It is the start of a new year, and the 2007 Hamburg Lacrosse season is right around the corner. It is now time to take stock of our accomplishments, plan the upcoming year, and envision the future of our excellent organization.  I would like to provide you with this State of The Program Letter as we begin this New Year.

 

Hamburg Youth Lacrosse, Inc. experienced terrific growth throughout all programs in 2006. A principal tenet of our organization is to attract new players. Enrollment increased more than 29% last year, and we look forward to this trend continuing. Along with growth, however, comes the need for ample field space. This issue became my key area of focus in 2006 and I believe that we came up with a solution that will reap benefits for years to come.

 

As many of you know, it has been my hope to find a single “home” for all of our programs. One place for both playing games and having practice. Where we can schedule practices on the same weeknights for every player. Since the end of the fall 2006 season, my fellow board members and I have been in negotiation with The Town of Hamburg Recreation Department and the President of The Hamburg Knights Lacrosse Program. On Tuesday, January 23 2007, we established an agreement in principal, which will allow us to move our spring, summer and fall programs to The Hamburg Nike Base. We will be sharing the facilities at The Nike Base, but we will not be integrating our programs. The Hamburg Knights and The Hamburg Bulldogs will continue to be separate organizations with shared decision making relative to field operations and structural improvements. This agreement will take affect in April 2007 pending final approval from the Town of Hamburg. I am excited about this transition and I think you will be too. If you would like a full debriefing, please come to an open meeting. As always, all are welcome.

 

Additionally, the board of directors plans to raise our game off the field in 2007 with the following initiatives:

As members of Hamburg Youth Lacrosse, Inc., you and your family will see significant changes in our program this year. We hope to raise the excitement, reaffirm our commitment, and improve the quality of Hamburg Lacrosse. This will be a year of transition and a herald of future success both on and off the field.

 

For more information please come to an open meeting as we value and need your input.  I am looking forward to seeing you all on the fields and at the meetings. The spring season will be here before you know it.

 

Until then…Lax on!

 

Gerald M. Feuerstein, Jr.

President

Hamburg Youth Lacrosse, Inc.