New Lacrosse League Starts in Malibu

The city of Malibu's is partnering with the Los Angeles Lacrosse League to present the 2012 Malibu youth lacrosse program. With such a great community of healthy, energetic and fun families, Malibu is the perfect place to grow a youth lacrosse league.

Lacrosse has become one of the most popular sports in Malibu since it was first introduced around 15 years ago by Josh Waldbaum. From those early youth teams to middle school teams to club lacrosse at the high school level, children have loved the sport. Since the lacrosse program became a member of CIF, it has enjoyed success at both the varsity and junior varsity levels. The high school program will begin next month, with preseason conditioning occurring now.  

The Malibu chapter of the LA Lacrosse League is offering a two-month clinic on Sundays in January and February from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Malibu High. The program begins with instruction of fundamentals and then progresses to team practices and games starting in February, with the official league launch in March.  

Teams will be split into four divisions for age groups ranging from under-9 to 15 and under. Team practices will take place each Sunday in February at the same time as the clinics and Tuesday and/or Thursday during the regular season for the older ages. Games will start in March and continue through May, with both inner-league contests and games with other leagues in the surrounding area.

"I'm just super excited to bring the LA Lacrosse League to Malibu," said Charlie Meister, board president of LA Lacrosse. "It's gone from club teams at the high school level to a community mentality. Any young kid can learn this sport. There is a position for everyone. I think this is great for the city of Malibu." 

More than 40 young boys ranging in ages 6 to 13 participated in last week's clinic. This Sunday promises to be another strong turnout. No previous experience is necessary.  

Anyone interested in joining the Malibu lacrosse program should go to www.malibulacrosse.org, call 310-562-2399 or send an email to brant@brantdidden.com.

Brant Didden is a coach and volunteer for the Malibu youth lacrosse program.