Free Play Academy Newsletter #52

Topics will be covered:

  1. At the core of the Free Play Academy, continued..

  2. Fall Box Lacrosse for the DMV!

  3. The Free Play Academy Performance 6: Community.


At the core of the Free Play Academy.

The groundwork of the Free Play Academy is based off of what is known as ecological developmental approach to sport development.

It is a perspective that views athletes’ growth and performance within the context of their interaction with the environment, including social, cultural, and physical factors.

This approach emphasizes the dynamic and reciprocal relationship between an athlete and their surroundings, considering how these interactions shape their development over time.

It is grounded in ecological psychology and developmental systems theory, which suggest that development is not just a result of internal factors (like genetics) but also of ongoing interactions with the environment.

For the next few week we will take a deep dive into the key Principles of an Ecological Developmental Approach to Sport Development:

Holistic Development.

• Physical, Cognitive, and Social Dimensions: An ecological approach considers the athlete’s development in all dimensions—physical skills, cognitive strategies, and social interactions. It emphasizes that these areas are interconnected and must be developed together.

• Long-Term Athlete Development: This approach supports long-term development rather than early specialization, ensuring that athletes have a broad foundation of skills and experiences to draw upon.


Fall Box Lacrosse for the DMV!

Beltway Lacrosse will be offering 2 opportunities for Box Lacrosse this Fall:

Please reach out directly if you are interested!

You can find more information & registration here:

Website: www.beltwaylacrosse.com

  1. Beltway Juniors Box Lacrosse League (individual based)


    Game Only Format 
    30 Second Shot Clock
    Boys and Girls Division
    Ages: U8, U10, U12, U14


    U14 & U12 will use NLL RULES 
    Game Times: (Boys) Saturdays 12PM to 8PM, (Girls) Sundays 9AM to 8PM
    Cost: $195 includes jersey
    Equipment: 


    Helmet, Gloves, Elbow Pads, Shoulder Pads, Athletic Supporter, Stick and Water Bottle 

    Girls will play sixes style with girls officials on 6x6 Goals
    No Contact will be allowed 
    Divisions:  K-2, 3-4, 5-6,  7-8

    Location: Lake Fairfax Outdoor Hockey Rink (1400 Lake Fairfax Drive, Reston, VA 20190)

    Dates:  Saturdays and Sundays

Sept: 7, 8, 14,15, 21, 22, 28, 29
Oct: 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 25, 26 
Nov: 2, 3 (Make Up Dates)

2. Creators Gift Lacrosse Tournament (team based)
Brought to you by Beltway Lacrosse and Piranha Lacrosse

Entry Fee: $95 per player (Max 24 man rosters) includes free t-shirt

  • Players will register individually

  • Limited to 6 Teams Total

  • Lunch will be provided to all players and coaches. We will host special guest to share the "Creators Story" during our break.

FULL HOCKEY RINK: Double Doors, penalty Box and Turf Surface

Varsity Lacrosse Event

USA LACROSSE "Box Lacrosse" RULES

  • 30 Second Shot Clock

  • WALOA OFFICIALS

  • All teams will get 3 Games

  • Top 2 Teams will play in championship game

Event Starts Monday Oct 14th, 2024 9AM to 7PM 
Location: Lake Fairfax Rink | 1400 Lake Fairfax Dr, Reston, VA 20190


The Free Play Academy Performance 6: Community.

Covering the third of the last of the Free Play Academy Performance 6: Community.

O.N.E. = Only Need Everyone!!

Being part of a team offers several key benefits that can positively impact us:

Collaboration and Learning: Teamwork encourages the sharing of ideas and knowledge, allowing members to learn from each other's strengths and experiences.

Shared Responsibility: In a team, tasks and responsibilities are distributed, which can reduce individual pressure and lead to more efficient problem-solving.

Enhanced Problem-Solving: Diverse perspectives within a team can lead to more creative and effective solutions to challenges.

Communication Skills: Working in a team improves your ability to communicate clearly and listen actively, which are crucial skills in all areas of life.

Support and Motivation: Being part of a team provides emotional support and motivation, as team members often encourage each other to perform at their best.

Accountability: Team members hold each other accountable, which can drive personal and collective success by ensuring everyone stays on track.

Increased Productivity: With everyone contributing their unique skills and efforts, teams can often achieve more than individuals working alone.

Sense of Belonging: Being part of a team fosters a sense of belonging and connection, which can improve overall job satisfaction and mental well-being.

Confidence Building: Successfully contributing to a team’s goals can boost your confidence and self-esteem.

Leadership Development: Working in a team environment provides opportunities to develop leadership skills, whether by leading projects or by learning from the leadership styles of others.

Achievement of Common Goals: Teams can tackle larger and more complex tasks than individuals, making it possible to achieve goals that might otherwise be out of reach.

Camaraderie and Friendship: Team environments often lead to strong personal bonds, creating a network of support and friendship that extends beyond the task at hand.

Start here:

  1. Spend time with friends, family & loved ones.


The Free Game

The part of lacrosse that is played with the mind.

What will be covered are the 8 Principles of Performance.

Any lacrosse player can own the 1st ever sport psychology methodology specific to the game of Lacrosse.

This purchase will include a FREE consultation with Coach McDonnell via in-person or Zoom.

Here is a preview.

The cost is $24.99

You can purchase The Free Game here.


Lean in, do the work, stay focused and become uncommon.

Have a great week.


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