Lacrosse association to offer camps for girls

The recent Spring Youth Festival, hosted by the Illinois Girls Lacrosse Association, was a testament of the growing popularity of the sport here in Illinois.

More than 80 girls lacrosse teams participated in the all-day event June 8 that included games across 10 fields, free clinics for parents and children, and a variety of vendors supporting the growth and influence of lacrosse in the state.

The Spring Youth Festival took place at Hassert Park in Crest Hill and was organized to celebrate the last day of the IGLA Spring League.

"Teaching young girls how to play lacrosse is truly a rewarding experience," stated Lynn Merrill, managing director of the Illinois Girls Lacrosse Association.

"Every day we're not only teaching these girls about throwing, catching, scoring and defense, but also about teamwork, discipline, confidence and sportsmanship - important life skills used both on and off the field. The Spring Youth Festival was the celebration of all these developed skills while having fun playing lacrosse."

With the spring league coming to a close, IGLA is now preparing for its season of summer camps to begin.

IGLA's summer lacrosse camps are run through local park districts for 3- to 4-day sessions and are designed for both beginners and experienced players. The first camps begin June 16 in Barrington and Glen Ellyn. Other summer locations include Addison, Carol Stream, Chicago, Elmhurst, Glencoe, Glenview, Gurnee, Highland Park, Hinsdale, Huntley, Lake Forest, Lake Zurich, Lockport, River Forest, and Wilmette.

IGLA offers lacrosse camps and leagues throughout the year for girls in first through ninth grades.

For more information about the Illinois Girls Lacrosse Association, including summer camps and fall leagues, visit www.iglax.org.