Bandits Lacrosse

Bandits Lacrosse was founded by Colin Ambler in 2008 as part of his Drexel University co-op curriculum. Whereas most students use the co-op learning experience work in corporate internships, Ambler combined his finance and entrepreneurship concentrations with his passion for lacrosse, into forming a new venture.

In its inaugural year, Bandits began with one high school team, coached by Colin and his father, Bob. Since that point, the organization has grown to offer playing opportunities to players of ages, fourth grade through high school.

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The game of lacrosse has been a necessity to the Ambler family tradition, and through the years, they have continued to maintain a strong presence in the Abington/Greater Philadelphia area. 

Bob Ambler, was an All-American at Abington High School & Drexel University, and still remains atop the all-time scoring list at Drexel. Following his playing career, he coached at the collegiate level (Drexel University and Villanova University for 8 years). As teacher at Wissahickon High School, he founded/coached the varsity lacrosse program, and concurrently coached varsity basketball. Through Colin, and his youngest son Ryan, he remained active in the youth/high school communities through their development.

Colin Ambler, also a standout player at Abington High School and Drexel University, received various playing and academic accolades. On the field, Colin was an All-State selection in high school, a 4-year starter & 2-time captain at Drexel, 4-year recipient to All-CAA recognition, and North/South game selection. Perhaps more notable, Colin was honored with various student-athlete titles, including USILA Scholar All-America, 2-time CAA Scholar Athlete of the Year, and Drexel University's John Seminak most Outstanding Senior Student-Athlete. In addition to Colin's experience coaching and directing the Bandits organization, he was part of coaching staff at Princeton University.

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Colin and Bob have used the Bandits as an opportunity to translate their combined experiences and knowledge, into the local youth lacrosse community.  Preaching fundamentals, team building, unselfish play, and a "student of the game" mentality, the Bandits has begun to evolve its own brand of athletes and coaches.

Players enter this program with expectations that they will be pushed to their limit, both mentally and physically.  They will be disciplined in their approach to work ethic, skill development, team lacrosse, and personal regiment for improvement.  They will understand the game with a cerebral focus; reading and reacting gameplay, and demonstrating fundamental skills as second-nature.  By concentrating on these internal goals, cohesion, clean lacrosse, and winning games will come as a byproduct.

The Bandits believes the culmination of these philosophies will foster camaraderie, unity, and reciprocated dedication from all associated members. The resulting community-driven subculture will maximize the overall experience, reveal the innate fraternal bond that the game of lacrosse has to offer, and instill a core set of greater life values to serve players for years to come.