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 participate in a January player combine led by CLA staff and volunteer coaches. After the combine, players are drafted onto teams led by the volunteer coaches —each with a unique name and custom reversible through our Signature Locker system.

Throughout the season, teams will:

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

Registration Timeline

• Black Friday Discount: Through Sunday, November 30
• Standard Registration: Through December 25
• Late Registration: Begins December 26 (if spots remain)

Players must be registered by December 25 to guarantee participation in the draft. 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. Players rotate naturally through offensive and defensive roles every few minutes to build confidence and game understanding. This was our highest-rated START program last fall.

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.

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.

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.

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 90 minutes and play full-field 10v10 / 11v11 games against area programs. This prepares players for high school lacrosse.

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. Credits never expire and may be transferred to siblings.

• 100% Credit: If cancellation occurs before the Combine.
• 50% Credit: If cancellation occurs after the Combine but before teams and schedules are finalized.
• No Credits: After teams and schedules are released.

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