Boston Youth Lacrosse— a consolidation of the South Boston Youth Lacrosse and the Dorchester Youth Lacrosse programs— will open its outdoor practice season this Saturday for boys (weather permitting) at Moakley Park at 12-2 p.m.

The Dorchester and South Boston programs have each been around for close to 20 years. Both programs felt it would be better to merge the programs under one banner and increase the numbers of players.

“Over the past 20 years, we have had many of our players play at top private schools in the area,” said Bob Ferrara, the league’s director. “And many play for the Boston Latin Boys and Girls teams. After high school our players have gone on to play in many different colleges. As coaches, we believe kids should be exposed to as many sports as possible.”

Teams are a first come first serve program, according to Ferrara, who said there are no tryouts.

“The first 20 players that sign up for each of the teams are on the team. Twenty players is the ideal number of players to make sure each player gets enough playing time and has a positive experience,” he said.

The league sells new lacrosse sticks for $30 and will provide equipment on a “first come, first serve basis starting with the youngest teams.”
Players in grades 1-4 will practice Saturday from noon- 1 p.m. Grades 5-8 will practice from 1-2 p.m. If it is bad weather, teams will practice at the Condon Community School in South Boston at 2:30 (grades 1-4) and 3:30 p.m. (grades 5-8).

Parents and guardians can register at the Boston Youth Lacrosse Association at bostonyouthlacrosse.org. Or email Bob Ferrara at rwferrara@gmail.com with any questions.