MONROE – Joe Banno, a former Newtown Youth Lacrosse player, has been selected as one of the top four goalies representing the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) National High School Lacrosse Team.

The FCA Lacrosse Staff traveled to nine different cities throughout the United States over a two-month span of time in search of 42 players that exemplify solid Christian values and good lacrosse skills. More than 185 high school lacrosse players tried out for two Elite FCA National High School teams

Banno, who played youth lacrosse in town from 2002 through 2004, is a goalie at Notre Dame of Fairfield. He could be in the cage at the Battle of the Hotbeds Tournament July 29 through August 1 at the University of Delaware.

Jason Motta, a former All-Conference midfielder/face-off specialist for the University of Delaware and now playing for the Philadelphia (formerly Bridgeport) Barrage for Major League Lacrosse, will be the FCA head coach.

Banno has a .674 save percentage and 8.01 goals-against average for the Lancers, making 16.91 saves per game. He made a career-high 29 saves against Weston.

As a member of this team, Banno hopes to raise $675 by July 1 to help pay for his equipment and traveling costs and he intends to invite Connecticut’s lacrosse equipment retailers to become sponsors.

“I thank Newtown youth lax, my old Newtown teammates and coaches for giving me my start in lacrosse,” said Banno, “especially Ned Emerson, who recruited me. Those three years were an incredible experience – especially the two Senior All-Star wins in ‘04 and ’05 – and a lot of fun.”

Banno will join Will Mahony of the Newtown High School boys’ lacrosse team in the IAS Select club team this summer in Massachusetts.