I accidentally deleted the old thread. Oops. Anyway, that gives me a chance to start fresh on my crusade to bring lacrosse to Des Moines.
The Central Iowa Lacrosse Association is steadily growing and is expecting a surge after last week's Des Moines Register Article. We are planning our third informal practice (or "Toss Around," as we call it) this Saturday at noon. Participation doubled from the first to the second and a good time was had by all at both events.
Sometime between mid May and early June, CILA plans to offer a recreational pick up league. This league is intended to be as low cost as possible - hopefully completely free! Unfortunately, each participant must furnish his own lacrosse sticks and lacrosse or hockey protective equipment. We will encourage participants to purchase lacrosse specific helmets, gloves, and pads, but we will not require it for 2009. Much like playing ice hockey at the MISF, there will be a liability waiver; we will also encourage, but not require, participants to register with US Lacrosse. We hope to have clinics as well this summer; a few University of Iowa and Iowa State Univeristy lacrosse players have mentioned helping us out with them.
In addition to the open program offered by CILA, Valley High School helps sponsor a club team. The Valley Tigers Lacrosse Club consists of students from Valley and Waukee and plays in the Nebraska High School League. Most of these players are in their first year of lacrosse; some never even touched a stick before their first practice!
CILA recognizes that lacrosse has been more or less nonexistent in the Des Moines metro area (and the state of Iowa in general) and chooses to focus on developing players and building skills while having fun. The Toss Around events lend themselves ideally to this philosophy. We bring a mix of experience and our members love working with newcomers and seasoned vets alike. The group seeks to increase the sport's presence in the metro and invites any adults or high school students that may be interested to come out and give it a try. Everyone is welcome!
Stop by the website or contact me for more information.
-Adam Edgington

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Hockey is love. Lacrosse is passion.

We are planning on holding our Fourth Toss Around on Saturday at 12:00 PM! Once again we will be at Valley SouthWoods so that we can have access to the goals if we want/need to. I'm not sure what the turnout will be like as many of the Valley players will be taking the ACT and the weather is showing decent temps (55) but a 40% chance of rain. Check this site before heading out on Saturday if the weather is questionable; I'll make a decision and post it as soon as I know for sure. Rest assured that if there is lightning, we definitely will not be having our Toss Around.
As always, we will do what we can to have extra sticks, but it makes life easier for all of us if you bring your own or at least let me know you are coming! Scheels is rumored to be building a lacrosse section, so check them out or just order one online.

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Hockey is love. Lacrosse is passion.

Summer Open Lacrosse League information is now posted on the Valley site and the Central Iowa Lacrosse Association! Did I mention that there is no cost?

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Hockey is love. Lacrosse is passion.

Today I am happy to report that the registration period is officially open! There is an option to register online or via mail. Registration will be open through September and to October 15; paper registration forms and checks must be mailed by October 12.
Right now the registration cost is listed as $50. This figure is based on an assumption of 40 participating players and is an equal share of the facility rental fee. If we somehow fall short, registered players will be contacted about potential increases to the fees. I am not taking a cut from the league dues.
For the full forms and information, visit the Central Iowa Lacrosse Association homepage.http://centraliowalacrosse.sports.officelive.com

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Hockey is love. Lacrosse is passion.