New lacrosse club searching for players across southern Ontario
Southern Ontario United Lacrosse Club will be based in Marden
MARDEN – The Southern Ontario United Lacrosse Club (SOUL), based in Marden, is on the hunt for players to compete and travel across Canada and the United States.
SOUL is an independent lacrosse club that hopes to give youth players an opportunity to be scouted in both Canada and the U.S.
“We’re looking to take teams into tournaments down to the U.S. and across Canada,” said Stan May, SOUL’s owner and program director.
“By making it a club we can grab kids from all over southern Ontario, hence the name ... And then we can get these kids the exposure they need to keep up with field lacrosse down in the States.”
Youth born between 2013 and 2016 will have their first tryout June 1. May will also be putting together a high school elite team.
While lacrosse is a growing sport in Canada, competing in the United States comes with its benefits.
“As far as field lacrosse goes, it is a lot bigger down in the States right now and in order for them to get the exposure ... a lot of kids go down to play NCAA lacrosse in the States, they get partial scholarships and stuff and a good education ...
“So you can get them that exposure, to get them that education, and get them what they deserve,” said May.
“They [American teams]can literally go nine months down there playing field lacrosse because they don’t have the winter we do.”
May said he chose Marden as the club’s home base because of its location.
“Rather than me being in Guelph or somewhere, this is a central location where I can grab kids from three, four or five different centres all within a half hour drive,” said May.
While he is the director of the club, he says the real change makers are the young coaches he’s brought on.
“I’ve brought in five young coaches right now that are all Junior A coaches. They’re all playing either Junior lacrosse, have played junior ... and the high level lacrosse, and they’re all certified, either certified referees or certified coaches already,” said May.
“They’ve all also grown up playing here. So these are all people who want to give back to the community and I love that about all these young gentlemen.”
Those interested in trying out for the club, or looking for more information can contact May on Facebook at Southern Ontario United Lacrosse or visit southernontariounitedlacrosseclub.ca.
