Coaches Academy

Jr. Bandits Academy

Jr. Bandits Coaches Academy

Learn the game. Teach the game. Grow the game.

Registration is not currently open. This page will be updated once an official registration date is announced.

The Buffalo Bandits are excited to introduce the Jr. Bandits Box Lacrosse Coaches Academy, a six-week program designed to help coaches develop their knowledge of box lacrosse while gaining hands-on experience working with youth players.

Unlike traditional coaching clinics, the Coaches Academy combines classroom instruction with practical, on-floor coaching experience. Participants will learn directly from Buffalo Bandits players Ian MacKay and Zack Belter (all players subject to change without notice) before putting those lessons into practice during our Jr. Bandits Youth Academy sessions.

Whether you're an experienced field lacrosse coach looking to expand your knowledge of the box game, a parent or volunteer getting started in coaching, or someone interested in becoming a youth lacrosse coach, this program provides an opportunity to develop your coaching skills.

Program Details

Only 10 spots available!

  • Location: Epic Center, 2793 Wehrle Dr., Williamsville, NY 14221

  • Session Dates (Mondays):

    • February 22

    • March 1

    • March 8

    • March 15

    • March 22

    • No session March 29

    • April 5

  • Times:

    • 5:30 PM – 6:00 PM: Coaches Chalk Talk

    • 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM: On-Floor Coaching Experience

  • Age Requirement: Coaches must be at least 18 years old.

All dates and times are subject to change.

Registration Fee

  • Fee: $TBD per coach

    • All Jr. Bandits programs have a strict no-refund policy.

How the Academy Works

Each week, participating coaches will take part in two instructional sessions led by Buffalo Bandits players Ian MacKay and Zack Belter.

Phase 1: Coaches Chalk Talk (30 Minutes)

Before each Youth Academy session, coaches will meet with MacKay and Belter to review the evening's practice plan. Instructors will explain the purpose of each drill, demonstrate key coaching points, and discuss how to effectively teach box lacrosse fundamentals to younger players.

Topics will include practice planning, skill development, offensive and defensive concepts, and strategies for working with youth athletes.

Phase 2: On-Floor Coaching Experience (60 Minutes)

Following the Chalk Talk, coaches will join the Jr. Bandits Youth Academy on the floor to help execute that evening's practice plan.

Initially, MacKay and Belter will lead the sessions while participating coaches assist with drills, provide instruction, and work directly with youth players.

As the program progresses, participants will gradually take on additional coaching responsibilities, including leading drills, organizing activities, and providing instruction. MacKay and Belter will continue to provide guidance and feedback while allowing coaches to take a more active role as they become comfortable.

This approach allows participants to build confidence and gain practical coaching experience throughout the six-week program.

What Coaches Will Learn

Throughout the Academy, coaches will develop their ability to teach and reinforce:

  • Proper stickhandling, passing, and catching techniques

  • Shooting fundamentals and mechanics

  • Ground ball skills and techniques

  • Offensive movement, spacing, and positioning

  • Defensive positioning and team concepts

  • Two-player offensive concepts and decision-making

  • Small-area games and skill development drills

  • Effective practice planning and drill organization

  • Coaching communication and player development

Final Session – April 5

The final week of the Academy will feature a youth game, giving participating coaches an opportunity to apply the skills they've developed throughout the program in a game setting.

Coaches will take a more active role in bench management, player instruction, and in-game decision-making, with MacKay and Belter providing guidance and support as needed.

All Participants Will Receive

  • Six weeks of instruction from Buffalo Bandits players Ian MacKay and Zack Belter

  • Six Coaches Chalk Talks

  • Six hands-on coaching sessions with Jr. Bandits Youth Academy players

  • Custom Jr. Bandits T-shirt

  • Jr. Bandits Coaches Academy Certificate of Completion

  • Two ticket vouchers redeemable for available 2026-27 Buffalo Bandits regular-season home games (subject to availability)

Important Information

  • Participants must be at least 18 years old.

  • Registration is limited to 10 coaches to provide a more personalized learning experience.

  • Coaches are expected to attend all six sessions. Each week builds upon the previous session, with participants taking on additional responsibilities as the program progresses.

  • Participants should be prepared to actively assist with drills and instruction during each Youth Academy session.

  • A Certificate of Completion will be awarded to coaches who successfully complete the program.

  • All Jr. Bandits programs have a strict no-refund policy.

Why Learn to Coach Box Lacrosse?

Box lacrosse plays an important role in developing well-rounded lacrosse players. The fast-paced, confined playing environment encourages quick decision-making, strong stick skills, offensive creativity, and defensive awareness.

These skills benefit athletes playing both box and field lacrosse.

By introducing more coaches to the fundamentals and teaching methods of box lacrosse, the Jr. Bandits Coaches Academy aims to help grow the game and improve youth lacrosse instruction throughout Western New York.

Stay Connected

Follow @BanditsYouthLax on Instagram, Facebook, and X for Academy updates, registration announcements, and future Jr. Bandits programming.

Questions?

Please contact Dan Ristine at Dan.Ristine@Bandits.com for additional information.