.
- Once the teams are formed at the end of February, March-May practice and game schedules will be available online (on your daughter’s team page).
- Please download the SI Play (Sports Illustrated) APP on your mobile phone. This app will keep you up-to-date on any practice or game changes.
What days will my daughter play?
EARLY SEASON (March) applies to 3/4 - 5/6 - 7/8
- We will try to have two weekday practices in the month of March.
- Weeknight practices during March will be determined by facility availability and the weather (which is usually touch and go, so keep a close eye on your emails and the website).
IN SEASON (Apr-May) applies to all programs
- All teams practice twice a week in April and May.
- Games are played on Saturday and/or Sunday. WLA participates in the Pennsylvania Area Girls Youth Lacrosse Assoc. (PAGLA). We may also coordinate intrasquad (Wings vs Wings) games.
- Each team will participate in one Tournament or Playday.
What is the weather policy?
Spring weather can be fickle. Practices and/or games can be cancelled due to extreme weather and/or field conditions. Your player's coach will contact you regarding cancellations. Decisions are made by 4 pm on practice day and as early as possible for game days.
COACHES
How can I volunteer to coach or help out a team?
The Wings Program thrives on volunteers who are generally parents of the players. Each team will have a designated Head Coach who has primary responsibility for maintaining the team schedule, communicate with families, and manage their team. Each team will have a varying number of Assistant Coaches – and volunteers are always welcome – who assist with practices and game management. All of our coaches receive at least minimum training from the league and from US Lacrosse (the national governing body for the sport). Our Program Coordinators for both the boys and girls programs oversee all aspects of our programs – the Coordinators are Board members, as well.
Please consider volunteering so the program can continue to grow and be successful. If you are interested in coaching, please email the Coaching Director - Meghan Cobb, megcobbwings@gmail.com.
