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Boys lacrosse

The Forest Lake Youth Lacrosse Boys  program offers fun, positive, competitive play and hosts teams at the 8U, 10U, 12U and 14U age levels. Coaches will follow the guidelines for max amount of interactions per week as defined by the bylaws; this varies by age level of play. Practice dates and times are announced by the coaching staff at the start of the season. Players should expect 2 or more practices per week. 

SPRING SEASON SUMMARY

February: Player evaluations for 12U and 14U ages only (Not a try out! All registered atheltes play--this process helps us declare teams at the proper levels of competition) 

March: Parent/Player meeting

April: Practices begin

May: Games on weekends, Practices during the week

June: Season ends with the state tournament early in late May/early June

SUMMER SEASON SUMMARY

June & July: Practices and games during the week (2-4 contacts per week), Weekend tournaments (1-2 per team)

Late July: Season ends with the summer tournament no later than August 5

KEY DATES FOR 2026:

Required Player Evaluation: February 22, 2026 at Playmakers Lacrosse in Vadnais Heights

Spring Season Guaranteed Tournaments

Teams Style Date(s) Location
Boys 8U Jamboree June 6 Maple Grove (Fernbrook & Lakeview Knolls Park) and Rogers Reservoir Fields
Boys 10U-14U 4 Game Tournament June 5-7 Maple Grove (Fernbrook & Lakeview Knolls Park) and Rogers Reservoir Fields

 

Summer Season Guaranteed Tournaments

Team Style Date(s) Location
8U  Tournament June 20-21 Champlain
8U Tournament July 10-12 Centennial
10U 4 Game Tournament July 18-19 Delano HS
12U-14U 4 Game Tournament July 24-26 White Bear Lake HS, North Campus

REGISTRATION FOR THE FOREST LAKE YOUTH BOYS 2026 SPRING & SUMMER LACROSSE SEASON is currently closed. Questions can be sent to info@forestlakelax.org 

BOYS YOUTH PLAY LEVELS FOR 2026 SEASON

DATE OF BIRTH

DIVISION
9/1/2017 - 8/31/2019 8U
9/1/2015 - 8/31/2017 10U
9/1/2013 - 8/31/2015 12U
9/1/2011 - 8/31/2013 14U

*Extended age cut-off date (June 1) for GNLL 14U league play applies to players who have not yet entered 9th grade. Players who have begun high school cannot play on a GNLL 14U team regardless of age.

High School Option: In previous years, youth players have expressed interest in playing spring season with the high school; we want players and families to know that this is not standard practice, and we strongly encourage youth players remain at the youth level to develop appropriate skill and experience. All athletes should register to play at the youth level to avoid missing the youth registration deadline. In the event there is a need at the high school level and an offer to play at the high school level has been extended, a prorated refund will be issued. *If you delay registration while waiting for a commitment at the high school level, and youth registration ends, we cannot guarantee a spot with the youth program

 

BOYS YOUTH LACROOSE EQUIPMENT 

  1. Helmet:
    1. Needs to be a helmet designed for lacrosse.  Football and hockey helmets are not allowed.  Make sure to try them on and get the right size for your athlete.  You don’t want them loose and bouncing around but you want it to be comfortable and snug.
 
  1. Boys Lacrosse Stick:
    1. The stick is one of the most impactful pieces of equipment for new players.  A lot of the required equipment can be purchased used at Play-it-Again or on Facebook Marketplace.  However, I'd hesitate to get a used stick unless you have someone who is familiar with sticks with you.  In my experience it's been about 50-50 on kids getting sticks that aren't very good and make it much harder for them to learn the basics vs. ones that are ok.
    2. Boys' sticks have varied lengths for different positions on the field.  Until you have committed to the defense, LSM, or goalie position, we recommend purchasing an attack/midfield stick which is best for all around play.  
      1. Attack & Midfield - typically a 30” shaft length, with a 40”-42” overall length.  There are ‘youth’ sizes available but those would only be suggested at the 8U level, and even then many players opt to use a full size stick
      2. Defense & Long Stick Midfielder - 42”-60” shaft length with an overall length of up to 72”.  8U players are not allowed to use long poles, and at 10U the length is limited to 54”.
      3. Goalie - 30”-40” shaft length is typical based on personal preference.  The head of a goalie stick is much larger than a field head as well.  Our association will provide goalie gear for each team which can be used by players interested in trying the goalie position.
    3. Below are some entry level complete sticks which I have experience with and would at least not hinder development.  Prices were relative to when I looked them up online and may change over time.
      1. $65 - Relax Collections - RC1
      2. $50 - STX Stallion 200
      3. $50 - Maverick Charger
      4. $129 - StringKing Complete 2 Intermediate

There are hundreds of other great options and higher end sticks, but this provides some options that would compete with used prices.  In my personal opinion the RC1 is a substantial step up from the Stallion or Charger for a small amount more and is a great entry level stick that also performs at higher levels of play.

 
  1. Chest/Shoulder Pads:
    1. As of January 1, 2022, all boys’ lacrosse players' chest pads must be designed for lacrosse and feature the NOCSAE logo and SEI certification mark.  Look for the below image on the shoulder pads.

 
  1. Gloves
    1. Lacrosse gloves are an important part of protective gear for boys since opponents are legally allowed to check (hit) your hands when you have possession of the ball.  Find ones that feel comfortable and allow your fingers to move easily.
 
  1. Arm/Elbow
    1. There are three different levels of arm protection in lacrosse.  We would suggest Arm Guards or Arm Pads for most players.  Elbow Pads should only be worn by defensemen who understand the protection they are sacrificing.  Pictures below show the three levels for one product line as a comparison.  You can see how the amount of coverage changes for each.
      1. Arm Guards (Max Protection): Ideal for attackmen and offensive midfielders, these are long, bulky pads designed to withstand heavy, direct checks to the arms while dodging.

  1. Arm Pads (Moderate Protection): The standard choice for most midfielders, these balance protection and mobility, covering the elbow and a smaller portion of the arm compared to guards.

  1. Elbow Pads/Caps (Minimal Protection): Smallest, lightest, and most flexible, these are designed for defenders (D-poles) or players who prioritize maximum speed and mobility over protection.

  1. Mouthguard:
    1. Players are required to wear a mouthguard during practice and games. Having at least 2 on hand is suggested in case one is lost.
    2. Cannot be white or clear. Needs to be a visible color so refs can easily see.
    3. Consider participating in the iSmile event where they mold a custom mouthguard for our players for free.
    4. There are mouthguard options for players with braces as well.
  2. Protective Cup
    1. This is required equipment.  Players not wearing a protective cup will not be allowed to participate in games or any part of practice involving physical contact or catching balls.  Lacrosse balls are very hard and not wearing a cup could result in permanent injuries.  It’s rare, but it’s easy to prevent.  We recommend soft cups which fit inside boxer shorts for younger players, and moving to a harder cup at older age levels.
  3. Cleats
    1. Lacrosse, football or soccer cleats work. Football and soccer cleats are usually easier to find, however, lacrosse cleats are a high top design which is helpful for the sport.

Optional Equipment:

  1. Rib Pads
    1. Usually only worn by dedicated offensive players.  This is an optional piece of equipment that a player could opt to wear if they feel like they are frequently getting hit in the ribs.

Gear Overview

 

Boys’ Lacrosse Bag Information:

We have two apparel stores for Forest Lake Youth Lacrosse; Full Court and Neill. Neither of these sites offer actual lacrosse bags. Here are a couple of options that you can find online or at retailers like Dicks Sporting Goods. 

You can always take the next step to have these bags personalized if you want as well. Some have had embroidery done by Strikke Embroidery out of Stacy, MN.

Equipment Retailers:

Local Stores

  • ES Lacrosse
  • Dicks Sporting Goods
  • Play it Again Sports - I'd hesitate to get a stick here unless you have someone who is familiar with sticks with you.  In my experience it's been about 50-50 on kids getting sticks from Play-it-Again that aren't very good and make it harder for them to learn vs. ones that are ok
  • Facebook Marketplace - Again it can be good to check with someone about used sticks before buying if you're not familiar.

Online Stores

Equipment Packages - These are some equipment packages that we have found which are available at different retailers.  There are some which include helmets and sticks in addition to pads; and some of these are the same packages so check around for the best price that meets your equipment needs.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to info@forestlakelax.org with any questions that may come up as you shop for your son.

LACROSSE LINKS AND RESOURCES:

USA LACROSSE MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

USA LACROSSE AGE GROUPING QUICK REFERENCE TABLE FOR 2024-2025

 

Basic overview video (8U and 10U rules differ from this video. Information after 2:48 does not apply to youth)