After Successful Youth Clinic, Lacrosse Is Gaining Ground in Prescott
- Aug 10
- 3 min read
More than 45 local children took the field for a free introductory clinic. Now, Northern Arizona Youth Lacrosse is preparing to launch the Prescott Outlaws’ fall season.
PRESCOTT, Ariz. — Lacrosse may still be a relatively new sight on Prescott’s youth sports fields, but the community’s response suggests that could change quickly.
More than 45 children attended a free youth lacrosse clinic hosted by Northern Arizona Youth Lacrosse (NAYL) at Heritage Park on August 8. The turnout brought together boys and girls from across the Prescott area, many of whom were holding a lacrosse stick for the first time.
Over the course of the 90-minute clinic, participants learned the foundations of the game through age-appropriate drills focused on passing, catching, cradling, ground balls and shooting. Volunteer coaches kept the atmosphere active and encouraging, giving new players a chance to build confidence while more experienced athletes continued developing their skills.
For NAYL President and co-founder Shannon Roberts, the turnout confirmed something the organization has believed from the beginning: Prescott families are ready for more opportunities to play lacrosse locally.
“The response from Prescott was incredible,” Roberts said. “Families showed up excited, the kids were willing to try something new, and by the end of the clinic they were already asking when they could play again. That is exactly how a strong local program begins.”
Building a Local Pathway for Prescott Players
Until now, many Northern Arizona families interested in lacrosse have had limited access to local instruction, teams and consistent playing opportunities. Traveling to the Phoenix area for practices and games is not realistic for every family, particularly for children who are still deciding whether the sport is right for them.
NAYL was created to close that gap by establishing affordable, community-based programs in Prescott, Flagstaff and the Verde Valley. The nonprofit organization serves both boys and girls and is designed to welcome beginners while helping returning players develop their skills closer to home.
The Prescott program will compete as the Prescott Outlaws, giving local players a team identity of their own and creating the foundation for youth lacrosse to grow in the area over time.
The fall season will emphasize fundamentals, teamwork, confidence and game understanding in a recreational environment. Practices will include skill development, small-sided games and opportunities to apply what players learn in live play. Weekend play days with other Northern Arizona Youth Lacrosse teams are also planned, giving athletes meaningful game experience without requiring the schedule or expense of a traditional travel program.
Registration Is Open for the Prescott Outlaws
The Prescott Outlaws fall season is open to boys and girls in kindergarten through 12th grade, including complete beginners. Players will be grouped by age, experience and enrollment whenever possible so that instruction remains appropriate and productive.
Practices will be held Wednesdays from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at Taylor Hicks Elementary School and with such a strong interest from the community, the organization may add additional practice options on Mondays. The fall program will run from September through early November.
The season fee is $50 per player, plus a required $35 USA Lacrosse membership. The USA Lacrosse membership provides participant insurance and supports safe, standardized play.
Families do not need to purchase a full set of equipment before trying the sport. NAYL has equipment available for new players, although participants who already own equipment are encouraged to bring it.
Families can learn more and register at NAZLAX.org/prescott-lacrosse.
Because team structure and age groupings will be based on enrollment, families who plan to participate are encouraged to register as early as possible.
A Community Effort
The successful clinic was made possible by volunteer coaches both local to Prescott and who made the trip from the Phoenix metro area, and local sponsors BEND Hot Yoga and Arizona Photo and Video. Their support helped NAYL provide instruction and equipment while keeping the introductory event free for the community.
As the Prescott Outlaws begin their first season, NAYL is also seeking additional volunteer coaches, community partners, and sponsors who want to help expand access to youth sports in Northern Arizona.
The August clinic may have lasted only 90 minutes, but it represented something much larger: the beginning of a sustainable lacrosse community in Prescott. With strong family interest, local volunteer support and a fall season now taking shape, the next generation of Prescott lacrosse players is already stepping onto the field.
To register for the Prescott Outlaws or learn more about volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.NAZLAX.org.
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