SPARKS, Md. — To complement its efforts to grow the sport at the youngest age groups, USA Lacrosse has opened an RFP process to develop a low-cost starter stick that could be utilized by both beginning boys’ and girls’ lacrosse players.
USA Lacrosse is deeply committed to finding new ways to grow the game at the youth level and in non-traditional areas. Recent programs such as TryLax®, an introductory lacrosse experience that includes a stick for the participant, have proved extremely popular and reached over 12,000 youth in just two full years of program operation.
In 2020 USA Lacrosse unveiled Flex6 Lacrosse™, a non-contact game format that embraces flexible field dimensions, team sizes and mixed gender participation. Additionally, USA Lacrosse’s First Stick Program annually grants over $1.2 million worth of sticks, physical education lacrosse packages, and protective equipment to qualified programs and schools nationally.
“We’re really excited to collaborate with the lacrosse industry on this initiative,” said Erin Smith, senior director of sport development for USA Lacrosse. “The driving force for beginning players continuing to play is having fun and we want to make sure they have a successful experience right out of the gate.”
This stick would initially be distributed through the USA Lacrosse TryLax® program, select PE school equipment grants, select SANKOFA clinics, and First Stick grants given in support of mixed gender Flex6 Lacrosse® play.
The goals for this product are to ensure entry-level youth players receive a stick that provides them the opportunity to have immediate success when learning the sport; reduce barriers to entry by providing a stick from USA Lacrosse at low or no cost to the program participant; offer a gender-neutral stick alternative for pick-up style play, co-ed physical education classes, intramurals and Flex6 Lacrosse® play that does not need to distinguish between men’s game and women’s game.
For individuals seeking more information about the RFP process, please email sportdevelopment@usalacrosse.com.
