A historic union of the Western Pennsylvania's two oldest and
largest Lacrosse organizations will bring unprecedented Lacrosse opportunities
for all ages.
The leadership of The Pittsburgh Aces and The Pittsburgh Rebels have unanimously
agreed to merge their entities in order to create one superior organization
with the stated vision of being nationally recognized as a leader in instructional,
recreational and competitive youth Lacrosse. Brian Novotny, Head Coach, Division II Seton Hill
University and Peter
Hoffman, Head Coach, Seneca Valley
High School, will lead the
charge in putting Pittsburgh's best foot forward with the new organization and
we will keep our coaching staffs in place while looking to add coaches to
augment our already well qualified Coaching Team.
Key Benefits of the Merged
Club
- Higher level of coaching at all levels.
- More enhanced Lacrosse skill training opportunities for all ages
- More opportunities to play competitive Lacrosse
- Increased local game opportunities
- Duplicative administrative costs will be eliminated
- Increased needs-based opportunities
- Increased opportunities to identify and train coaches
- Increase learn to play opportunities for youth
- Overall more choices
Motivation
The merger process has been driven by a shared desire to provide
the best possible Lacrosse opportunities for area youth. Both organizations
have recognized that the current fragmented arrangement in Pittsburgh has
hindered both organizations from fully realizing their mission.
The combined motivation to pursue the partnership stems from the desire to
build a stronger base for player development and competitive Lacrosse, which
requires the involvement of a larger pool of players, including all of the most
promising and dedicated players in the area. By expanding the player pool,
integrating the player development channels and enhancing the depth of Lacrosse
programming, the following opportunities will be realized:
The ability to offer different levels of
Lacrosse experiences to match the varying abilities and goals of Lacrosse
players in Pittsburgh.
The opportunity to form more cohesive club teams, which will be comprised of
players of similar ability and similar levels of commitment.
The ability to field elite teams that are able to compete at a higher level in
Regional and National events.
Coordinated player
development and promotion within a single organization. These efforts were
previously hampered by the fortifications built around individual teams within
competing organizations.
Increased recruiting
opportunities and options.
Augmented opportunities for local games and intra-club league play.
Basic Structure of the
Merged Travel Clubs
U-19 - Elite, South and North U-17 - Elite, South and North U-15 - City,
South and North U-13 - City, South and North
These teams will be competing in skill appropriate summer
tournaments which offer the most competitive play and recruiting opportunities
for our players. Our coaches are the best College and High School lacrosse
coaches the area has to offer, supplemented by college players, youth coaches
and outside professional instruction.We will use a standardized curriculum of
coaching, skills and drills that will be utilized at all levels.
Basic
Structure of the Leagues
Expanded
North and South Divisions for recreational play will offer local competitive
opportunities building toward a City Championship. Teams will play within their
divisions along with cross divisional games offering the most competitive
league structure for Pittsburgh and Western PA.
Fall
Box League, Winter Indoor League, Winter Team League, Summer Field League.
Youth,
High School, Men's(-30) and
Gentlemen's(+30) league play
Basic
Structure of the Camps
Expanded
camps in all geographical regions of Western PA. We will use a standardized
curriculum of coaching, skills and drills that will be utilized at all levels
of instruction. Camps will be managed by High School and College coaches
supplemented by the best College and High School players in the area.
Basic
Structure of the Specialty Camps
We will be offering various special opportunities to
learn from Professional Lacrosse Players. Based on the format of our sold out
Aces/Johnny
Christmas Clinic last year and the Aces/FCA Professional player's camp we had
this summer, we will offer clinics throughout the winter and spring. Face off,
defensive play, goal tending, shooting skills are a few of the options that
will be available.