How we work
Lacrosse has been one of the fastest growing sports in the country for the past two decades. Regionally the northwest has seen its participation rates continually grow along with talented players from the region moving on to play at the highest collegiate and professional levels. The Rogue Valley Youth Lacrosse Association was created to give boys and girls from Grants Pass to Ashland access to experience and enjoy this wonderful game.
Our mission is to create opportunities for youth in the Rogue Valley region to experience and enjoy all that the game of lacrosse has to offer.
Lacrosse is a team sport that requires skill, athleticism, teamwork, character and toughness. It is the oldest game in North America as there was a version of it common to every tribe in the land. Its history is rich in tradition and a connection to the community that enjoys it. In its early origins it was a celebration, a form of a community thanksgiving to be played for the enjoyment of the creator and to give thanks for all he provided. To this day, the lacrosse community remains a tight one across the country and is always accepting of new members.
The RVYLA will work to increase access to the sport by increasing its exposure and limiting the barriers to entry. By providing players the chance to play with provided equipment families will not have to bear the costs of equipment necessary to just step on the field. We will also work hand in hand with public entities, community organizations and schools whenever possible to help increase awareness, accessibility and affordability.
Utilizing US Lacrosse certified coaches in a positive, inclusive and safe environment will allow players the best opportunity to experience the game so that they may also learn the skills and values that will lead to success both on and off the field.
The RVYLA is a 501C3 non-profit that is comprised of a volunteer board and Executive Director. Beyond just increasing access and awareness of the game, it will also be necessary to create an infrastructure and support system for the game to grow and flourish. From training new coaches and officials to creating leagues, teams and out of season play opportunities, the RVYLA has the experience and understanding of what it takes to grow a successful program and is excited about the opportunity to do so in the Rogue Valley.
Lacrosse is a wonderful game unlike any other and it is now time for the Rogue Valley to enjoy and experience it.
Mark Brown- Executive Director
Mark Brown has been involved with lacrosse for most of his life. Originally from Ellicott City, Maryland, Coach Brown took to playing with a longpole from the beginning. He was one of only two freshmen to suit up and play for the ‘91 Maryland State Championship Mt. Hebron Vikings. He later went on to play at Virginia Tech where as a LSM/close defender where he and his Hokies would make it to the National Tournament each season, making it as far as the final four.
Upon moving to the Rogue Valley in 2000, and missing the game, he took his talents to the sideline in 2004 as the Head Coach of the newly formed SOU Men’s lacrosse team where he would lead for the next 16 years. During that time he coached 5 Defensive Players of the Year, 11 All Americans, and over 30 All League Selections while also receiving the PNCLL Coach of the Year award four times.
“Lacrosse has been a consistent passion in my life and I am truly excited to grow the game at the youth level here in Rogue Valley.”
How we got here
The RVYLA actually came to fruition via a group SOU Lacrosse Alumni. Since 2004 the SOU Lacrosse program was and has been the only organized lacrosse in the valley. A group of former SOU players realized that in order to support the SOU program the best way in doing so was to form a non profit organization that could support not just the SOU Lacrosse program but also support the growth of lacrosse in the region. In 2016, the Old Souls Lacrosse Club was born.
It is the mission of the Old Souls to create opportunities and experiences for the game of lacrosse to grow in the Rogue Valley Region while also supporting the mission of the Southern Oregon University Men’s Lacrosse program. We will achieve this mission by fostering a network of camaraderie amongst former players & supporters of the program that utilizes their unique skills and experiences.
Old Souls was created by some of the original founding members of the SOU Lacrosse program with the intent to grow the game of lacrosse in the Rogue Valley while also having a positive impact on the lacrosse program. The SOU Lacrosse Program was founded by a group of student athletes in the fall of 2003 and competed in their first season of PNCLL play spring 2005. In the fall of 2010, the program had enough alumni support to hold their first Alumni Game where the current team would face off against the players from the past. Connecting the past and present allowed for a special bond and continuing of traditions that should be utilized and protected. It also fostered an environment in which the alumni collectively realized the good they were capable of doing utilizing their post college experiences. By combining their skills, experiences and resources the Old Souls are now working to provide more lacrosse opportunities for youth in the Rogue Valley region. Old Souls was a direct result of the Alumni game event and the connections it fostered.
The Old Souls logo was a tongue & cheek take on the SOU Lacrosse programs history of hard nosed, gritty, style of play and culture while also being a slight nod to the universities Raiderhawk mascot.
Realizing that more lacrosse in the region would create more opportunities for the SOU program to grow and thrive it was quickly apparent that more attention and focus was needed to support this specific cause. In 2020 the Old Souls launched the The Rogue Valley Youth Lacrosse Association (RVYLA) which quickly grew to become a greater and endeavor than imagined. Central to all lacrosse in the area since 2004 is Mark Brown, and the Old Souls wanted to provide him the tools, support and resources to continue to follow his skills and passion for inspiring youth through the sport of lacrosse.
Please note that the Old Souls are in no way affiliated with Southern Oregon University.
You can learn more about the Old Souls and their story here.
