Learning the ropes

Times Editor

 

Despite their age differences, the Strathmore Venom tyke team is making huge strides for the future early this lacrosse season.

The tyke squad, which is generally filled with 7-8 year olds, also includes kids from the mini-tykes program (ages 5-6) to comprise the local beginner level team.

Even though their age may range by a few years, head coach Scott Fargey says keeping the players interested in the sport is the most important thing for the association to grow.

“The more kids we get involved in the grassroots level, the (better),” said Fargey, who is also the Vice President of Strathmore Minor Lacrosse. “All of the top kids in our peewee, bantam, midget and junior levels are all kids that started here as tykes and novices. If we can develop them from that stage, they become real good lacrosse players.

“If we lose those kids at a young age, then we’re in trouble as an association.”

According to Fargey, it is important for the kids to have fun and want to come to the rink every chance they get.

On designated game days, the tyke team takes the first half-hour to practice, before taking part in two 15-minute periods versus the competition.

So far the Venom have played a handful of games, including a home contest this past weekend (May 14) at the Strathmore Family Centre.

“We’re a really young tyke team – we don’t have enough kids to have a mini-tyke team,” said Fargey. “Most of them are doing really well at developing their basic skills. Most of them have never held a lacrosse stick and it is not as easy as it looks – we (teach them) the fundamentals like passing, catching and basic ball-cradling skills. That’s where we started and they’ve definitely progressed a long way.”