Kids invited to learn about lacrosse

Local lacrosse enthusiasts are holding events this weekend to encourage children ages 5 to 14 and their parents to learn more about the sport and to support the new local lacrosse club, “Northern Siege.”

On Saturday, a clinic is being held for those children who may be interested in lacrosse but have little experience with the sport. “Learn to LAX” will be held Saturday, Jan. 19 at the Fond du Lac Tribal Center on Big Lake Road from 11 a.m. to 4:40 p.m. The club will supply all the equipment necessary, so players just need to show up and not worry about bringing balls, sticks, or other gear.

“Lacrosse is a great sport. I was hooked immediately, and so were my kids,” said Sean Hall, the new Northern Siege president. “I’ve been active the past few years with the Arrowhead Titans, and as interest in lacrosse grew so rapidly each year, it became pretty obvious that we needed our own local club,” he said.

And a fundraiser will be held that evening starting at 6 p.m., at Eskomo Pizza Pies in Esko, where team leaders have been meeting as they plan the upcoming summer season. The fundraiser features a pizza buffet and a silent auction, and plenty of talk about lacrosse. Team leaders hope for a large turnout from families interested in the sport. Players will also be able to register for summer leagues, starting this Saturday at the fundraiser.

Hall said that there were 25 players the first year, and by the fourth year more than 250 kids were participating. With increased interest from Carlton County players, Hall knew it was time to start a local club, and the Siege was born.

“We expect quite a few players to sign up this weekend,” he said. “There’s already 80 or so U-8 through U-14 players coming over from the Titans, so our new club should be competitive. We have enough coaches, but we can always use more parents’ participation,” he added.

Team leaders see a local club as a good chance to keep games local.

“We’ll play the various Arrowhead Titans teams, which will keep games local,” Hall said. “We won’t have to drive to Blaine anymore to find teams to play,” he said.

More information on the clinic and the fundraiser can be found at facebook.com/NorthernSiegeLacrosse. The team also has a website at https://tshq.bluesombrero.com/Default.aspx?tabid=2505798