By: Bob

Bob — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 00:16:00 +0000

quarters? rounded goals? field turf? soccer cleats? serious issues here…

Why not use East Coast cities???????

By: Chris Fox

Chris Fox — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 22:00:00 +0000

First and foremost, it is great that you guys are playing box. Secondly, I do not think that this is necessarily a ‘league issue’ nor do I think that a league would consider this their responsibility. If and when they players sign up or when the team is selected, if the players can not and will not commit to all games, the question needs to be asked is that player ‘worth’ having on the team. If you are traveling all that way with players, often times talented players, missing why not selects the players who will be there 99% of the time. And, if you have to sacrifice talent, so be it. Your already losing those away games anyway. This is a ‘player/team’ issues not a ‘league’ issue. The ‘league’ is not a secondary factor. the league exists for the players to play in it. If certain players con not commit… they simply cannot commit and should be dealt with by the teams.

However, I do commend you for your forward thinking and believing that there are viable solutions. I will reflect on a few of those. Here in British Columbia the WLA has been in existence since 1938 for “Amateur” lacrosse players to compete in. The same holds true in Ontario with the MSL, at an even earlier date of 1887. Each league has a die-hard following, barely of which any extends past the ‘lacrosse community’ into the general public. With leagues in existence such as these, with such a rich history, and in communities of modest size, one would think that local television would be banning down the doors. But, TV is not. Although, the league is now broadcasted live games weekly via webcast. Providing league exposure to the general public is possible and there is a price tag attached to the service.

The problem with you heart felt solution is turning a profit by exposure. And the only peace of the puzzle that is missing is leverage. The league has nothing to leverage against sponsorship suitors.

One scenario that has been time tested is jersey sponsorship. Often a couple hundred dollars for a company’s name (often restaurants, pubs, car wash, etc..) on the back of the jersey. Even then, the association that the sponsor has with the team lays heavily in their decision to ‘sponsor’ a jersey. For instance, a bar is more obviously likely to sponsor a team that ALWAYS comes to eat and drink at that location after EVERY home game. Never mind the exclusivity, the restaurant is giving you X amount of dollars for your needs, with the guarantee you are SPENDING money at their establishment. Simply put, a purchase commitment.

These problems are faced by even though most established leagues. Amateur or Fake-Amateur (Pro) alike. I admire and reflect in your passion. We often over fill our plates because our eyes are more hungry than our stomachs. But, focus your energy locally and capitalize on your immediate resources and your team will quickly become the most dedicated, admired, and decorated in the league.

I would be happy to offer any sponsorship programs I have used in the past to help you develop your team.

All the best,

By: GRfish

GRfish — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 21:41:00 +0000

Great article. As a fellow player in the MILA, it is difficult to make the long trips on the weekend. Not only am I involved in the MILA but also 15 credits a part-time job and fall ball practices. The league definitely has a lot of potential for the future.

Comments on: MILA Regular Season Ends With Grand Rapids On Top

By: Bob

By: Chris Fox

By: GRfish