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Magic City Lacrosse asks council for help covering facility and program costs after 17 years
Summary
Representatives of Magic City Lacrosse told the council their youth lacrosse program has produced college scholarship winners and asked the mayor's office and council to help with facility rental and program costs; council members pledged follow-up with Parks and Recreation and school officials.
Yancey Williams, who identified himself as a leader of Magic City Lacrosse, told the Birmingham City Council on May 27 that the program has operated since 2008 and has helped players secure athletic and academic scholarships. "Our program have fostered over 50 athletic scholarships since 02/2008, over 75 academic scholarships since 02/2008," Williams said, and he asked the council and mayor's office for help defraying costs such as facility rental and equipment.
Coaches and parents testified about the program’s local impact. Sharon Acuff, a teacher and coach, said lacrosse is "the fastest growing sport in America" and that the program provides equipment and has produced competitive teams that retain players. Coach Keevan Staples described lacrosse as life-changing for participants. Parents described their children’s positive experiences; one parent said her son "looks forward to it every year."
Williams and coaches said the team plays at Crestwood Park and that youth participation includes about 27 girls and 14 boys. He said the program is self-funded and requested help lowering facility rental costs and other support from the city. Williams also said the program aims to expand to middle schools next year and then to high schools in the following years.
Council members praised the program and offered to help connect coaches with Parks and Recreation and Birmingham City Schools. Council President O'Quinn and Councilor Clark both thanked the group; Clark noted a former participant who now works at Neighborhood Housing Services and encouraged stronger ties with the school system. Council members said the new fiscal year begins July 1 and that budget or program assistance would likely be considered in the fall. "Our new budget year really starts July 1. So we can't give you anything immediately," a councilor said, but asked the group to follow up in the fall.
No formal city funding decision was made at the meeting; several councilors urged follow-up with Park and Recreation to secure fields and with school officials about including lacrosse in school programs.
