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Board approves Hudson–Alvirne/Litchfield girls-lacrosse co-op to preserve varsity play
Summary
Facing low roster numbers and safety concerns, the Litchfield School Board approved a cooperative girls-lacrosse program with neighboring Hudson–Alvirne so students can compete at the varsity level; the decision was framed as a safety and opportunity measure and carried after discussion.
The Litchfield School Board voted on June 30 to approve a cooperative girls-lacrosse program with Hudson–Alvirne (a combined roster / co-op) so students from the district will be able to participate in a viable varsity schedule next season.
Board members and speakers argued the co-op addresses roster depth and student safety by giving coaches more options for substitutions and allowing younger players to develop before varsity-level exposure. One board member, who serves on an NHIAA lacrosse committee, said competitiveness in girls lacrosse is not entirely size-dependent because travel programs and club play produce concentrated talent; he added that a larger combined roster can reduce the need to play inexperienced athletes against stronger teams and can improve overall safety.
Campbell (Alvirne) officials have reported coach availability challenges and low numbers that, without a co-op, could result in a JV-only schedule that many players would decline. The cooperating schools discussed splitting home games and scheduling practices to accommodate players; board members urged a deliberate rollout and a check-in report after the first season to evaluate whether the co-op met objectives and whether the program could later split back into separate teams if participation increases.
The board approved a motion to create the co-op and asked the athletic director to work with the partner district on scheduling, uniforms and shared resources. Members said they expected to monitor the arrangement and report back to the board at the end of the season.
