Lacrosse
Local minor lacrosse players have the chance to learn from a pro with a condition camp starting next week and running until mid-March.
Andrew McBride, the captain of the professional lacrosse team the Calgary Roughnecks, is coming to Innisfail to run the second annual Spirit of the Sticks winter lacrosse conditioning camp by the Innisfail Minor Lacrosse Association and Triumph Lacrosse.
Players from the novice, peewee, bantam and midget age groups will go over everything from basic drills to game situations with McBride.
"The kids get the full spectrum," McBride said.
This is McBride's 10th year on the Roughnecks. The defence player started running programs for young players a few years ago.
"I've been doing school programs for four years now," McBride said.
According to McBride, Innisfail is a "booming lacrosse town."
"It's good to see these small towns buying in," he said. The camp is open to youth from Innisfail and the surrounding communities.
McBride encouraged those who are interested in the sport but have never tried it to come out.
"It's open to newcomers," he said. "We really try to incorporate everyone."
He pointed out he didn't start playing lacrosse until he was 13 and has ended up playing professionally.
"You can pick it up," he said.
Those who are a little more advanced in their skills can still benefit from the conditioning camp.
"You can always learn stuff," McBride said.
McBride goes all over the province to help young players hone their lacrosse skills and often brings other pro players with him.
"The guys are all really keen about giving back," McBride said.
McBride said there were about 43 kids in the Innisfail camp last year and this year they're aiming for 50 to 60 players.
After registration sessions held on Jan. 18 and 19 there were about 30 players signed up. Innisfail Minor Lacrosse Association President Mandy Mitchell-Himer said those who'd still like to sign up are "absolutely" welcome.
The camp runs from Jan. 31 to March 13 on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Innisfail High School. The cost is $195 per player.
Mitchell-Himer referred prospective sign-ups to the Innisfail Minor Lacrosse Association website for contact information, www.innisfaillacrosse.com.
