The Ponte Vedra Riptide and the Nocatee Palencia Athletic Association Panthers are both preparing for the upcoming lacrosse fall travel season.
Both programs compete in the Lightning Lacrosse League, which is a travel lacrosse organization that includes Jax Lax City, Jax Lax Beach, Fleming Island Lacrosse and Nassau Lacrosse Academy as well as the Riptide and Panthers.
Registration for the fall season is ongoing with the season scheduled to start Sept. 10 and run through Oct. 15, with game days taking place on Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. on fields six and seven at Patton Park located at 2850 Hodges Blvd. in Jacksonville.
The fall travel season is one of three seasons that take place throughout the year, accompanying spring recreational and summer travel as the other two.
The league uses a unique approach known as a sixes format, which is an adaptation of the game designed to promote fast-paced play and high-scoring action by having six players on the field for both teams compared to 10 in the traditional format.
Another interesting aspect of the league is that it is a “games only” league so there will not be organized practices, but there will be skill development sessions offered one hour prior to the contests on game days.
Some of the changes the league has made heading into the fall season is that it will now have established league referees, as well as enhanced uniforms and the creation of a two-point shot during games.
The location of the leagues games has also been changed, as Patton Park offered improved facilities, including a better parking situation and field conditions.
Teams will not be made up entirely of players from the designated areas, but instead players from all participating programs will be evenly divided into teams based on their level of experience.
This means that players from Riptide or for the Panthers will have teammates from the other four programs involved.
However, the league will take into consideration players who request to be on a team with no more than two of their friends on it.
Four divisions based on age will make up the league, with 14U being the oldest and 8U being the youngest division.
A registration fee of $159 per player is required to compete.
Links to help with the registration process can be found by going to npaayouthlacrosse.com and pontevedralax.com.
