When Tom and Justine Burke considered the growing demands of youth travel sports on Long Island, they saw an opportunity to build something closer to home.
The Oceanside couple launched High Tide Lacrosse last spring with co-creator Brian Tower, creating a development-focused youth club aimed at providing competitive training for local players without the high costs and long commutes often associated with national travel programs.
Tom Burke, a longtime lacrosse player, coach and athletic director who now teaches and oversees athletics at East West School of International Studies in New York City, said the idea took shape after years of hearing stories about families driving across Nassau County for practices and games.
“I kept hearing about parents leaving work early and driving 45 minutes for a one-hour practice,” he recalled. “We wanted to create a high-level program for South Shore kids that was local, affordable and community-based.”
High Tide Lacrosse began with plans for a single boys’ team, but quickly expanded amid strong interest from families in Oceanside, Long Beach, Rockville Centre, Lynbrook and surrounding communities. The club, based in Oceanside, now fields three teams — of second-, third- and fourth-graders — and plans to add additional teams next year, including its first girls’ team.
Both founders bring extensive lacrosse experience. Tom Burke, 37, played collegiately and went on to compete professionally with the Boston Cannons and the Long Island Lizards. He also represented Ireland in international competition, playing for Team Ireland in the World Games in Denver in 2014 and San Diego in 2022.
Justine Burke, 37, who grew up in Ocean-side, began playing lacrosse as a high school junior at the encouragement of a varsity coach. The sport changed her trajectory, she said, eventually leading her to compete at Durham University, in England, where she was part of a national championship team.
“Lacrosse completely shaped my life,” she said. “It gave both of us opportunities we never expected — to travel, to compete internationally, to build lifelong relationships. Now we get to bring that back to kids in our own community.”
The couple runs the club with Co-director Brian Tower, who is active in Oceanside youth lacrosse. Tom Burke oversees coaching and player development, while Justine, who works in marketing and advertising, manages operations, branding and outreach.
From the outset, affordability was central to the club’s model. The Burkes explained that some travel programs can cost thousands of dollars per season, with additional fees for tournaments, uniforms and equipment. High Tide posts transparent pricing online and includes uniforms, tournaments and even team-building events in its fees, which average $2,500 per player for the club teams. The cost of clinics ranges between $20 and $40 per session.
“We didn’t want parents surprised halfway through the season with extra charges,” Justine said. “We priced it to cover expenses and keep the program sustainable, but also accessible.”
Practices are held outdoors at various Oceanside school fields during the fall and spring, with winter indoor sessions at Coleman Country Day Camp in Freeport. In addition to regular training and tournaments, the club organizes social events designed to foster camaraderie among players and families.
Last fall, High Tide hosted a jersey reveal and pizza party at the Friedberg JCC in Oceanside. More recently, players went on a team outing in Farmingdale. The club is also planning a spring visit to Hofstra University, where players will tour facilities and watch a college lacrosse game after taking part in pregame activities.
Tom Burke said the program emphasizes skill development and confidence over wins and losses. “We’re not chasing trophies at this age,” he said. “We’re focused on teaching fundamentals, building confidence and helping kids fall in love with the game.”
The Burkes say their backgrounds in education help the program stand out. High Tide’s three coaches are teachers as well as experienced players, a combination they believe helps create a positive learning environment for young athletes.
For the couple, who have three children, Julian, 7, Sienna, 5, and Riley, 18 months, the club is also personal. Julian’s age group was the initial inspiration for the first team.
“It’s definitely a leap of faith to start something like this,” his father said. “There’s time, financial commitment and risk involved. But seeing the kids excited to put on their jerseys and the parents happy with their progress — that’s been the most rewarding part.”
As High Tide Lacrosse prepares to expand, the founders say their mission remains the same: to keep competitive lacrosse close to home and rooted in community.
“We’re small, and we’re growing,” Tom Burke said. “But if we can give local families a high-quality option that feels accessible and supportive, then we’re doing what we set out to do.”
For more information, visit https://www.hightidelacrosseclub.com/.
