Brooklyn Crescents Lacrosse Club Gears Up For 2011 Season

For the last five years, every spring, kids from all over Brooklyn come together to play lacrosse.

Lacrosse? In Brooklyn? Yes you read right. The Brooklyn Crescents Lacrosse Club is a volunteer-run community lacrosse club aimed at teaching boys and girls in grades K - 8 the sport of lacrosse, while emphasizing teamwork, character development, healthy habits and community pride.

The club is one of only two youth lacrosse leagues in all of New York City. And right now, they are gearing up for their 2011 season.

“Only in a place like Brooklyn could you have a team like ours. We represent all of New York City. Our players come from different races, religions and economic backgrounds,” said Crescents’s coach and co founder Susan Murray.

Monifa Bandele, Bed-Stuy resident and parent of two Crescent athletes, Adasa and Naima, agrees that lacrosse is not a common urban sport, but she’s glad it’s here in Brooklyn.  “My girls have become more vocal and express themselves easier," says Bandele.

Crescent athletes feel the encouragement from peers and coaches and learn to come out of their shells.

“If you go up against someone and lose, the team and coaches still cheer you on like you did a good job,” says eight-year-old Adasa Bandele.

“At first I was very scared and shy, but now I have a lot of friends on the team,” says 11-year-old Naima Bandele.

The Brooklyn Crescents -- named after the 1893 Brooklyn athletic club -- was founded in 2006 by six former collegiate lacrosse players who saw a lack of sports options in Brooklyn.  

“Playing on a team was such a huge part of growing up. It teaches leadership development and character development,” Murray says.  

While the coaches commit their time as volunteers, players do pay a participation fee of $250. However, the Crescents staff doesn’t turn away anyone because of financial reasons.

The Crescents also welcome the novice lacrosse player. In fact, for many of the players this is the first time they have ever played a team sport. Being a Crescent is about team work, healthy habits and personal development, especially for girls, Murray says.

“Its not about how pretty you are or if boys are involved,” she says.

The Brooklyn Crescents are hosting a Parent Information and Outreach Mixer tomorrow, Wednesday, January 26, 2011, from 7:00 - 9:00 pm at The Alchemist Lounge, 31 Rockwell Place, Brooklyn (between Dekalb Avenue and Fulton Street).

Or you may visit their website for more information.