Ashland, MA – 12/16/2025 – In a landmark move designed to strengthen youth lacrosse in the region, fifteen community-based youth lacrosse programs across Maine will now play under the umbrella of Massachusetts Youth Lacrosse (MYL) beginning in the 2026 season.

This new partnership is poised to provide Maine’s youth lacrosse programs with a comprehensive framework of support, including structured scheduling, consistent rules of play, resources for town based youth lacrosse development and access to an experienced board, and staff dedicated to cultivating the sport at the grassroots level.

”Partnering with MYL is a terrific opportunity to support many crucial aspects of lacrosse in our state. I am most excited for the coach education, the community outreach through free learn to play clinics, and foundational structure for towns. This support from MYL will provide longevity for our volunteers and continued growth for lacrosse in Maine! 

“Our kids deserve this opportunity and we are so grateful for MYL’s consideration. The future is bright for the game of lacrosse in our great state of Maine!” said Sarah Varney, Falmouth (ME) Youth Lacrosse Association’s Girls Director.

Enhancing the Lacrosse Experience for Maine Youth

The integration with MYL means that players, coaches, and families in the fifteen participating Maine towns will benefit from:

• Standardized Scheduling: Games, jamborees, and additional opportunities to play will be coordinated using MYL’s established scheduling system, ensuring fairness and balance across all teams.

• Consistent Rules: All programs will adhere to MYL’s set of rules, promoting safety, fair competition, and a clear understanding of the game for players, coaches, and referees alike.

• Board and Staff Support: Maine programs will have access to MYL’s experienced administrative team, which provides training, operational guidance, and organizational leadership.

• Coach Education: Coaches will have access to MYL’s proven system of coach education and support, requiring all coaches to be certified or compliant. Coaches will have access to additional coaching resources such as MYL’s Learn 2 Coach Lax Platform and support through MYL’s Director of Coach and Player Development. 

• Growth Resources: Access to MYL’s development resources will help Maine programs recruit, train, and retain players and coaches, further strengthening the sport’s foundation.

Statements from Leadership

“We are thrilled to welcome Maine’s youth lacrosse programs into the MYL family,” said Kevin Barney, Executive Director of Massachusetts Youth Lacrosse. “This partnership will empower young athletes, provide a clear structure for their development, and ensure that everyone involved enjoys a positive and organized lacrosse experience.”

"Massachusetts Youth Lacrosse provides a best-in-class platform for youth sports programming unlike anything currently available in Maine. Partnering with MYL, we will deliver an improved experience for players, families, coaches and communities - essentially leap-frogging years of in-state program development. We are fortunate to have this opportunity and excited to get to work on the Spring 2026 season and beyond." said Tara Kenney, a board member with Kennebunk Youth Lacrosse Club (ME).

Casey Sinclair, Director of Windham Youth Lacrosse (ME) shared that “Windham Youth Lacrosse is pleased to announce its partnership with MYL and looks forward to a strong and collaborative relationship. This decision was made in recognition of MYL’s continued growth in youth participation and its strong commitment to player and coach development.”

About Massachusetts Youth Lacrosse (MYL)

Massachusetts Youth Lacrosse is one of the largest youth lacrosse organizations in the country, serving thousands of athletes and volunteers. MYL is dedicated to fostering the development of community-based youth lacrosse through education, teamwork, and inclusivity. 

For More Information

To learn more about the new partnership or to find a participating program, please visit the Massachusetts Youth Lacrosse website at www.massyouthlax.org or contact Maine’s local program leaders.

MYL Maine Region Member Towns:

Back Bay
Biddeford
Brunswick
Cape Elizabeth
Cumberland
Falmouth
Gorham
Kennebunk
Marshwood
Massabesic
Saco
Scarborough
South Portland
Windham
Yarmouth

Media Contact:
Erin Brogan
Director of Operations and Events, Massachusetts Youth Lacrosse
erin.brogan@massyouthlax.org