The UKnighted Lacrosse Club (UKLC) was established in June of 2024 when Coach Kennedy and Coach McDowell started to discuss the state of youth lacrosse in Central Connecticut.  The discussion brought them back to the roots of where lacrosse began for both of them, a man named Ken Vilar.  Ken was a pioneer back in the late 80’s and early 90’s and was a main player in the formation of both the Southington Lacrosse Association (SLA) and Boys Lacrosse program at Southington High School.  Ken was very passionate about two things, growing the game in the community of which he lived as well as developing young/new players and getting them to love the game he gave so much of his life to.

At UKLC, we are bringing those same values back to Central Connecticut youth lacrosse.  We want all players, of all skill levels, to have a chance to learn and compete in a fun environment, without the hefty price tag.  Competitive club lacrosse has been good for the sport but is very expensive and leaves many new and developing players without opportunities to improve after their spring seasons, and that is where UKLC closes the gap.  We train players at all levels and use progression style drills as they grow and develop to layer the new skills on top of the ones already mastered.  Whether your player is brand new to lacrosse, or has played for many years, UKLC will ensure your player is coached and challenged to where they can reach their highest potential.  Our mission stems from our roots.  We will provide a positive training environment for all players to learn and grow while not only building on their individual lacrosse skills, but life skills such as teamwork, communication, sportsmanship, character, and integrity, all while fostering a love for the game.  We look forward to the opportunity of bringing our mission to a lacrosse field near you!

The 2025 season was Coach Kennedy’s 3^rd year as the SHS Blue Knights Head Lacrosse Coach, and his 10^th overall.  Prior to taking on the leadership role for BKL, Coach Kennedy was the Head Lacrosse Coach at St. Paul Catholic HS in Bristol where they had numerous successful seasons and competed in 6 straight state tournaments as well as one State Semi-Final game.  Coach Kennedy has amassed 110 wins over the course of his lacrosse coaching career.  Coach Kennedy is looking to “Build the House” for the SHS lacrosse program, and has lead them to 3 straight tournament bids in both the CCC and state tournaments and hopes to one day add a Boys Lacrosse Championship banner to the SHS gymnasium.

Coach Kennedy is a Class of ‘96 SHS graduate, playing both Lacrosse and Football.  Coach Kennedy is also the Head Varsity Football Coach for the CREC Colts, completing his 27^th season of coaching last fall.