What is Ann Arbor Blue Jays Lacrosse?
The Blue Jays are a community-based lacrosse program dedicated to spreading the great sport of lacrosse in Ann Arbor. In addition to the physical health benefits, we believe athletics help build confidence, character, and perseverance.
We organize boys and girls teams for our primary lacrosse season in the spring as well various camps/clinics throughout the off-season.
Who coaches for the Blue Jays?
We have a mix of professional coaches an parents. All of our coaches have high school or college lacrosse playing experience. The program is led by Mark Greaney. We follow the guidelines and recommendations of the Positive Coaching Alliance and US Lacrosse.
All Ann Arbor coaches pass a background check administered by NCSI and agree to our code of conduct.
Coach Mark Greaney grew up in Troy, MI and started playing lacrosse in the 7th grade for the newly formed Parks & Rec program. The team went 0-10, but he was hooked on the sport. After a 1st Team All-State high school career at University of Detroit Jesuit, he attended NCAA D2 Wheeling Jesuit University. Here, he broke the school's scoring records and led all of NCAA D2 in Goals and Goals per game. He ranks 4th in Career Goals per Game in the All-Time NCAA D2 record books. After graduating, he played in England's Premiership League for the Mellor Lacrosse Club and coached Cheadle College to an undefeated league championship. Upon returning Stateside, he coached at the University of Arizona before heading back home to coach at the University of Michigan. At U of M, he was the Attack & Goalie coach. The team won a National Championship in 2010, and in 2011, all three of his attackmen were All-Americans and two goalies earned All-American honors. Currently, Coach Greaney is the President of the Michigan Youth Lacrosse Association and operates the Premier Lacrosse Group, an off-season travel lacrosse program based in Canton. He lives in Ann Arbor with his wife L'Meese, son Baire, and their two dogs, Pepin and Lulu.
My son/daughter has no experience in lacrosse. Can he/she play for Ann Arbor?
All boys in grades 1-8 and all girls in grades 5-8 are welcome to play for Ann Arbor. Our experienced coaches do a fantastic job teaching inexperienced players about the skills, rules, and uniquely sportsmanlike culture of lacrosse.
What is the 2023 spring schedule?
The spring season begins in early April and runs through the end of May. Teams will practice 2-3x per week and will play in 8-14 games depending on team placement. Some teams may play in weekend play days and/or local tournaments. The final schedule will be posted after registration closes.
When and where are Blue Jay practices and games?
Practices and games are scheduled to take place at Lillie Park (4365 Platt Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48108). We will also play at local high schools, and occasionally in a surrounding community (Canton/Dexter/Saline/etc.)
What are the tentative game dates for spring 2022?
· The spring 2023 game schedule will be released after the Metro West scheduling meeting in early March.
What are the registration fees for 2022?
The season registration fee will be $425.
Players new to the Blue Jays will also need to purchase a game uniform ($75 for jersey and shorts). We will use the same uniform design as spring 2022.
Scholarships for deserving families are available to defray the cost of registration. Please email a2bluejayslax@gmail.com to make a confidential scholarship request.
How are teams formed?
Teams are formed on the basis of grade and experience.
Our overarching goal is to place every player at the level best suited to his/her experience and athletic ability. We believe that our players' personal enjoyment and growth is maximized when they are grouped with players of similar ability levels.
How do we know what team our son is on, and when his practices are?
Team rosters, practice schedules, and locations will be emailed to parents and posted on the website in mid-March.
What equipment do players need?
All boys players must have a boys lacrosse stick, helmet, gloves, shoulder and elbow pads, a cup, and a mouthguard. Girls must have a stick and mouthguard. *Note: New for 2022, boys players are required to have NOCSAE certified shoulder pads.
Interested in a starter set of lacrosse? Contact a2bluejayslax@gmail.com
I still have a question-- whom should I contact?
For questions about the Blue Jays program, please email Mark Greaney at a2bluejayslax@gmail.com.