Key City

Programs — Frederick, MD

A premier Frederick, MD youth lacrosse club grounded in faith-based principles, shaping leaders through service and competition. Boys' and girls' programs from elementary through high school — practicing and competing right here at Ballenger Creek Park.

Key City Krakens

A Pathway For Every Athlete

Athletes enter at different stages

Not every athlete starts in the same place — and they shouldn't have to. The Krakens program is built so families can enter at the stage that fits their athlete today and keep advancing as they grow. Whether your athlete is picking up a stick for the first time or chasing a college roster spot, there is a team, a level, and a season for them here.

Development Teams

Foundational skills, fundamentals, and confidence-building reps for newer or younger athletes. The entry point — and where every great player starts.

Competitive Teams

Travel rosters for athletes ready for real competition. Structured practices, tournament play, and coaching that pushes growth every week.

Elite High School Teams

Top-tier rosters for the most committed HS athletes — highest level of competition, strongest schedule, and the standard the program is built around.

College Exposure Opportunities

Recruiting events, showcases, and exposure tournaments where college coaches are watching. Paired with film, highlight reels, and outreach guidance.

Tournament Teams

Select rosters built around specific summer and fall tournament weekends — extra reps, extra competition, and additional exposure beyond the core season.

Year-Round Training

Lax Labs, position-specific clinics, conditioning, and skill development that runs between seasons so athletes never stop getting better.

Boys Club Lacrosse — Krakens

Elementary · Middle School · High School

Boys Club Lacrosse — Krakens

Our flagship boys program. Whipper-Snappers through high school, with elite coaching and real tournament competition. Summer 2026 registration is open.

Register Boys
Girls Club Lacrosse — Krakens

Elementary · Middle School · High School

Girls Club Lacrosse — Krakens

Building confident, skilled female athletes from elementary through high school. Boys and girls practice separately during ES & MS slots.

Register Girls
Men's Semi-Pro Box Lacrosse

18+ Adult

Men's Semi-Pro Box Lacrosse

Adult box lacrosse for the most competitive players in the region — fast, physical, and a lifelong sport.

Learn More
Recruiting Assistance

High School

Recruiting Assistance

Real recruiting exposure, assistance, and guidance from coaches who've walked the path. Highlight reels, college outreach, and roadmap planning.

Get Started
Leadership Development

All ages

Leadership Development

Character development through community service. Athletes don't just play — they give. #LIVETOGIVE in action.

Our Mission
Opportunity Grants

Need-based

Opportunity Grants

Financial assistance — full or partial — so every athlete can play. No questions asked. Apply, get on the field, and grow with the community.

Learn About Grants

Boys & Girls Programs

Summer 2026 Krakens Registration

Join the Key City Krakens for an unforgettable summer of lacrosse development and competition. Both boys' and girls' programs run on the same tryout schedule with identical structure, coaching standards, and team tiers.

Ballenger Creek Park — Frederick, MD
$30 per tryout session · $50 for both
Boys & Girls — ES/MS & HS
Krakens girls lacrosse action

Tryout Details

Tap any tryout to see the schedule, pricing, and the ES/MS vs HS breakdown for boys and girls. Subject to change with field availability.

Team Tiers (Boys & Girls)

Test Sail

Entry-level placement focused on fundamentals, fun, and reps. Perfect for newer players still learning the game.

Port Team

Competitive travel roster. Players who've shown commitment, IQ, and field-readiness for tournament play.

Elite Team

Top-tier competitive team. Selected athletes representing the Krakens at the highest level of summer play.

Tryout fees are non-refundable and cover field rental, equipment, and coach evaluation time. Athletes of any faith background are welcome.

First Time at Tryouts?

What to bring & what to expect

New to the Krakens — or new to lacrosse entirely? Here's exactly what to pack and what tryout night looks like at Ballenger Creek Park.

What to bring

  • Stick (boys: long/short · girls: women's stick · goalies: goalie stick)
  • Helmet & full pads (boys) · goggles & mouthguard (girls)
  • Cleats and turf-safe shoes
  • Water bottle — bring more than you think
  • Pinnie or light/dark shirt for scrimmages
  • Sunscreen, bug spray, and a positive attitude

Don't have full gear yet? Come anyway. Coaches can advise on starter equipment, and Opportunity Grants can help cover costs.

What to expect

  1. 1

    Arrive 15 minutes early

    Check in at the field, meet a coach, and get your evaluation number.

  2. 2

    Warm-up & fundamentals

    Dynamic warm-up followed by stick work, footwork, and position basics — coaches meet every athlete where they are.

  3. 3

    Small-sided play

    Drills move into 3v3, 4v4, and live situations so coaches can see decision-making and athleticism.

  4. 4

    Full-field scrimmage

    Compete in real game situations. This is where roster placement decisions get finalized.

  5. 5

    Roster placement

    After tryouts close, athletes are placed on Test Sail, Port, or Elite. Every athlete who tries out has a path forward.

Cost Transparency

Clear pricing. Real options.

We believe families should see the numbers before they register. Below is what to expect for Summer 2026 — and how Opportunity Grants help when costs are a barrier.

Tryout — single session

$30

ES/MS or HS night at Ballenger Creek Park. Non-refundable; covers field, equipment, and evaluation.

Tryout — both sessions

$50

Best value if your athlete wants additional evaluation reps.

Team fees

Announced after evaluations

Vary by tier (Test Sail · Port · Elite). Kept well below market — Opportunity Grants available.

How Opportunity Grants Help

Finances should never decide who gets to play.

Opportunity Grants are need-based awards from the Key City Athletics Foundation that cover part — or all — of a family's tryout and team costs. Funded by our community of sponsors and donors, they exist so every athlete in Frederick, MD has a path to the field.

  • Apply confidentially — no awkward conversations, no judgment.
  • Awards can cover tryout fees, team fees, and equipment needs.
  • Open to elementary, middle, and high school boys and girls.
  • Decisions made quickly so your athlete doesn't miss a deadline.

How it works

  1. 1. Submit a short Opportunity Grant application.
  2. 2. The Foundation reviews quickly and confidentially.
  3. 3. Awarded families register through The Academy with grant applied.
  4. 4. Athlete shows up at Ballenger Creek Park, ready to play.

🐙 Common Questions

Everything you need to know — made simple.