ALL offers a chance for more than just players

While one of the goals of any minor league is to create opportunities for players who want to make a lasting impression and earn a shot at their sport’s highest level, it also serves the purpose of providing a chance for those in a variety of roles -- both visible and behind the scenes – to earn recognition as well.

The Arena Lacrosse League – and its recently launched four-team ALL West Division – is no different.

Formed in 2017, the ALL is regarded as the National Lacrosse League’s minor league, and with seven Ontario-based teams in the ALL prior to the launch of the ALL West, 15 per cent of the current NLL players have played at least one game in the ALL.

The ALL plays under the same game rules as the NLL, providing high-level competition and exposure that provides NLL management and executives the opportunity to monitor individual progress through game webcasting and statistics. Game evaluations from ALL West coaches will assist in development of players who are currently on NLL practice rosters or are ready for in-season call-ups.

And while the primary focus may be on the players, coaches and executives looking to advance their careers, the same can be said for any number of other positions involved in the sport as it provides opportunities at a multitude of levels.

“We push the opportunity for advancement to the professional ranks for the players, coaches and game officials, but the ALL West will also provide opportunities for those who want to get involved in many of our other roles which we need to fill,” said ALL President Paul St. John.

“We are looking for aspiring play-by-play announcers and commentators, public address announcers, trainers and equipment managers. Just so many roles to fill with the opportunity to be under the watchful eyes and ears of not only the ALL and the NLL, but most sports leagues in general.”

“Students who have an internship to fulfill in Sports Marketing or Sports Management are encouraged to reach out and get their start – many of today’s executives in the top professional leagues have started with an internship,” St. John added.

With the ALL West serving as a developmental league, many of the open positions are on a volunteer basis, although compensation for some positions may be considered.

Applications are being accepted for the following positions: commissioner, lacrosse operations, coaches/general managers, statisticians, score keepers, play-by-play and colour commentators, equipment managers and athletic therapists.

Those interested in any of the above positions, can email allwest@theall.ca with their name, email address, contact number and position they are interested in.

For players interested in registering, they must be at least 18 years of age as of December 31, 2021 and can register by clicking here. Registration is $400 and payment can be e-transferred to westplayerfee@theall.ca. The deadline to register is November 19. Anyone not making one of the four final rosters will be refunded $350 as there is a $50 tryout fee.

The ALL West will hold its inaugural draft on November 20 with training camp to follow the next weekend before the four teams begin a 12-game regular season in mid-December. The season will conclude with Championship Weekend scheduled for March 26 and 27. All practices and games will be held at Langley Events Centre.

About the Arena Lacrosse League: Proud partners of the National Lacrosse League, the 'ALL' is highly recognized as the "Official Minor League of the NLL". Established in 2017, the ALL operates a seven team East Division based in Ontario, Canada, as well as a four team West Division based at Langley Events Centre in the Township of Langley. The ALL provides a high-level development league for players, coaches, and officials with professional aspirations. Currently in it’s fifth year of operation, the ALL has provided over 100 players to the NLL.

The current ALL East Division in Ontario features the Oshawa Outlaws, Paris Riverwolves, Peterborough Timbermen, Six Nations Snipers, St. Catharines Shockwave, Toronto Monarchs and Whitby Steelhawks.

To learn more about the league, visit www.arenalacrosseleague.ca.