The Knights Lacrosse Foundation, founded and run by Robinson’s very own boy’s lacrosse coach, Ryan Becker, provides a “free-of-pay” model for kids in the South Tampa area to play lacrosse. This program includes all the necessary equipment and coaching for free. The goal of the foundation is to empower young people to pursue lacrosse.
“Knights Lacrosse Foundation positively impacts our community by removing all barriers and allowing access to any and all youth to play the sport of lacrosse for free while instilling our ‘earn-it’ culture of core principles including relentless work ethic, accountability and discipline,” Becker said.
The Knights Lacrosse Foundation has three tiers of development. The first tier is Youth Development which introduces lacrosse to young kids through free clinics and equipment. The next tier is the Knights Lacrosse Club (KLC). This club consists of higher level players, many of whom are selected from the Youth Development tier. As a part of the KLC, these players attend biweekly practices that focus on drills and honing the players’ skills. The final tier is the Junior Knight Scholarship which provides opportunities to the more exceptional student-athletes in hopes of pushing them to the next level.
As of right now, the Knights Lacrosse Foundation works with Robinson along with Madison Middle School and Roland Park K-8 Magnet School, but hopes to spread across the county and connect with as many schools as possible.
Becker is very dedicated to the cause and through help from sponsors and donations, the foundation has been able to serve 323 students and has given away 32 sticks, 27 helmets and 26 gloves.
“I am passionate about this cause and serving our community because of what the sport of lacrosse has provided me in my life,” Becker said. “From a strong network professionally, to the family of teammates and team-first mentality cultivated over the years, I believe anyone in our community deserves the same opportunity in the most accessible way possible.”
The Robinson boys lacrosse team is closely linked with this organization and the players give back to the foundation by volunteering to help teach the younger clinics.
“It’s a completely free way to get [local kids] moving and active, while also learning lacrosse,” said Christian Norriega (’24), Robinson boys lacrosse Captain. “It’s a great way to get them interested in an amazing sport.”
Donations can be made to the Knights Lacrosse Foundation at https://www.knightslacrossefoundation.org/support-us.
