2025 Jr. Black Bears

The Ottawa Black Bears are on the hunt for youth lacrosse players to represent the Jr. Black Bears at the Jr. NLL Tournament in Toronto from August 22nd-24th. For more information on how to get involved as a coach or player, click the links below.

• Volunteer Coach Submission of Interest

  

  Key Details

  Selection Criteria for Coaches:

  COACHING EXPERIENCE

  Minimum of three consecutive years coaching lacrosse at a youth level.

  Preference given to candidates with coaching experience at multiple age levels (U13, U15, U17) or with elite youth teams.

  Actively engaged within Zone 5 Minor Lacrosse Associations in a coaching capacity during the 2025 Minor Lacrosse Season.

  UNDERSTANDING OF THE GAME

  Demonstrated knowledge of NLL box lacrosse rules, strategies, and player development techniques.

  Ability to effectively teach fundamental skills, tactics, and game concepts appropriate for each age level.

  COMMUNICATION AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS

  Strong communication skills to effectively interact with players, parents, fellow coaches and program administrators.

  Ability to lead and inspire young athletes, fostering a positive and supportive team environment.

  PLAYER DEVELOPMENT FOCUS

  Commitment to the holistic development of players, emphasizing skill improvement, sportsmanship, teamwork and character development.

  Willingness to provide constructive feedback and individualized instruction to players of varying skill levels.

  CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECK

  Successful completion of a comprehensive criminal background check.

  Coaches must adhere to all child safety and protection policies set for by the Ottawa Black Bears, Ontario Lacrosse Association and participating Minor Lacrosse Associations.

  SUBMISSION OF INTEREST

  Coaches must submit their interest by Wednesday, May 7th. Submitting interest does not guarantee your spot on the coaching roster.

  Selected coaches will be contacted by May 12th and must be available for a virtual call on May 13th. Coaches must be available for their scheduled tryout time on May 17th, per the below.

  TRYOUTS 

  Formal tryouts will be held at the Bell Sensplex Fieldhouse on May 17th with designated times for each age group.

  U13 Tryouts: 9:00-11:00 a.m. ET

  U15 Tryouts: 11:30-1:30 p.m. ET

  U17 Tryouts: 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET

  Thank you in advance for your interest!

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  SUBMISSION OF INTEREST FORM

  Name(Required)

  First Last

  Email(Required)

  Phone(Required)

  Coaching Position(Required)

  Please enter the association and age/level you are currently coaching.

  Number of Total Years as a Coach(Required)

  These do not need to be consecutive years.

  Tell us about yourself and why you are submitting interest(Required)

  Which age group are you interested in coaching?(Required)

  U13

  U15

  U17

  Consent(Required)

  I acknowledge I have read the requirements for the volunteer position and meet all of the requirements, including but not limited to a completed criminal background check.

  Consent(Required)

  I am aware that the tournament takes place through August 22-24 in Toronto and will be available on that weekend.

  CAPTCHA

• Jr. Black Bears Player Tryout Registration

  

  Minor Lacrosse Players within the Ontario Lacrosse Association Zone 5 boundaries are invited to join the Ottawa Black Bears for an exciting opportunity to showcase your lacrosse talent and represent the Black Bears at the Jr. NLL Tournament in Toronto.

  This program is designed for minor lacrosse players aged U13 (born in 2014 and 2013), U15 (born in 2012 and 2011), or U17 (born in 2010 and 2009) who demonstrate exceptional skill and dedication to the sport. 

  Key Details 

  TRYOUTS 

  Formal tryouts will be held at the Bell Sensplex Fieldhouse on May 17th with designated times for each age group.

  U13 Tryouts: 9:00-11:00 a.m. ET

  U15 Tryouts: 11:30-1:30 p.m. ET

  U17 Tryouts: 2:00-4:00 p.m. ET

  ROSTER SELECTION 

  Players will be selected from across all Minor Lacrosse Associations within OLA Zone 5; best efforts will be made to ensure representation. Rosters are a maximum of 20 players (18 runners + 2 goalies). 

  TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION 

  Selected players will be required to ensure they are onsite for the event. The Ottawa Black Bears will work with the Tournament Host to identify hotels and rates. Rooms are to be booked by the participants. 

  COMPETITION 

  Selected players will compete against other junior lacrosse teams from across North America representing other National Lacrosse League team markets, showcasing your talent on a national stage.   

  REGISTRATION FEE 

  Players who qualify for the Jr. Black Bears team will be required to pay a registration fee of $400. As part of the fee, each participant will receive an official Jr Black Bears jersey, a pair of shorts and a t-shirt. 

  Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to represent Ottawa in a prestigious lacrosse tournament! Showcase your skills, compete against top talent, and experience the thrill of being part of the Black Bear’s community. Join us for an unforgettable weekend of lacrosse and camaraderie. 

  REGISTRATION

  Players must be registered, free of charge, in order to tryout.

  HOME OPENER SHOWCASE 

  As a bonus, players selected to the team will receive a complimentary ticket to the Ottawa Black Bears 2025-26 Home Opener. You’ll have the opportunity to witness high-level lacrosse and be recognized during the event. 

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  PLAYER REGISTRATION FORM

  Player Name(Required)

  First Last

  Player Date of Birth (DD/MM/YYYY)(Required)

  Player Gender(Required)

  MaleFemaleOther

  Parent / Legal Guardian Name(Required)

  First Last

  Contact Email(Required)

  This should be the email of the parent or legal guardian.

  Phone(Required)

  Player position(Required)

  Please identify if a runner or a goalie.

  Association(Required)

  Select one...Akwesasne StormCornwall CelticsGloucester GriffinsKahnawake MohawksKingston KrossfireNepean KnightsQuinte BayhawksTyendinaga ThunderbirdsOther

  If other, please share the association name and city

  Age Group(Required)

  U13 (Player born 2014 or 2013)

  U15 (Player born 2012 or 2011)

  U17 (Player born 2010 or 2009)

  Consent(Required)

  I acknowledge that tryout registration is free of charge, but by registering I agree to pay the $400 fee upon selection to the team.

  Consent(Required)

  I am aware that the tournament takes place through August 22-24 in Toronto and will be available on that weekend.

  CAPTCHA

Look back on the success of last year’s Jr. NLL Tournament here!