Boys Program

Voorheesville Blackbird Youth Lacrosse (VBYL) was started in Voorheesville by Coach Doug Brill in 2008 as a grassroots effort to bring lacrosse to Voorheesville for a group of boys who wanted to play. From those humble beginnings, VBYL grew into a self-funded Junior Varsity program, and then in 2014, a fully sanctioned and funded Varsity Boys program. In 2019, the varsity boys program won their first sectional playoff game and sent three seniors on to play at the college level. 

Girls Program

Also in 2018, a few girls who had played on the boy’s youth teams organized support and lobbied for a girl’s program which was approved by the school board at the modified level. The following year a youth girls’ program was started.  The girls youth program’s numbers were strong from the start, easily fielding teams at the K-2, 3/4,and 5/6 levels by 2021. Success also came quickly at the High School level, by 2023 the girls varsity team came in second place in their division and won their first sectional playoff game.

The youth program has grown to over 75 boys and 75 girls.  The program now attracts players from outside of the community and also provides opportunities to play lacrosse throughout the calendar year.  Many levels of our program now field multiple teams.  Our coaches are selected and trained with the purpose of maximizing the positive impact they can have on all our players on and off the field.

Voorheesville Blackbird Youth Lacrosse programs provide a positive environment for youth to experience and enjoy the game of lacrosse and to provide a platform for all participants to improve their skill to a level that will make the High School programs competitive and enjoyable.  Our growing numbers are evidence that the community is enjoying lacrosse and supporting our values.

Our mission is to provide a continually improving, positive and encouraging environment for ALL participating youth to learn the game of lacrosse, grow their individual skills, grow their teamwork skills, and experience the discipline necessary to master this fast-paced game. 

The foundation of this environment is built on respect and trust at all levels. Voorheesville  Blackbird Youth Lacrosse will continually seek to provide high level coaching and leadership that develops players that exhibit a high degree of skill, teamwork, sportsmanship, and work ethic.  Additionally, Voorheesville Blackbird Youth Lacrosse will help in developing our community's children, while enabling the high school program to annually compete at a high level, set the standard for small school success, and develop a reputation for a best-in-class program.

To provide a framework for current and future leaders and coaches of this program, the VBYL Board has written and approved the tenets of the Voorheesville Blackbird Youth Program (“The Blackbird Way”).   The Blackbird Way is the values we will stand by to accomplish our mission.  It is broken into five categories - Team, Sportsmanship/Respect, Character Development, Skill Development, and Growing the Game.