GRANTS AVAILABLE FROM US LACROSSE

BALTIMORE - US Lacrosse is now accepting applications for the 2004 cycle of youth equipment grants, Positive Coaching Alliance workshop grants and coaches travel clinic grants. The deadline for grant applications has been extended to Oct. 24, 2003.

This year marks the fifth year of the US Lacrosse Youth Equipment Grant Program and US Lacrosse expects to furnish up to 26 start-up boys and girls youth and high school lacrosse teams with a full set of equipment. Applicant programs must reside in developing lacrosse areas throughout the country and have demonstrated financial need. Some of the equipment grants will be designated for BRIDGE Lacrosse programs. BRIDGE lacrosse (Building Relationships to Initiate Diversity, Growth and Enrichment) is an initiative helping to develop the sport and youths in under-served communities, led by a formal committee of the US Lacrosse Youth Council.

US Lacrosse is pleased to offer the equipment grants with the continuing support of equipment manufacturers and retailers such as Bacharach Rasin, Brine, deBeer, Laxworld, Shamrock Lacrosse, Sports Her Way, STX , Sport Helmets and Warrior Lacrosse. Beyond several packages of 2004 line equipment, STX has also generously provided nearly $80,000 retail value of inventoried equipment for distribution to US Lacrosse-affiliated BRIDGE lacrosse programs this year.

The Positive Coaching Alliance is a fourth-year national partner of US Lacrosse and has a mission of "transforming youth sports so sports can transform youth." US Lacrosse has 10 PCA workshop grants available for this year. The grants cover the cost of a one-day PCA "Double-Goal Coach Workshop," including materials for up to 200 participants. During this workshop, coaches receive practical and effective tools to help athletes perform at their best while developing skills to excel in life. Coaches explore PCA's three guiding principles--Honoring the Game, Redefining "Winner" and Filling the "Emotional Tank"--and share ideas about how to incorporate these principles into their practices and games.

Through the US Lacrosse Coaches Travel Clinic Program, high-level lacrosse coaches travel to developing areas of lacrosse to share their knowledge at coach and player clinics. The traveling coaches can speak on numerous topics, demonstrate special skills and more. Guidance is provided to the traveling clinicians regarding US Lacrosse coaching philosophy and skills instruction (in accordance with the US Lacrosse Coaches Education Program). Any program or clinic organizer in an area new to lacrosse is encouraged to apply. The program covers the cost of the coach's mode of travel to the site. All on-site expenses, including accommodations, must be covered by the organization sponsoring the clinic. For the 2004 season, travel expenses for seven women's lacrosse coaches and seven men's lacrosse coaches will be granted.

To support these or other US Lacrosse programs through financial or in-kind donations, please contact US Lacrosse at info@uslacrosse.org.

US Lacrosse, a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization, is the national governing body of men's and women's lacrosse.

- # # # -