Niwot resident launches youth lacrosse clinic

The sport of lacrosse has exploded across Colorado schools and recreation leagues in recent years, and now it's coming to Boulder County. Starting Sunday, April 11, Niwot resident and former collegiate lacrosse player Neema Kassaii will be conducting a weekly youth lacrosse clinic at East Boulder Community Park (5660 Sioux Drive).

"The clinic is geared towards beginners and intermediate level players, especially at the younger age groups, as we will be teaching/reinforcing the basics," he wrote in an email interview. "However, as we progress through the program, we anticipate that our participants will be able to eventually play in a small-sided game setting (i.e., 3 v. 3)."

Boys and girls in grades K-5 are invited to participate, regardless of experience level. Registration is $89 per participant, which Kasaii said includes "a five-week session, lacrosse 101 drills, age appropriate mini games, ULAX youth lacrosse shirt, photos, exercise and, most importantly, fun!"

No equipment is required, but players can also purchase a stick with registration for $118.99. The clinic will be led by Kasaii, with other local lacrosse players and coaches assisting.

"I noticed there was/is an overabundance of other youth sports programs in Boulder County, in general, but it seemed like there was a dearth of lacrosse programs," he said. "Since I was planning on serving as the program director, and Boulder County is the place I call home, it just made sense."

Kasaii picked up his first lacrosse stick as a freshman in high school back in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, and instantly fell in love with the sport. Eventually, he found himself in Boulder, studying at the University of Colorado, and playing for what he described as a "very competitive MCLA (club) team that could compete against many of the D2-D3 programs."

After attending law school in New York, Kasaii found his way back to Boulder. He practiced law for several years, but in 2017 decided to settle down in Niwot and return to ULAX, a network of co-ed lacrosse leagues he helped found in 2005. Now ULAX is expanding into youth leagues that are affordable and focused on fostering a love of the game.

"Many of the other youth programs that are currently out there are geared towards creating "elite" athletes," he wrote. "Oftentimes, they require young athletes (and, of course, their parents/guardians) to make a substantial time/financial commitment - e.g., multiple practices/games per week, travel, $1,000+ for enrollment fees... plus all of the equipment. This has created a lot of pressure on younger athletes to excel at a young age, which, in turn, has led to a great deal of burnout."

Kasaii said that ULAX leagues and clinics will have more of an educational focus "with zero pressure on our athletes."

"Our curriculum is designed to keep our young athletes engaged while teaching the basics of lacrosse," he wrote. "Specifically, we are setting out with the goal of teaching our athletes the fundamentals of lacrosse (e.g., catching, throwing, shooting, scooping and cradling) through fun, age-appropriate games and drills. In addition, it is our objective to promote physical health, fostering an environment that is safe, fun and full of encouragement while teaching respect for others along with the value of team play."

When he's not playing, coaching or teaching lacrosse, Kasaii also serves on the Board of Directors of the Sports Business and Leadership Association (SBLA) and is also the president of the non-profit's Colorado Chapter. In his free time, he enjoys spending time in the great outdoors with his wife (Lisa), two daughters (Leila (4) & Era (2)) and Bernese Mountain Dog (Marla). And he can often be found running on the trails around Niwot.

For more information about the upcoming youth lacrosse clinic or to register, visit ULAX's y outh lacrosse page at https://ulax.org/bouldercounty/.