Youth Lacrosse FAQ

Lacrosse is North America's oldest team sport. Variations of the game were played as early as the 12th century by eastern Woodlands Native Americans and by some Plains Indians tribes in what is now the United States and Canada. 

Lacrosse traditionally had many different purposes. Some games were played to settle inter-tribal disputes. This function was essential to keeping the Six Nations of the Iroquois together. Lacrosse was also played to toughen young warriors for combat, for recreation, as part of festivals, and for the bets involved. Finally, lacrosse was played for religious reasons: "for the pleasure of the Creator," and to collectively pray for something.

The game was extensively modified by European settlers to create its current collegiate and professional form. In addition, the modern name, lacrosse, comes from the French word "crozier", a hooked staff carried by Catholic bishops and other clergy. The shape of early lacrosse sticks reminded them of the crozier.

Today, lacrosse is played all over the US and Canada at the K-12 level, collegiate level, and professionally. It has gained traction in the UK and Australia and will be played at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. It's Canada's national summer sport.

History of lacrosse (Wikipedia)

History of lacrosse (World Lacrosse)

Premier Lacrosse League (men's professional league)

Women's Lacrosse League (women's professional league)

• Stick
• Helmet
• Shoulder pads
• Arm pads
• Gloves
• Mouth guard, cup, and cleats (soccer and football cleats are fine)

The Juanita Lacrosse Club will give new youth players their first stick.  It is a very beginner friendly, pre-strung model.  As the player gains more experience, they will string their stick specifically to their needs to add shot speed, control, and accuracy.  Some kids play with this stick for a couple of years or more.

For a player's first season, we have a handful of new or nearly new helmets, pads, and gloves we can lend. After the first season, we ask that these be returned, and that families purchase gear for their player.

If you want new equipment, pad "packs" can be purchased online (www.lax.com, www.sportstop.com) or at Tama Lacrosse in Kirkland.  Play it Again Sports in Woodinville usually has used equipment in good shape for less than new.  Like anything else at this age, kids grow out of this stuff before it's worn out. 

We are usually successful in getting new players on the field without families having to buy a lot of equipment.  We understand it can be a significant expense when you are not sure if your son is going to like it.  However, we’re certain your son is going to love it!

We do not lend mouth guards, cups, or cleats!  You can find these items at Tama Lacrosse, Dick's Sporting Goods, Big 5, lax.com, sportstop.com, or Amazon.

Spring season:

Games are on Saturday. 

Typical* practice schedule:

K-2: Mondays & Wednesdays 6:30 – 7:30 pm

3/4: Tuesdays & Thursdays 6:30 – 8 pm

5/6: Tuesdays & Thursdays 6:30 – 8 pm

7/8: Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays 6:30 – 8 pm

*These days and times are subject to change

The season ends with a tournament called the Summer Solstice Shootout played at Starfire in Tukwila for all teams except K-2.

Where?

Home games and practices are at the Kirkland Lacrosse Center in Big Finn Hill Park. 

Fall season, aka Fall Ball:

All youth teams (K-8) will practice every Sunday from 10-12 @ the Kirkland Lacrosse Center starting on Sept. 7th.
We will look to add a few scrimmages throughout October and will end fall ball playing in the WA Love and Space Needle Shootout tournaments. 

The high school teams will practice every Sunday from 2-4 pm @ the Kirkland Lacrosse Center starting on Sept. 7. 

Tournaments:

WA Love: November 1st and 2nd (tentative)

Space Needle Shootout: December 5th, 6th, and 7th

The local girls' lacrosse club is Lake Sammamish Girls Lacrosse.