It started, quite simply, with a random phone call.
Robert Russell, an active-duty military father of two, contacted Ronnie Morales to ask about the potential of facilitating a lacrosse clinic for kids in military families. Morales, the director of sport growth at USA Lacrosse, seemed to be the right person to call based on his job title.
Little did Russell know how right he was.
Morales, a former Air Force brat himself, understands the unique perspective of being a military kid. The frequent relocations these families endure often hinders the opportunity for kids to connect with teammates in youth sports, to engage in newfound activities, or to build lasting relationships. Sometimes, by the time friendships get formed, it’s time to move and start the process all over again in a new place. Having an activity that they can carry with them is a great intro into a new community.
“The military community is diverse, built on strong family morals and values,” Morales said. “Having a sport that kids can carry to their next destination is important.”
It was for that very reason that Morales already happened to be in dialogue with Felix Agosto, founder of MVP360. Agosto’s organization is committed to providing memorable and impactful sports experiences for youth, with a strong focus on military families. In support of that mission, MVP360 has a longstanding partnership with the United States Air Force to run summer camps and has hosted events on over 90 Air Force bases throughout the world.
“Given their mission and reach, they seemed like a logical partner for us to be working with,” Morales said. “MVP360 is the only one doing this on the military side.”
Utilizing connections with Shootout for Soldiers and the USO, Morales and Agosto built a coalition that led them to Fort Meade in Maryland, located midway between Washington, D.C. and Baltimore. Agosto was pleased to have MVP360 make its initial appearance on an Army base and have its first joint venture with both USA Lacrosse and the USO.
“The USO has a huge arm that can help give us more reach with their marketing support, and USA Lacrosse clearly recognizes that there is an opportunity here to grow the game by reaching an untaped market,” Agosto said.
With USO’s help in spreading the word and coordinating registration, 50 military kids showed up last week on a glorious fall afternoon for a two-hour introductory lacrosse clinic. The participants represented six branches of the armed forces – Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Space Force. 
Five USA Lacrosse clinicians, including board member and former Air Force officer Rick Burton, led the participants through a series of drills. A DJ from MVP360 kept the music going and the energy flowing throughout the afternoon as kids rotated through the various learning stations.
“All the kids were clearly having fun and were excited to be there,” said Russell, who attended the event with his two kids, ages 10 and 7. “Hopefully, this is the beginning of something bigger, with more clinics to come.”
Each youth in attendance received a USAL branded lacrosse stick to take home, while USA Lacrosse donated six goals and 20 sticks and balls to Fort Meade for future programming and clinics.
“By all accounts, this was an amazing experience and a strong proof of concept,” Agosto said. “There’s no reason we can’t keep this momentum going.”
Morales notes that USA Lacrosse and MVP 360 are indeed already in planning for future events, with an initial goal of at least four more lacrosse clinics on military bases in 2025.
“With the Fort Meade event providing a great first impression for all involved, I think the doors are opening,” he said. “The vibes were all so positive. Happy kids and happy parents, all with big smiles. You could clearly see that hearts were full. And lacrosse made that happen.”
