NGYL is a developmental lacrosse program for girls in grades 1-8 who live in and/or attend school in Needham. Our primary season is in the spring, though we often provide lacrosse activities in the fall, including Fall Ball (a 4-5 week series of games in the "small ball" format) and occasional clinics.
Our Spring season runs from April 1st through mid-June and provides opportunities for girls to participate in clinic programs (first and second grade), travel teams (third through eighth grade).
Please check our website regularly for updates and information, including links to summer lacrosse programs, club teams and other resources for parents, players and coaches.
Equipment Needs
Are you a new lacrosse player trying to figure out what equipment you need?
Are you an existing player who would like to upgrade her stick from the one you bought 4 years ago?
Required Lacrosse Equipment
Women’s lacrosse stick
Lacrosse goggles
Mouthguard
Stick
A complete women’s stick (shaft and strung head)
Expensive sticks are designed for experienced players who are looking for a specific set of attributes, some of which make them hard to use for newer players
The regulations around stringing have been liberalized in the past few years (mesh is now legal in the women’s game), but you must have a stick for women’s lacrosse
For younger (grades 1-6) players
We generally recommend against purchasing a “youth” stick – your young player will be better served by growing into a standard stick
Do NOT purchase a “mini” stick
The shaft of the stick can be cut down if it is interfering with your player’s throwing/catching/cradling action, but please wait until the first practice to get your coach’s input before cutting the shaft
An entry-level complete stick typically costs $35-$50.
Most manufacturers offer “Beginner” or “Starter” packages with an entry-level stick and goggles (in a range of colors), plus either a stick bag or backpack (generally in the $80-$100 range)
For older (grades 7-8) players
If your player might be interested in playing in high school, consider a higher-end stick
Composite shafts are available range of shapes and sizes, and feel warmer during cold practices
Heads designed to optimize for different skills, such as ground balls, accurate shooting, quick release, etc. are available
A mid-range complete stick is typically in the $70-$140 range
Lacrosse Goggles
Beginning in 2020, all field players must wear protective eye gear that is SEI certified to meet the ASTM F3077 standard
You can find a list of approved lacrosse goggles here on the US Lacrosse website
It has been our experience that “mini” or “youth” goggles are often too small, even for younger players
Lacrosse goggles have a rigid frame/cage that can be very uncomfortable if ill-fitting – it is a good idea to have your player try on the goggles before purchase (remember, they are worn for the entire practice and games)
Mouthguards
All players must use a mouthguard
Mouthguards must be colored (other than white)
For field players, no straps or tabs may protrude from the mouthguard
Most mouthguards can be molded to your player’s mouth at home, but this type of mouthguard is not appropriate for players with braces
Non-moldable mouthguards are available for players with braces
Consider a hard case for your player’s mouthguard – wet mouthguards and plastic baggies are frequently a poor combination
It is a good idea to have a backup mouthguard in your player’s gear – they cannot play without one and mouthguards are frequently lost or chewed into bits
Additional Equipment
Footwear: our teams play on natural grass and artificial turf fields
Soccer or lacrosse cleats are suitable for all surfaces, wet or dry
Sneakers generally work well on dry grass and turf, but can be dangerously slippery when conditions are wet
Turf shoes are great for wet or dry turf or dry grass, but can be slippery on wet grass
Gloves: girls’ lacrosse gloves (or any light glove with a non-slippery palm) can be helpful during cold practices and games – boys’ lacrosse gloves are not appropriate
Balls: NGYL supplies balls for practices and games, but consider purchasing a few for your player to use at home (but leave these at home – we have yet to find a way to mark balls in a way that stays legible after more than a few minutes of use)
Parents or siblings can help their player with catching/throwing skills at home – if you have a lacrosse stick, great, but a parent or sibling with a baseball/softball mitt is a great practice partner
Clothing: Your registration fee includes a uniform for your player, but clothing layers are necessary for cold conditions (players may wear layers under their uniform during games)
Where To Shop
Metro-West lacrosse-focused stores
Lacrosse Unlimited (55 Central St., Wellesley)
Monkey Sports (949 Providence Hwy, Norwood)
Metro-West sporting goods stores with lacrosse gear
Please use the Field Status tab on the left to check if a field is open or closed. Park and Recreation updates field status after 3:00pm on weekdays and posts it to the website.
Park and Recreation asks that you do not call the office for this information. Whenever possible, NGYL coaches or administration will notify teams of field closures. Thank you!
