Dear Newton Youth Lacrosse Board Members,

As parents of players in the Newton Youth Lacrosse Classic and Select programs, we are submitting this petition for your serious consideration.

Recently, rumors have circulated about the future of Coaches Jim Connolly, Joe Reale, and the other coaches they have brought into the program through their connections within the lacrosse community.

Over the last few years, the coaching provided by Jim, Joe, and company has been of the highest caliber. It is on a high school if not a college level. They have instilled in our kids an understanding of the game both on an individual as well as team basis that is nothing short of amazing.

As results have shown, they have trained our players to be champions. More importantly, however, they have inspired sportsmanship-like conduct and self-discipline that will stay with our kids into adulthood. In everything they do, these coaches encourage commitment to the sport, to schoolwork, to team, as well as respect for opposing teams. In turn, we and our kids have the utmost respect and confidence in them.

It is then very perplexing to us why the NYL Board would not do everything in their power to retain these coaches for many years to come. It would be a shame for such great mentors to leave our program. The shock and disappointment our kids would suffer should Coach Jim, Joe, and the others not be retained would be devastating. And since this program is supposed to be about our kids getting the best coaching, leadership, and sportsmanship experience possible, shouldn’t that be what is paramount in this situation?

As members of the NYL Program, we request a meeting with the Board to discuss retaining these coaches for the upcoming season and beyond.

Respectfully the undersigned parents.