#Protect2Play Lacrosse Chest Protector Fund

My name is Owen Seibold. I am a senior lacrosse player at Hopewell Valley Central High School in Pennington, New Jersey. I am the founder of #Protect2Play which is a charitable initiative created for the purpose of helping underserved communities pay for lacrosse related expenses. I am raising money in conjunction with Hopewell Valley Lacrosse (a volunteer-run, non-profit 501c(3) organization) in order to help provide funding for USA Lacrosse's First Stick Program. The First Stick Program will supply grants for underserved communities to purchase the required equipment.

 

Lacrosse is one of the fastest growing sports in the US and has given me so much. We need to keep it growing while maintaining safety and accessibility.

 

Though I have been playing extensively for 9 years now, it was the Hopewell Valley Lacrosse rec program where I first acquired my love for the game. It was always such a positive environment in which all were encouraged to learn the skills necessary to succeed. HVL helps instill the pillars of sportsmanship, teamwork, competition, and commitment. It would upset me greatly to see that other kids across the country would be deprived of this potential experience just because of an unanticipated additional expense.

 

Underserved communities are especially at risk. With the adoption of NOCSAE ND200, which provides for the first-ever performance standard for chest protection, all field players will need SEI-certified (safety equipment institute) chest protectors/shoulder pads by January 1st, 2022. These pads protect players from commotio cordis (cardiac arrest due to a blow to the heart area).

 

This necessary equipment can cost from $60-$150, depending on age level and position. Most players in underserved communities will not have access to this equipment due to cost and lack of a secondary market for purchase. This is a huge problem and highlights the need for grants from the USA Lacrosse First Stick Program.

 

All funds raised will go to the USA Lacrosse First Stick Pad Upgrade Program. Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me. 

USA Lacrosse First Stick Program