Under 9 & Under 11 Jamboree Weekend

The Vancouver Island Field Lacrosse League welcomed all Under 9 & Under 11 players, coaches, managers, friends and family to the Juan de Fuca Velodrome (U9) and Harewood Artificial Field Turf - West (U11) for its annual Jamboree weekend to celebrate the 2025/2026 playing season for our fine young athletes.

The VIFLL's U9 division was represented by 3 associations with a total of 5 teams; JDF 1, JDF 2, Nanaimo 1, Nanaimo 2 and Pacific Rim hosted by the Juan de Fuca Lacrosse Association at the Velodrome. The VIFLL's U11 division was represented by all 4 associations with a total of 10 teams; JDF 1, JDF 2, JDF 3, Nanaimo 1, Nanaimo 2, Nanaimo 3, Nanaimo 4, North Island, Pacific Rim 1 and Pacific Rim 2.

In Victoria, the Under 9's played on a 70 yard field and played in one (1) hour time slots and played each team in the league to complete their seasons before the Christmas break. Feedback from teams from the weekend was incredible as coaches, managers and parents saw kids just doing what kids do... having fun! Many players and teams performed better than they did during season play which was great to hear from coaches but the best comments were about the absolute smiling faces during and after games, no matter the outcome!

Just north in Nanaimo, the Under 11 teams played cross-field also on a 70 yard field, also playing in one (1) hour time slots so as to get two (2) games played with each hour time slot... with many teams getting in 5 games over the weekend. Depending on roster sizes, team coaches agreed to playing (10 aside), some played a (8 aside) and two teams played a friendly (sixes formatted game) for their 2nd half. This was absolute genius by coaches as it allowed kids more touches, more passing and a considerable amount of more players taking shots when they normally might not have had the opportunity. Hearing the children cheering before, during and after games... sometimes in the parking lot was music to an adults ears.

A huge "thank you" to all coaches, association and league executive for making the weekend such a wonderful event in both cities. Everyone should be proud of your efforts... our children made some memories that they truly won't forget.

A photo gallery of the weekend can be found very soon on our league Facebook page.

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Using the LTAD model, the VIFLL's member associations have made conscious efforts to follow a fundamental skill based development model for its youth, focussing on cradling, passing, catching, scooping/ground balls, dodging, defense/checking and shooting. Elaborating on the fundamental skills of field lacrosse involve mastering how to handle the ball with your stick, move effectively on the field, and interact with teammates and opponents. These core skills form the basis for successful play in all positions for the Under 9 and Under 11 divisions.