top lacrosse OVERVIEW
top lacrosse overview
TOP Lacrosse is the premier grassroots field lacrosse program in the GTA, offering competitive and recreational programs for boys and girls to learn, grow, and excel in the sport of lacrosse. Starting with our youngest players in the Junior Lax program and continuing into our Development programs and Academy teams, all TOP Lacrosse programs feature a dedicated & professional coaching staff, premier facilities, and a proven curriculum focused on skill development and long-term athlete development.
Our primary goal at TOP Lacrosse is to provide each player with a suitable environment to improve their skills, learn the game, and provide a pathway to competitive lacrosse and beyond.
Academy Teams
Ages 9+
Academy teams are the pinnacle of the lacrosse programming at TOP and offer a pathway for advanced players who are looking for a more complete season full of structured practices, tournaments, and games. With an emphasis on team building and advanced skill development, our goal is to help our players develop into successful athletes on and off the field and develop into competitive multi-sport athletes.
To provide ultimate flexibility, the Academy season is split into two blocks:
Spring Season - The spring season runs from April to June and features an extensive curriculum with 3 practices per week and 2-3 tournaments, depending on the age group. Tryouts take place each November and teams are formed by February.
Fall Season - To encourage players to play multiple sports, the Fall season in September and October features an in-house program with a skills session and Sixes League games each week, resulting in an action-packed and efficient schedule that allows for other activities.
Recreational Programs
Ages 4-12
TOP Lacrosse Recreational Programs are designed for boys and girls ages 4-14 who are new to lacrosse or looking to improve their skills in an age-appropriate and dynamic environment. Starting with Junior Lax for our youngest players and advancing through to our Sixes League and Girls Development, TOP Lacrosse has the perfect program for the aspiring lacrosse player in your family.
Why Play Lacrosse?!
Lacrosse is widely considered the “Fastest Sport on Two Feet'' and offers players an excellent opportunity to develop foundational athletic skills that will directly translate to other sports like hockey, soccer, and basketball. Lacrosse is a high-tempo and action-packed game played on a smaller soccer field, resulting in more time with the ball, more scoring, and less stoppages. Many NHL legends like Wayne Gretzky, John Tavares, and Steven Stamkos credit lacrosse with helping develop their hockey skills in the off-season and offer an alternative to year-round hockey or soccer.
For the 2024 season, we will be offering lacrosse programs for boys and girls born between 2008 and 2020 at the competitive and recreational levels. Whether your child is new to the game or has played competitively before, we have something for everyone!
top lacrosse season
The TOP Lacrosse season is split into two blocks; the spring season which runs from mid-April to late June, and the fall season which runs from early September to late October. During the summer months we offer optional programs that allow kids to do other things without losing their spot in the program.
Once the season ends, we strongly believe that children should put away their lacrosse equipment and play something different - it will help their lacrosse skills in the long run!
If you’re interested in learning more about our unique seasonal schedules, please click the link below!
MEET TECHNICAL DIRECTOR bennett drake!
Bennett joined TOP Lacrosse from the National Lacrosse League’s New York Riptide, where he serves as the Director of Scouting, Video Coordinator, and U.S. Scout since joining the Club in 2021.
Prior to his role at the Riptide, Bennett was an Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator for the Men’s Lacrosse team at Georgian Court University (NCAA Div. II) from 2017-2020, where he helped lead the team to 4x CACC First Team All-Conference Selections, a CACC Regular Season Championship, and an ACC Tournament Championship. Before to his role at Georgian Court, Bennett has coached at the grassroots level with the United Lacrosse Club (NJ), New Jersey Lacrosse Club (NJ), and Edge Lacrosse here in Ontario.
During his playing career, Bennett was a standout player on the University of Albany Division 1 lacrosse team, leading the team to 4x NCAA tournament appearances, 3x ‘Elite 8’ appearances, 3x America East Championships, and was named to the America East All Conference team and All Rookie team. Prior to university, Bennett played for the Brampton Excelsiors in Major Series Lacrosse, as well as the Whitby Warriors Jr. A and Clarington Gaels Jr. B in the Ontario Junior Lacrosse League.
If you'd like to reach out and chat about our lacrosse programs, Bennett can be reached via email at bennett@topsports.ca.
Questions about TOP Lacrosse programs?
Connect with Bennett using the email link below!
OUR CORE VALUES
#2 - Seasonal Set Schedules
Our programs feature an efficient, set schedule for the whole season, providing ultimate predictability and allowing you to plan around your sports’ commitments.
#1 - Multi-Sport Development
We believe that multi-sport play, over time, is essential to creating a well-rounded and successful athlete.
#3 - Quality Coaches Who Care
Our professional coaches take pride in building relationships with players and pushing them to reach their full potential, in sport and beyond.
#4 - Character Building Through Sport
"We use sports as a vehicle to teach essential life skills like discipline, teamwork, respect, work ethic, & accountability.