Youth Inc. Recommends: Five Resources to Help You Understand if You’re Ready for Club Lacrosse

Club lacrosse can be a big leap — in commitment, competition, and cost. It’s not always clear when a player is ready for that leap, or even what readiness looks like. These five resources provide insight from coaches, athletes, and parents to help you decide whether now’s the right time, or if it’s better to wait. 

This is for anyone asking: Should we do club next season? Or keep building locally for now? 

5 Signs Your Kid Is Ready for Travel Sports

What it is: A quick read with clear markers — like self-motivation, emotional maturity, and willingness to sacrifice — that can help parents evaluate whether travel sports are the right fit. 

Why we like it: This one’s parent-focused, not performance-focused. It’s about whether your kid is ready for the lifestyle, not just the competition.

How to Prepare for Lacrosse Tryouts: Advice From a Pro

What it is: An interview with pro lacrosse player Alie Jimerson, offering mental and physical strategies for crushing tryouts — from confidence to conditioning. 

Why we like it: If your athlete is considering club, they’ll likely have to try out. This article helps them walk in with a plan, not just a stick.

What Age Should Kids Start Playing Travel Sports?

What it is: A Pure Athlete podcast episode debating whether there is a “right age” to go all-in — featuring personal stories, hot takes, and counterpoints. 

Why we like it: It doesn’t pretend there’s one answer. Instead, it explores how age, location, puberty, and personality all play a role. Great for families trying to zoom out and think long-term.

Lacrosse Tryouts 101: How to Impress Coaches and Make the Team

What it is: A checklist of what coaches look for at tryouts, with tips on body language, stick skills, and teamwork. 

Why we like it: This one’s super actionable. Whether or not your athlete makes the team, they’ll walk in better prepared and more confident.

Is Your Child Ready for a Travel Team?

What it is: A thoughtful breakdown of the mental, emotional, and logistical demands of travel sports — including good questions for families to discuss. 

Why we like it: It zooms out from lacrosse specifically to help families reflect: What are we hoping to get out of this? And what are we giving up to get it?