1. News
NXT Returns to Play Under Yellow Phase Summer Programming Guidelines

On Monday, June 8th NXT returned to activities under the guidance of local and state health officials as well as our full-time Director of Participant Health & Safety, Ian McGinnis.

NXT Returns to play under Yellow Phase Summer Programming Guidelines

On Monday, June 8th NXT returned to activities under the guidance of local and state health officials as well as our full-time Director of Participant Health & Safety, Ian McGinnis. The boys and girls NXT Lacrosse Clubs were the first to take the field under the new NXT YPSP Safety Guidelines. The two clubs conducted small group training camps where non-contact skill development is the goal. 

Executive VP of Girls Lacrosse, Kate Henwood pointed out that weeks of preparation went into getting our teams back out on the field. "Our team put serious time and energy into making sure our players/coaches could return to play safely, and the look on all their faces on the first night made it all worth it. It is so good to be back on the field. It's our happy place." Behind the scenes were numerous internal meetings, days worth of research, and meetings with the coaches to get them all briefed on the new NXT normal.  

During the training camps, players and coaches are divided into four small groups per field. In each “quadrant” of the field, coaches put their respective groups through position-specific non-contact drills. NXT is taking this opportunity during the YPSP training camp to ease players back into the summer lacrosse season. Focusing on stick work, conditioning, and getting a high volume of reps before the real games begin. 

Ian McGinnis is happy with the rules put in place so far but knows enforcing them will be a true team effort. “With the rules we've put into place, we're trying to minimize risk as much as possible. It is important to remember, however, that risk cannot be entirely eliminated. In order to create and maintain a safe environment, everybody needs to participate including myself, coaches, attendees, and their parents. Your participation means maintaining social distancing, wearing a mask, and staying at home when you're sick”.

Coaches and players are required to go through a COVID-19 symptom screening prior to any activity as well as remaining six feet apart at all times. An emphasis on not sharing drinks, equipment, and having coaches handle any training equipment is enforced by all coaches and Ian himself. All non-players on the field are also required to be wearing masks.

After months of virtual team meetings and workouts, Peter Lawrence, President & Executive VP of Boys Lacrosse was happy to be back. “It is great to be back on the field with the players and coaches. I am appreciative of all the hard work that Ian McGinnis has put in our safety guidelines that have allowed us to return to play safely”.

NXT is thrilled to be back on our home turf at The Proving Grounds with all our players, coaches, and parents. Small group training camps are expected to continue until Montgomery County moves to the Green Phase.