AFW Training Academy
The Albany FireWolves, the Capital Region’s Indoor Lacrosse team playing out of the Times Union Center beginning in December, introduce the AFW Training Academy. AFW Training Academy is a lacrosse instructional platform consisting of leagues and clinics taught and coached by players and coaches of the National Lacrosse League’s newest team, the Albany FireWolves. Programs will run year-round with a particular focus on the summer and winter. The AFW Training Academy consists of the Junior FireWolves and the Capital Region Collegiate Box Lacrosse League (CRCBLL). The Junior FireWolves start their winter season this December, and the CRCBLL returns summer of 2022 for it’s second season.
“We are committed to grow the sport of Box Lacrosse in the United States and especially in the Capital Region, our home market,” said Oliver Marti, Albany FireWolves CEO & Owner. “I am so proud to have the opportunity to have our FireWolves players involved in these programs, where they can help develop the youth that play this great game. Boys and girls will receive training from some of the best athletes in the world and in turn get the opportunity to see those athletes showcase their talents as they compete on the turf at the Times Union Center. The sport of lacrosse is growing tremendously, and we want to introduce box lacrosse to the kids to further help them develop into premier lacrosse athletes.”
“As we promised when we introduced our team into the league and market, we want to be a big part of our community and give back,” said George Manias, Albany FireWolves President. “AFW Training Academy gives us a platform to do just that. Not only will boys and girls be coached and developed by professional NLL FireWolves players and coaches, they will also see these same players and coaches involved in our community and giving back. They will be role models for these kids both on and off the turf. Our goal is to give every kid in our community the ability to at least try the sport of Box Lacrosse and through an upcoming community program we will be rolling out soon, we will help those kids who may not be able to afford to do so. We want to include everyone in our programs as we grow this sport and our presence in our community.”
The AFW Training Academy will be primarily based out of the Knickerbacker Arena in Troy, NY. The Knickerbacker Arena is owned by the Knickerbacker family and operated by the City of Troy. “While I’m truly excited to have the Albany FireWolves locating across the river in Albany for their home games, I’m even more excited with the newly formed partnership with the FireWolves for practice time and youth lacrosse programs at our Knick Arena in Troy!” said Carmella Mantello, Troy City Council President. “Lacrosse has fast become a first-rate sport for boys and girls, teaching everything from skills to teamwork to leadership, and we look forward to bringing this experience to our youth in Troy.”
The AFW Training Academy will be powered by Gait Lacrosse. A lacrosse equipment manufacturing company based in Altamont, NY, Gait Lacrosse was founded by legends of the lacrosse world, brothers Paul and Gary Gait. The two have played and coached at the highest levels of both men’s and women’s lacrosse and are committed to creating the best on-field products for lacrosse players of all ages. The company has a full line of women’s lacrosse gear and men’s lacrosse heads, handles, and gloves.
For more information on the AFW Training Academy, and how to register for upcoming programs, click on the links below, email us at TrainingAcademy@AlbanyFireWolves.com, or call us at 518-362-4900 x130. Also, for up to date information regarding the program follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
