WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Washington Inner City Lacrosse Foundation (more commonly referred to as WINNERS Lacrosse) is pleased to announce that it has expanded its programing in response to COVID-19 to offer online lacrosse coaching, family workouts, a new mentoring & tutoring initiative with the areas universities and colleges and other activities for Washington, DC youth in ages 6-12. These activities are free to players and their families. In addition, all lacrosse equipment is provided free to the players.

The online coaching program enables WINNERS coaches to work one-on-one and in small groups with players via Zoom to help grow and develop their lacrosse skills and knowledge through demonstrations, drills, screen-sharing of videos and lacrosse quizzes. The Family Workouts provide an opportunity for family members to join a 30-minute core and stick work session twice weekly with a WINNERS coach. This virtual programming will continue through the fall and into 2021.

“We are very pleased with how quickly we have been able to pivot to online programming and deliver our coaching and workouts during this challenging time, when sports program across the region and country have been curtailed due to the pandemic. Although we are not on the field, our players are working on drills multiple times a week to develop their skills,” said Program Director Rodger Colbert. “We are able to be a constant positive influence and support for them as they adapt to remote learning and reduced social interaction.”

WINNERS has also teamed with four local college teams to not only offer expanded virtual lacrosse development but also to serve as mentors and academic tutors for its youth players. Georgetown University, Catholic University, University of Maryland, and the University of the District of Columbia lacrosse players will volunteer their time to mentor fourth through sixth grade students at Statesmen Leadership Academy, Bishop Walker School for Boys and KIPP D.C. This initiative is designed to foster a strong partnership with our area colleges and universities to develop student athletes prepared to play and study at competitive institutions. This program will provide youth with three hours per week of skill coaching, leadership development, tutoring and mentoring.

To learn more about WINNERS Lacrosse programs, please visit www.winnerslacrosse.org and if interested in registering for our fall programming, please visit www.winnerslacrosse.org/fall.

About WINNERS Lacrosse

WINNERS Lacrosse is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in October 2000 to provide Washington, DC youth from underserved neighborhoods the opportunity to learn the game of lacrosse and the life skills associated with playing a team sport. WINNERS Lacrosse uses the game as the vehicle to instill values, education, and life sustaining skills that will give young boys and girls the tools to be successful on and off the field. Our programs include these virtues as part of the curriculum. All equipment and programming is provided completely free to our participants.