New to the sport? You belong here.
LACROSSE 101.
Lacrosse is a fast-moving team sport played with a stick and ball. Players learn to carry, pass, catch, scoop ground balls, and shoot. NAYL’s developmental programs teach those skills step by step, so a first-time player can begin with the group.
Beginners learn through age-appropriate drills, small games, and plenty of repetition.
What should my child expect?
Practices mix skill stations, movement, teamwork, and game-like play. Current community programs are co-ed and developmental. Verde Valley is explicitly non-contact; formats and contact expectations for other groups depend on age, enrollment, and the activities coaches schedule. Ask your team before buying protective gear.
What do we need?
- Water, athletic clothes, and closed-toe athletic shoes or cleats.
- NAYL provides loaner sticks for younger coed groups. Some sticks are also available for older players; check availability with your coach. Personal protective equipment is separate.
- A parent or guardian completes registration and required agreements.
WHAT GEAR DOES MY CHILD NEED?
Younger coed introductory groups
We can provide sticks so children can get started. Bring water, athletic clothes and athletic shoes, and follow your coach’s instructions for the activities planned that day.
Older youth, middle school & high school
Some loaner sticks are available, but families should plan to purchase their player’s own equipment as they move into boys’ or girls’ lacrosse formats. A borrowed stick does not replace the protective gear required to play. Your coach will confirm the program format and equipment list before participation.
Boys’ field players
Standard field equipment includes a lacrosse stick, helmet, gloves, shoulder pads, arm pads, mouthguard and protective cup. Choose properly fitted lacrosse equipment that meets current standards, including NOCSAE ND200 shoulder pads.
Girls’ field players
Standard field equipment includes a girls’ lacrosse stick, protective eyewear and a mouthguard. Eyewear must meet the applicable lacrosse standard. Goalies have a different equipment list—speak with your coach before buying goalie gear.
Before shopping, ask your coach which gear is right for your child’s age and program. We’ll help you understand what NAYL can lend and what your family needs to provide.
USA Lacrosse equipment guide →What does a season cost?
Fall 2026 registration is $50 for Flagstaff and Prescott and $40 for Verde Valley. Each player also needs an annual USA Lacrosse membership, currently listed by NAYL as $35. Your expected fall total is therefore $85 in Flagstaff or Prescott and $75 in Verde Valley. Registration shows the final amount before payment.
Cost should not keep a child off the field.
Ask NAYL about registration scholarships and available equipment support.
Ask privately about supportYOUR FIRST SEASON.
Choose your community.
Find Flagstaff, Prescott, or Verde Valley and review the weekly schedule.
Check the fit.
Community teams welcome grades K–12. Groups are organized around age, experience, and enrollment.
Register online.
Complete registration and payment, review the waiver, and contact your coach before the first practice.
GOOD QUESTIONS.
CLEAR ANSWERS.
Does my child need experience?+
No. Beginners are welcome, and practices are designed to teach the game.
Do we need to buy a stick first?+
We can lend sticks for younger coed groups, and some are available for older players. Ask your coach about availability and required personal protective gear before shopping.
Is lacrosse safe?+
Coaches use age-appropriate instruction, equipment, and program rules. Ask your team about the exact format and protective equipment for your child’s group.
Can we join after a season starts?+
Sometimes. Contact NAYL so the local program director can confirm space and the best first practice.
What comes after fall?+
Verde Valley has a winter season planned for December–January on Wednesdays from 1:30–3:00 PM at Posse Grounds Park. Prescott winter details are still being finalized.