NXTsports is excited to announce a collaboration with Nike under which NXT and Nike will team up to spread the game of Trashcan Lacrosse, the wildly popular two-on-two pickup version of lacrosse.  Nike will support NXT’s inaugural Trashcan Lacrosse Experience, taking place Saturday, May 25th from 10am-2pm at FDR Park in South Philadelphia near Lincoln Financial Field and the Philadelphia Sports Complex. 

The NXTsports Trashcan Lacrosse Experience on Saturday, May 25th will be completely free for all participants, and will provide opportunity for young lacrosse players to learn and play Trashcan Lacrosse and compete for some great giveaways and prizes.

Separately, Nike and NXT will also work together to improve the experience for all participants in NXT’s Showcase Lacrosse events, including NXT’s signature Philly Showcase.  Through the relationship all participating athletes in NXT’s Showcase Lacrosse events will be outfitted exclusively in Nike apparel.

Said Andy Hayes, President of NXTsports, “It is incredibly validating to align the NXT brand with that of Nike.  We are thrilled that the elite athletes participating in our Showcase Lacrosse events will be wearing Nike gear, and that Nike believes in and supports NXT’s Trashcan Lacrosse movement.”

Added Joe Taylor, Lacrosse Director, Nike,  “Nike has followed NXTsports for a while, and we have been impressed with many of the innovative developments they are bringing to youth lacrosse. We are very excited to team up with NXT and to participate in the Trashcan Lacrosse Experience.”

Additional information about the upcoming NXTsports Trashcan Lacrosse Experience events mentioned herein is available at TrashcanLacrosse.com.  More information about the Nike apparel to be provided to all participating Showcase Lacrosse athletes will be available shortly at ShowcaseLacrosse.com.

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1. What is your favorite lacrosse memory?

Mainly the people I have met from lacrosse. Most of my mentors and closest friends I have met through the sport. Also, road trips with friends and family to watch college final fours and other games over the years. Playing in the Pennsylvania High School Final Four, and the NCAA Final Four.

2.  What do you do for work other than coaching?

I work for Heidrick & Struggles (www.heidrick.com). Our company does executive recruiting and consulting.

3. Memorable youth coach-why?

My Dad has always been a coach of mine (he played at Penn Charter as well), and used to help coach the Abington Lacrosse Club when I played. He introduced me to lacrosse, and I have loved it ever since.

4.  Memorable high school coach at Penn Charter-why?

I had two head coaches at Penn Charter. Tony Resch, a former member of Team USA, coach of the Wings, and MLL coach. I also had the current Penn Charter coach, Pat McDonough, who has coached some amazing players and teams over the years. Both are Penn Charter graduates and in the Penn Charter athletic hall of fame. I was extremely fortunate to have both of these coaches, who taught me the x’s and o’s at the highest level, how to play a disciplined but fun style of lacrosse, and to enjoy the game.

5.  Highlight of playing at Cornell?

Some highlights include:

• 4 time Ivy League Champions. 22-2 record in the Ivy League from 2004 to 2007. Never lost an Ivy League game at home.
• Beating Princeton my freshman year in 2004, the first time Cornell beat Princeton in about 10 years (I never lost to Princeton in my career).
• Undefeated regular season in 2007, ranked #1, and reaching the NCAA Final Four in Baltimore.

6.  Favorite hobby outside of lacrosse?

Exploring Philadelphia. Hanging out with NXT coaches. Playing sports including golf and tennis.

7.  Favorite food?

Chicken Parm – our pregame meal at Cornell.
Ice cream – more in line with my current diet / training program.

8.  Best advice you've ever been given?

• Well done is better than well said (phrase we use at Cornell)
• For my 12th birthday, my parents helped make a concrete wall against our garage for me to throw against. Incredible present/advice, as I threw against it millions of times, and my stick skills became my strength.

9.  What programs run by NXTsports have you been involved with?

Traschcan – mainly working with the 6th grade teams.
Showcase – Coaches tent.
Cradle – Germantown Academy, Germantown Friends, USTC, and Friends Select locations.
NXT – tryouts and some select coaching.

10.  Highlight of working for NXTsports so far?

The people! The coaches, players, and families involved. I have really enjoyed working with players, and seeing them improve and grow as they move up the NXT program. 

11. Prediction for Trashcan 2019 this upcoming summer?

I am excited about the 2019 squad! We have a talented and charismatic group, with guys from a lot of different schools. It is going to be a great season, and a ton of fun!

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Name: Ben Gaver
Age: 12
Grade: 7th
Position: Attack

How long have you been playing lacrosse?
I’ve been playing the game since I was 5 years old.

What is your jersey number and is there a story behind it?
My jersey number is 17 because it has a lot of significance with me and my family with my birthday being May 17, my dads birthday being April 17 and my parents anniversary on June 17 it was the obvious choice for myself as a jersey number.

Favorite trick shot?
Well… I don’t really use trick shots in games if I had the choice to do anything it would either be BTB or through the legs.

What would be your ultimate achievement?
My ultimate achievement would to play for an established college program and ultimately pursue a career in law.

Individual Goal: To make the varsity lacrosse team for my High School Freshmen year. 

What was the best advice you were ever given?
The best advice I have ever been given was from my dad who always says something to the effect , “if you keep working your butt off, you can accomplish anything you want to do in life.”

What do you like to do when you aren’t playing lacrosse?
When I’m not playing lacrosse I enjoy skiing in the winter and playing lots of golf during the spring and summer or hanging out with friends.

Favorite place to practice?
I really enjoy practicing on the wall or at the goal at my house because it’s usually just me and the goal.  I can think by myself about the things I need to improve upon.

Who is your favorite team or player to watch in lacrosse (or another sport)
My favorite player to watch in lacrosse would have to be Mike Sawyer for the Loyola Greyhounds because he is an excellent finisher, a skill I’m trying to master.   I have a little bias for him because my parents went to Loyola.

Who is your favorite Trashcan Lacrosse Coach?
My favorite Trashcan coach is Dylan so that I don’t get yelled at the next time I see him.

What do you like about the Trashcan Lacrosse Game?
What I like about Trashcan is the fact that it is very fast paced and emphasizes the idea of draw and dump, a basic fundamental in the game.

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To view photos from our Trashcan Lacrosse Winter Programs, please visit our Trashcan Lacrosse Facebook Page!

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Trashcan Lacrosse Coach of the Month:

Coach Warren Danenza

1. How pumped are you for the trashcan winter program?

Trashcan is arguably the best concept to teach lacrosse I have ever come across in my time as a lacrosse coach. The only program that could rival Trashcan is Cradle. The Trashcan winter program is a perfect blend of foundational lacrosse methods and cutting edge creative drill design. Every idea, strategy and fundamental skill is applicable when letting the players loose within the Trashcan game. Communication, quick passing, playing fast and having fun are essential to teaching the game of lacrosse. Players that attend the Trashcan Winter program experience all of those things. As a coach, I considered myself lucky that I get to spend my Sunday’s learning, teaching, and have the most fun a coach could have.

2. What was the fall like w NXT lacrosse?  Best event?

I would say that the one word I would use to describe the fall with NXT Lacrosse would be “successive.” What I mean is that beginning with tryouts in September and culminating with the Philly Invitational, the fall has provided me with one rewarding experience after the NXT. From a pure fan’s point of view, each event was better than the one before it. From a coach’s point of view, each event put your players in more of a national focus than the last. If I was asked to use another word, that word describing the fall, that word would be “rewarding.” Personally, I believe that I gained a tremendous amount from this past fall. The relationships I have made with my players, parents and colleagues have made me a better person and coach. The best event I have experienced during this past Fall has to be the Philly Showcase. I know that many will say that the Charity Showdown would be theirs, but watching the entire NXT FAM come together to host 400 players, 200 coaches and parents reaffirmed my understanding that I was working with the best.

3. What do you like to see most in kids that you coach?

Plain and simple, enthusiasm. I love coaching kids that approach every opportunity with a contagious enthusiasm. A player that brings enthusiasm inspires teammates and their coaches to be the best, even in tough situations.

4. Favorite quote?

“Leadership begins with self-knowledge.” – Vince Lombardi

5. Any coaches you look up to?

There are many coaches I idolize for a variety of reasons. For starters, Gerry Byrne, Doug Collins, and NXT Coaches. Gerry Byrne has a knack for relating to his players and the ever changing landscape of coaching. Coach Byrne emphasizes community or family over the individual which is something I identify with. Doug Collins understands his players on and off the court. Coach has the unbelievable ability to get the most out of his players without sacrificing developing his players as human beings. Now you may say that this answer is a bit of brown-nosing, but I sincerely believe that I have become a better person and coach because of my colleagues at NXT. They lead by example and exude passion.

6. Favorite sport to play?

Although it is the most frustrating sport in the world, I love to play golf. For those who say golf is not a sport, I ask you to play a round. When I cannot play golf, you can find me on the court playing hoops. Basketball is another sport I do not excel at, but nonetheless I love playing.

7. Favorite hobby?

I love to cook. The kitchen is my favorite room in the house. Cooking allows you to be creative and think outside of the box. One of my many goals in life is to feed people in every and any way possible. “Feed minds, hearts, and stomachs.” Sharing a meal with someone provides the ultimate sense of family/community. 

8. Prediction for the future of Upper Darby lax?

Ultimately, I want to build a sustainable program. Going into my second year I find myself building the foundation of a program that will succeed on the field and off. The road will not be easy, nor do I expect it to be, but I believe that I have to players to lead Upper Darby Lacrosse into the future.

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