As someone who was in your shoes send him with your town JV team. My 2019 son played with JV team in fall 2 years ago, ended up starting on his JV team as an 8th grader, then played varsity as a freshman.
If he can make the size/speed adjustment, you will see a quantum leap in his game this season. He must also pass the dopey physical skills test come spring, but I say go for it as middle school lacrosse is practically unwatchable.
No one is watching local 8th grade fall tournaments, don't let your club guilt you. He has a better chance of being seen with the older kids.
That is what I was thinking. He is a big boy, so he will match up size wise, and has been doing well playing with them so far.
A couple of things. Is he a potential early recruiting kid? Is he on any D1 radar yet? Is the travel tournament one where he could be seen? If the answer to the first question is no, then play with JV. If it's yes to all three, then play travel. Again, if not early recruiting kid, play with JV. Playing up made my son better in 8th and 9th grade. When he went back to playing on age with travel, he looked like a superstar. He committed to a good D1 program in the early part of 10th grade.
He isn't on anyone's radar as far as I know. He hasn't been picked up by Blaze or Igloo, so I would guess he would have to develop more to be a D1 prospect. He was a backup on his team and is now a starter, and the Varsity coach is really eager to get him into JV to have him ready to play as a Freshman. Thanks for the feedback, I will have to see about the tournament. The JV tournament is at Stony Brook, so I don't think that it is a recruiting one.
