Charlotte Spring Lacrosse League

CLA Charlotte • Boys & Girls • Grades K–8

A fun, developmental, community-based Spring lacrosse experience for players in South Charlotte, Matthews, Pineville, and Fort Mill.

Quick Overview

This league is held in South Charlotte and serves the communities of Charlotte, Matthews, Pineville, Fort Mill and surrounding areas. For Spring 2025, practices and games are held locally to ensure an accessible, convenient, family-friendly recreation experience.

Players register by grade level and placed onto teams based on school, location and/or roster meeds.

Throughout the season, teams will:

• Practice twice per week (K–1 once per week)
• Play Saturday games against other Charlotte Spring League teams
• Participate in an end-of-season Spring Jamboree

Players must be registered by January 25 to guarantee participation in the Spring. Players registering after this date (if spots remain) will be randomly assigned to teams.

Our goal is to provide a fun, affordable, community-driven lacrosse experience that supports long-term development and creates a clear pathway from Rec → Travel.

Our Development Approach

CLA practices focus on skill development, confidence, and fun over plays and systems. Teams use a station-based model run by CLA staff to fast-track development before breaking into team-specific work.

Better skills create a better experience. Our system builds fundamentals and prepares athletes for future CLA Travel opportunities.

StartLax (Grades K–2) – 3v3

StartLax is our low-pressure, high-energy entry point into lacrosse. No pads required. We provide sticks or players may bring their own. Soft balls and mini goals keep the game safe and fun. These sessions may be Co-Ed and we utilize the FREE PLAY approach and philosophy to these sessions. (Focus is FUN and MOVEMENT instead of constant drills and strategy)

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

K–1 Division (4v4)

The K–1 Division is perfect for families wanting the full padded lacrosse experience instead of StartLax. Athletes play 4v4 on short-sided fields using real sticks and balls. Games are played without goalies at this age for safety. All players rotate positions every 5 minutes so they experience offense, defense, and transition equally. Training & Games are held on the SAME DAY (30 Minutes of Training followed by 60 Minutes of Games)

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

2nd–3rd Grade Division (7v7)

The 2nd–3rd Grade Division introduces the 7v7 lacrosse format with six field players and one goalie. Goalies receive structured training, and if no dedicated goalie exists, all players rotate once during the season. Practices focus on fundamentals, spacing, and fast-paced decision-making. Players rotate positions every 5 minutes throughout games so they learn attack, midfield, defense, and goalie responsibilities. This division practices twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays while playing in games on Saturdays.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

4th–5th Grade Division (10v10 Full Field)

The 4th–5th Grade Division plays full-field 10v10 (boys) or full-field 11v11 (girls) lacrosse. Teams with a dedicated goalie operate normally; otherwise, athletes rotate into the position during the season. Training focuses on full-field movement, spacing, and improved lacrosse IQ. Players rotate positions every 5 minutes so they learn attack, midfield, defense, and transition roles. Teams Practice twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays at Elon Park with Games on Saturdays.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

Middle School (Grades 6–8)

The Middle School Division is designed for players who do not have a school team or those seeking extra reps. Teams practice twice per week for 75 minutes and play full-field 10v10 / 11v11 games against area programs. This prepares players for high school lacrosse.

Weekly Games TBA -- Games will be held on mostly weeknights against local area MS programs.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

Equipment Needed

All players (except StartLax) must have full lacrosse equipment. Boys: Helmet, gloves, shoulder pads, arm pads, stick, mouthguard, cleats. Girls: Goggles/Helmet, stick, mouthguard, cleats.

Refund Policy

CLA does not issue refunds. Instead, families may receive a program credit based on the timing of withdrawal.

Referral Program

When a new family registers and lists your player on their form, you receive a $25 credit toward any future CLA program. Unlimited referrals may be earned.

Division Adjustments

CLA may adjust division formats, team counts, or practice structures based on total registration and what is best for overall development. Player experience comes first.

Volunteer Coaches Needed

We are looking for positive, committed volunteer coaches. Volunteer coaches receive an apparel package and work directly with CLA staff to deliver our development system. Boys Coaches Apply: Email jhamilton@clalax.com. Girls Coaches Apply: Email kcrum@clalax.com

Sponsorship Opportunities

Local businesses may sponsor the league or specific team reversibles. Sponsorship includes logo placement and community visibility.

Contact Information