Young athletes learn about field lacrosse during Estevan clinics

The Estevan Lacrosse Association took another step towards bringing field lacrosse to the community on Saturday.

A field lacrosse clinic was held at the Panteluk Athletic Field south of the Estevan Comprehensive School. Guest instructors Joseph LaPrairie and Adam Stewart offered tips to the local youths in attendance.

“We’re here to show the game and show the difference between box lacrosse indoors and field lacrosse outdoors, and the avenues … and opportunities that can open up in the field lacrosse game,” said LaPrairie.

Field lacrosse isn’t as fast-paced or chaotic as box lacrosse, but brings a different strategy and techniques, and it can open doors to scholarships for young people, he said.

“I’m excited that Estevan’s starting this up, and it’s big for field lacrosse … in Saskatchewan, and I’m excited to see where things go in this corner of the province,” said LaPrairie.

Separate sessions were held for under-13, under-15 and under-18 age groups. Braydon Krahn, the president of the Estevan Lacrosse Association, said they had 21 young people registered.

“They’re learning the different technical aspects of the field game. It plays a lot different than box. Obviously being grass compared to cement, picking up the ball’s a lot different, and it doesn’t bounce around as much.”

While field lacrosse is new to Estevan, Krahn said they’re trying to grow interest in the sport.

This year they hope to have some practices and exhibition games, and, if possible, some tournaments.

Next week’s edition of the Mercury will have more on this story.