East Bay Lacrosse recently celebrated its new adaptive lacrosse program — it offered a modified version of lacrosse designed to be accessible and inclusive for individuals with a wide range of abilities.

Dozens of volunteers partnered with more than 20 players, creating an inclusive, instructive and fun environment. 

“At East Bay Lacrosse, we’re a developmental program committed to helping young athletes grow both on and off the field,” wrote league official Greg Blanco in a message to the Barrington Times. “Our mission is to create a safe, supportive, and fun environment where players of all abilities can learn, play, and thrive.”

Blanco added: “it represents everything youth sports should be: inclusive, empowering, and focused on making sure every child has the opportunity to experience the game and truly feel like they belong.”

East Bay Lacrosse partnered with Amanda Hope for the adaptive program. League leaders also met with Chuck Pointer, an official with the Barrington Youth Soccer Association, to help set up the adaptive program. 

Pointer and BYSA recently established TOPS soccer program, which caters to young soccer players of all abilities. In addition, East Bay Lacrosse reached out to Barbara Nozaki and the Barrington Middle School unified sports community. 

Those connections proved very successful as nearly two dozen young athletes participated in the adaptive lacrosse program. The first-year venture also attracted a number of eager volunteers. 

Cat Horn, Leslie Saylor, Barbara Nozaki and Anna Johnson served as coaches for the adaptive lacrosse program, while a number of local high school lacrosse players stepped forward to volunteer. 

Amanda Hope was very excited to see the adaptive program have such a successful first year. 

“Super rewarding to see this come together!” Hope wrote in a message to the Barrington Times. “Especially rewarding to be told by families that it was the best sporting experience they have had. Rewarding to see the athletes learning and playing with our high school volunteers. 

“We had volunteers from Barrington, Bishop Hendricken, LaSalle, Lincoln and Moses Brown all coming together for a great common goal — sports inclusion and accessibility for all kids! Our adult coaches were instrumental in this success: Cat Horn, Barbara Nozaki, Leslie Saylor and Anna Johnson.”

Hope said the adaptive lacrosse program is just getting started.

“With the support of East Bay Lacrosse, this program will continue to develop and improve in the future,” she wrote. 

The adaptive lacrosse program provided the equipment and plenty of enthusiasm.

“We used a variety of different sticks, sizes and styles to meet the needs of each player,” Hope wrote. “We used softer lacrosse balls as well … mixed in with the standard balls. We incorporated a lot of fun training tools such as: music, agility ladders and obstacles!”

• Volunteers: Julia Alessandro, Brice Antonio, Kristen Antonio, Avery Blanco, Greg Blanco, Morgan Boss, Paige Davignon, Vivian Davignon, Lachlan Got, Cohen Got, Thayer Got, Nina Hanson, Peyton Hillier, Amanda Hope, Cat Horn, Dylan Ignall, Deb Isdale, Anna Johnson, Cooper Johnson, William Luttrell, Will Marchal, Barbara Nozaki, Lily O’Neill, Sydney Oswald, Bennett Owens, Ryan Owens, Ellie Palmeiri, Max Parylak, Molly Reagan, Luca Rigamonti, Leslie Saylor, Sophia Scandura, Sadie Schiller, Jack Treat, Archie Turgeon, Ruby Turgeon, Sadie Warner, Grace Wilson

• Players: Emerson Hope, Kaylee Johnston, Connor Johnston, Isaiah Reels, Jr., Matteo Fine, Leora Fine, Piper Cirillo, Jayden Dixon, Mackenzie Bonhomme, Jack Plasko, June Gaito, Laila Subat, Kyella Rose, Greyson Chapman, Jack Young, Leonardo Salas, Bennett Davignon, Aspen Miller, Sean Miller, Colin Pickering