The Albany FireWolves, a professional indoor lacrosse team, have made a name for themselves in the National Lacrosse League (NLL). As part of the team’s commitment to their community, the FireWolves have developed a culture of nurturing the next generation of lacrosse players. Through a range of innovative youth programs, the organization has created Albany FireWolves youth programs to help young athletes in the Albany area embrace and learn the sport and develop their skills playing it.
The FireWolves Youth Programs
The FireWolves Youth Programs provide opportunities for young people who participate in youth lacrosse leagues in Albany, NY, to learn more about lacrosse, improve their skills, and meet other like-minded kids and their families. FireWolves Youth Programs include lacrosse camps and clinics, tournaments, and the Junior NLL FireWolves program.
Junior FireWolves
The Junior NLL FireWolves program gives top lacrosse players in the area a chance to compete at NLL arenas and in the annual Junior NLL tournament as part of the Albany FireWolves youth league. Tryout information for the Junior FireWolves will be available in the Spring of 2024. The top players will participate in the Junior NLL Championships in Toronto during late Summer 2024.
Community Engagement
The Capital Region community is critical to the success of the Albany FireWolves, which is why the team is committed to giving back through community engagement programs during the season and throughout the year. These programs include player and team appearances, the Hero of the Game program, and internship opportunities.
The Albany FireWolves organization welcomes requests for appearances featuring lacrosse players, coaches, dance team members, mascots, and administrative personnel. Appearance requests can be submitted to the Director of Game Presentation.
Junior Wolf Pack Dance Camp
In addition to youth lacrosse programs, the Wolf Pack dance team is proud to host Junior Wolf Pack dance clinics for local dancers. Dance clinics include an interactive workshop with the Wolf Pack Dance Team, a special performance with the dance team at halftime during a FireWolves game, and a ticket to the FireWolves Game for each participant.
Game Experiences
Local lacrosse fans and teams can experience the excitement of professional lacrosse up close at an Albany FireWolves games. Group ticket experiences provide wonderful opportunities for youth and include:
- Benchwarmers: With a 75-ticket minimum, young fans get a front row seat on the FireWolves bench to watch warm-ups before a home game.
- Turf Time: Kids get a chance to play where the pros play with the Turf Time experience. A 100-ticket minimum per hour allows teams to use the field at MVP Arena for practices, exhibitions, and tournaments.
- High Five Tunnel/Starting Lineups: Get up close and personal with the team as they head out on the field for the game. Either provide encouragement by giving high fives to the players as they walk through the tunnel or wish them “good luck” as you take your place beside them during intros and the National Anthem.
School Programs
Local Albany schools are eligible to participate in FireWolves school community programming. FireWolves have visited 33 schools since the start of the 2023-24 NLL season and connected with hundreds of students. The goals of the AFW School Program are to have FireWolves players connect with the community, increase awareness of box lacrosse and the sport of lacrosse in general, and provide exposure for the Albany FireWolves Lacrosse Club.
The players approach school visits with the five W’s in mind: who they are, what they do, why they do it, where they play, and when they play. Students can ask the players more questions about the team, the players, and the game of lacrosse.
The program is open to all K-12 students and includes customizable workshops that can be modified for each school’s individual needs. Standard school program sessions include:
- Lacrosse 101: This session is designed for students who have limited to no experience in lacrosse. During the workshop, players make an appearance as students learn the basic skills of cradling, catching, and throwing.
- Lacrosse 102: This workshop is for students who have some basic knowledge of lacrosse and can catch and throw. Players look on while drills are run to enhance students’ skills and knowledge of the game.
- Alphie’s Reading Program: Players and/or dance team members visit schools to read a book of the school’s choosing.
- Interactive Meet & Greet: Players and/or dance team members discuss their professions, including a question and answer session. Autograph sessions are also available.
Programs are directed and led by Albany FireWolves players Will Johansen, Tye Kurtz, Sam Firth, and Justin Geddie. Interested schools should reach out to the FireWolves organization for information.
Internship Program
The FireWolves also aim’s to support local college students by providing internship opportunities for students throughout the Capital Region who want to know what it is like to work in the fast-paced world of professional sports. Potential internship opportunities include:
- Social Media Intern to assist with the design and execution of social media campaigns
- Ticket Sales Intern to assist the sales department in day-to-day ticket operations and fulfillment
- Gameday Operations Intern to work Albany FireWolves home games and contribute to the planning and execution of in-game promotions, halftime shows, and interactive activities promoting fan engagement
FireWolves Foundation
The FireWolves Foundation participates in philanthropic causes across the Capital Region. The goal of the FireWolves Foundation is to grow the game of lacrosse and to work with our community to promote primary pillars and initiatives, such as health and wellness (both physical and mental health), education, and inclusion.
The Albany FireWolves are about much more than playing high-level lacrosse. The team is committed to spreading the love and legacy of the game to the next generation.
