Greenwich Youth Lacrosse (GYL), a non-profit youth lacrosse program in Greenwich, marks its 50th year of creating fun, developing lacrosse skills at all levels, and strengthening character.
Founded in February 1972 by L.C. Whitey Heist, Jack Davies, John Behne, and Sam Connor, GYL was originally organized under the Old Greenwich-Riverside Community Center (OGRCC) and limited to residents of Old Greenwich and Riverside in grades 7 through 9. Today, GYL is one of the largest and most successful town programs in USA Lacrosse with over 1,000 girls and boys participating, hundreds of volunteer coaches, and close ties with area high school programs and coaches. GYL’s operating model and focus on skills development have been replicated by numerous other programs and GYL’s leadership role in CONNY Lacrosse, the governing body of Connecticut lacrosse, has led to incredible opportunities for its members including the formation of the CONNY girls’ division.
To recognize this milestone, GYL is holding a celebration event in May for friends and family of GYL, including past coaches and players. In addition, GYL is bringing a series of communications via social media and on the GYL website (view here) which features players and coaches sharing a letter to a team or coach they had about what made GYL so special – from having fun to skill development to the strengthening of their character.
