administrator

BALTIMORE – The US Lacrosse Board of Directors gave approval to four new chapters during its meeting on Jan. 11 at the US Lacrosse National Convention. The chapters will begin operations during calendar year 2007.

The new chapters are the Alabama/Mississippi Chapter, the Gulf Coast Florida Chapter, the New Jersey South Chapter and the North Coast Ohio Chapter. The additions bring the total number of US Lacrosse Chapters to 58, representing 37 states and the District of Columbia. Plans for a Louisiana Chapter are also progressing and that chapter could begin operations this year.

US Lacrosse chapters play a vital role in helping to lead and support the growth of the sport at the grass-roots level by providing playing opportunities, training, promotional and financial support. Chapters gain access to US Lacrosse programs and services and also participate in the organization’s chapter rebate program, which returns a portion of US Lacrosse member dues to their local chapter.

"These new chapters are energized and committed to helping the sport of lacrosse grow in their respective areas," said Erin Sturgis, US Lacrosse director of chapter relations.

The Alabama/Mississippi Chapter will be the first for either state, while the Gulf Coast Florida, New Jersey South and North Coast Ohio Chapters are starting in states that already have existing US Lacrosse Chapters.

"The sport has grown so dramatically over the last decade that this addition of chapters in established lacrosse areas is necessary," said Sturgis. "We have more than 21,000 members in New Jersey. By establishing a second chapter in the state, we’ll be better able to serve our members."

US Lacrosse, a 501(c)(3) corporation, is the national governing body for men’s and women’s lacrosse. To learn more about the organization, please visit the Web site at US Lacrosse -- The National Governing Body of Men's and Women's Lacrosse.