What gear is included in a youth lacrosse starter set. How to choose the right equipment for beginners. Where to find affordable starter kits for young players.
Understanding the Basics of Youth Lacrosse Equipment
Lacrosse is an exciting sport that combines elements of basketball, soccer, and hockey. For young players just starting out, having the right equipment is crucial for both safety and enjoyment. A youth lacrosse starter set typically includes all the essential gear needed to begin playing the game.
Key Components of a Youth Lacrosse Starter Set
- Lacrosse stick
- Protective helmet
- Shoulder pads
- Arm guards
- Gloves
- Mouthguard
- Athletic cup (for boys)
These items form the foundation of a player’s equipment and are designed to provide protection while allowing for optimal performance on the field.
Choosing the Right Lacrosse Stick for Young Players
The lacrosse stick is perhaps the most important piece of equipment in a starter set. For youth players, it’s essential to choose a stick that is appropriate for their size and skill level.
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Youth Lacrosse Stick
- Length: Shorter sticks (around 30 inches) are ideal for younger players
- Weight: Lighter sticks are easier for beginners to handle
- Material: Composite or aluminum shafts offer durability and light weight
- Head design: Wider heads are more forgiving for catching and cradling
Is there a standard size for youth lacrosse sticks? While there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, most youth sticks range from 30 to 36 inches in length. It’s best to have the player hold different sticks to find the most comfortable fit.
Protective Gear: Ensuring Safety on the Field
Safety is paramount in youth lacrosse, and a good starter set should include all necessary protective equipment. Each piece plays a vital role in keeping young players safe during practice and games.
Essential Protective Equipment for Youth Lacrosse
- Helmet: Protects the head from impacts and stick checks
- Shoulder pads: Shield the upper body from collisions and shots
- Arm guards: Protect forearms from stick checks
- Gloves: Offer padding for hands and wrists
- Mouthguard: Prevents dental injuries
How often should protective gear be replaced? As a general rule, helmets should be replaced every 2-3 years or sooner if they show signs of wear. Other protective gear can typically last longer but should be inspected regularly for damage or excessive wear.
Footwear and Apparel for Young Lacrosse Players
While not always included in a starter set, appropriate footwear and clothing are essential for comfort and performance on the lacrosse field.
Recommended Footwear and Clothing Items
- Cleats: Provide traction on grass or turf fields
- Athletic shorts or pants: Allow for freedom of movement
- Moisture-wicking shirts: Keep players cool and dry
- Athletic socks: Provide cushioning and prevent blisters
Can regular soccer or football cleats be used for lacrosse? In most cases, yes. Many youth players use multi-purpose cleats for lacrosse, especially when starting out. However, as players advance, they may prefer lacrosse-specific cleats designed for the sport’s unique movements.
Choosing the Right Size and Fit for Youth Lacrosse Equipment
Proper sizing is crucial for both safety and comfort when it comes to youth lacrosse gear. Ill-fitting equipment can hinder performance and potentially lead to injuries.
Tips for Sizing Youth Lacrosse Equipment
- Helmets should fit snugly without excessive movement
- Shoulder pads should cover the collarbone and upper chest
- Arm guards should extend from the elbow to the wrist
- Gloves should allow for finger mobility while providing full coverage
- Sticks should be comfortable to hold and maneuver
How can parents ensure proper fit when purchasing online? Many retailers provide detailed sizing charts for their equipment. It’s helpful to take accurate measurements of the child and compare them to these charts. When in doubt, contacting the retailer for guidance can be beneficial.
Maintaining and Caring for Youth Lacrosse Equipment
Proper maintenance of lacrosse gear is essential for longevity and continued performance. Regular care can also help prevent the growth of bacteria and unpleasant odors.
Equipment Maintenance Tips
- Clean gear after each use with appropriate cleaners
- Allow equipment to air dry completely before storing
- Store gear in a cool, dry place to prevent mold growth
- Regularly inspect equipment for damage or wear
- Replace worn-out or damaged items promptly
How should lacrosse sticks be maintained? Lacrosse sticks require special care. The pocket should be adjusted regularly to maintain its shape and depth. The shaft can be wiped down with a damp cloth, and any screws or bolts should be tightened periodically.
Where to Find Affordable Youth Lacrosse Starter Sets
For parents looking to get their children started in lacrosse without breaking the bank, there are several options for finding affordable starter sets.
Sources for Budget-Friendly Lacrosse Equipment
- Sporting goods stores
- Online retailers specializing in lacrosse gear
- Second-hand sports equipment shops
- Local lacrosse clubs or organizations
- End-of-season sales
Is it safe to buy used lacrosse equipment? While purchasing used gear can be cost-effective, it’s important to carefully inspect any second-hand equipment for damage or excessive wear. Helmets, in particular, should generally be purchased new to ensure maximum protection.
Transitioning from Youth to Adult Lacrosse Equipment
As young players grow and develop their skills, they will eventually need to transition to adult-sized equipment. This process typically occurs during the teenage years and may coincide with moving up to more competitive levels of play.
Signs It’s Time to Upgrade to Adult Equipment
- Current gear feels too small or restrictive
- Player’s skill level has outgrown beginner equipment
- Transitioning to a higher level of play or league
- Existing equipment shows significant wear or damage
When should players start using regulation-size sticks? In most youth leagues, players are required to transition to regulation-size sticks (40-42 inches for attack/midfield, 52-72 inches for defense) by the U13 or U15 level. However, individual leagues may have specific rules, so it’s best to check with local organizations.
As young players progress in their lacrosse journey, their equipment needs will evolve. Starting with a quality youth lacrosse starter set provides a solid foundation for developing skills and enjoying the sport safely. Parents and coaches should regularly assess players’ equipment to ensure it continues to fit properly and provide adequate protection throughout their growth and development.
Remember that while having the right equipment is important, it’s the passion for the game and dedication to improvement that truly makes a great lacrosse player. Encourage young athletes to focus on skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship as they embark on their lacrosse adventure.
By investing in a comprehensive youth lacrosse starter set and following proper care and maintenance procedures, young players can build a strong foundation for a rewarding lacrosse experience. As they grow and advance in the sport, their equipment can be upgraded to match their evolving needs and abilities, supporting their continued success on the field.
Cohasset boys lacrosse rolls into Round of 8 with 19-7 win over South Hadley
Gus Greene and Rob Norton celebrate a goal against South Hadley on Thursday.
June 9, 2023 Story and photos by William Wassersug
The Cohasset boys lacrosse team kept its season going Thursday with a 19-7 win over South Hadley (6-14) in the MIAA Division 4 State Tournament Round of 16.
For the No. 1 ranked Skippers (17-2), it felt like just another day at the office as they got a goal from Liam Appleton less than two minutes into the game, took a 5-0 lead into the second quarter and a 10-3 advantage at the half.
Liam Appleton fires a shot against South Hadley on Thursday.
The win sets up a rematch with No. 8 Waconah Regional (17-1) either Saturday or Sunday in the Round of 8.
Waconah ended Cohasset’s season last year on the road in the State Semifinal with a 13-12 overtime win, and went on to win the State Championship.
Charlie Donovan runs the ball to the net against South Hadley on Thursday.
While the history is there, Cohasset isn’t looking back or looking for any type of revenge. They just want to keep winning.
“It’s just one game at a time, Cohasset coach Steve Rotondi said. “It’s not any particular opponent. I think we’re excited, we set the goal to be playing in the next game we’re playing in on Saturday or Sunday, but have to be ready to play anybody.”
Charlie Donovan celebrates a goal against South Hadley on Thursday.
Senior captain and goalie Colin Humphrey echoed the sentiment.
“We’re a different team from last year,” he said. “You can’t compare the two teams. This season is a fresh one for us. We’re not thinking about past years. We’re setting our own story and we’re a whole new team this year.”
Shane Mulcahy watches one of his five goals into the ent on Thursday against South Hadley.
Humphrey has a point, especially considering the fact that he wasn’t a starter last year and has been outstanding this season, but he know there’s more work ahead.
“For us it doesn’t feel like we’re in the summer yet because we’re in that mode where we know the job’s not finished,” he said.
“We’ve (he and his fellow seniors) had a fantastic career, but it’s not over yet. We’re not done yet. It’s my first year starting. Luke’s (senior captain Luke Willmott) has been a starter for a while. We just want to finish our senior season by going all the way and playing as many days as we can, keep on fighting and get another day.”
Luke Willmott makes a move against South Hadley on Thursday.
Willmott feels good about his team’s chances, especially with the experience the team has.
“The senior group is super special,” he said. “We’ve been playing together many years. We’ve lost a few kids to private schools, but we’re still a super tight knit group of guys and I think we have what it takes to win it all.
Luke Willmott makes a move against South Hadley on Thursday.
“We’re confident. I think we’ll win. We’ll come work hard at practice the next day or two, depending if the game is Saturday or Sunday.
”
For the Skippers, the offense showed its versatility again.
Jack Mullaly looks to pass against South Hadley on Thursday.
Six players scored goals and eight had assists, with Shane Mulcahy leading the way with five along with a pair of assists.
Gus Greene and Charlie Donovan were right behind with four goals and an assist each and Rob Norton had a huge game with three goals and five assists.
South Hadley’s Jack Sullivan watches as Shane Mulcahy takes a shot on Thursday.
Liam Appleton chipped in two goals and John Shannon provided a goal and a helper.
Ben Weissensee, Willmott and Thomas Hansen also had assists, while Humphrey had 11 saves.
Rob Norton takes a shot against South Hadley on Thursday.
Lincoln Pattison had four saves in the fourth quarter.
“The offense played great today,” Willmott said. “Great ball movement. We kept the sticks, the sticks were good. No drops, or limited drops. The attack played really well.”
Gus Greene and Rob Norton celebrate a goal against South Hadley on Thursday.
Early on, South Hadley had plenty of chances, but missed the net or hit posts, and when they did get shots, Humphrey made the stops.
He didn’t feel like he did anything different in this game.
Gus Greene makes a move against South Hadley on Thursday.
“I like to tell myself it they hit the post or miss it’s intimidation,” Humphrey said with a laugh. “That’s just me telling myself that. I just do what I can control, try to see the ball and if they miss the cage I can feel good about it.”
Rotondi was pleased with the way his team came out, especially after having to wait it out when South Hadley’s previous game was postponed due to weather, forcing the Skippers to have to wait a little longer to play.
South Hadley’s Ed Wykowski defends as Rob Norton makes a move on Thursday.
“We had a couple of more days of practice than we were expecting,” he said. “It was great. We stressed come out, play fast and get the first one (goal). I think they really did a nice job of doing that.
The attack today really stepped up and played maybe the best game they’ve played all season.”
Rob Norton scores by South Hadley goalie Bennett Allen on Thursday.
Ben Weissensee takes a shot against South Hadley on Thursday.
John Shannon carries the ball against South Hadley on Thursday.
John Shannon carries the ball against South Hadley on Thursday.
John Shannon and Gus Greene pass the ball on the way to a goal by Greene against South Hadley on Thursday.
Rob Norton scores a goal against South Hadley on Thursday.
Max Monahan and Thomas Hansen defend against South Hadley on Thursday.
Rob Norton takes a shot against South Hadley on Thursday.
Thomas Hansen passes the ball against South Hadley on Thursday.
Team 11 Lacrosse – Boys and Girls Lacrosse
Our Passion is Lacrosse
Founded in 2016, this boys’ and girls’ lacrosse club has grown to over 200 players in eight different age groups, with a deep coaching staff and organizational infrastructure.
The program has quickly risen to compete with the most elite clubs in the country. Its success is grounded in the unbounded energy and extensive lacrosse knowledge of its founder, Joey Sankey.
UP NEXT…
SUMMER CAMP!
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
Join us for another great year of the Sankey Lacrosse Camp in Bucks County! Each year has exceeded the last and we can’t wait to continue that again this summer. Our Sankey Lacrosse camps consist of a few hours fundamental instruction followed by live play and fun games. We break up the players based on age and position so that each player is learning position-based skills to cater towards their needs and abilities.
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TEAM 11 JUNIORS: for 1st & 2nd Graders
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
Our mission with Team 11 JUNIORS is to offer elite level training and instruction for young players.
I understand the value and importance of receiving quality fundamental instruction at the beginning stages of learning the sport. My father, Coach Harry Sankey Sr, started instilling the proper fundamentals to me in the 1st Grade when I started playing. That skillset of learning how to cradle, catch, pass, shoot, and pickup ground balls the CORRECT way is a big factor in the reason I was able to play at the highest level of lacrosse in the PLL.
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playing in highly competitive tournaments
Our program has quickly risen to compete with the most elite clubs in the country. Our boys’ teams range from Class of 2024 through 2033. For the girls, we have a total of 6 teams from Class of 2026 through 2031.
Team 11 proudly offers consistent training throughout the entire year while fostering a fun, family atmosphere. We attend some of the most-competitive, well-run lacrosse tournaments in the region.
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focused on long-term player development
Our top priority is the physical, cognitive and emotional development of our athletes. From our youngest players, where the focus is on overall athletic fitness and technical skill work, to our oldest, where we master individual fundamentals and team concepts in highly competitive settings, we draw on our knowledge and experience to help every player achieve their lacrosse goals.
In addition to team training, camps, clinics and small group positional training sessions are offered throughout the year.
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3 BIG REASONS TO JOIN TEAM 11
Yakubov took the last missing trophy in his collection
The former general manager of Ak Bars won the Gagarin and Bratin Cups, and now he took the Kharlamov Cup
Having beaten the Red Army, SKA-1946 won the Kharlamov Cup – the main trophy of Youth hockey league.
For the team from St. Petersburg, this is the first big success in its entire history. The former general manager of Ak Bars, Rafik Yakubov, is also involved in the success: being the sports director of SKA, he oversees the youth teams of the club system. Now, as the sports editorial staff of BUSINESS Online emphasizes, Yakubov has all the victories at the club level.
The new owner of the Kharlamov Cup was determined: the main trophy of the youth league was won by SKA-1946
Photo: 1946.ska.ru
Yakubov crushes former employers
The new owner of the Kharlamov Cup has been determined: SKA-1946 won the main trophy of the youth league. In the final, the team from St. Petersburg defeated its principal rival, the Red Army, which is part of the CSKA structure. It was these two teams that were the leaders of the regular season, and no one was surprised that it was Peter and Moscow who played in the final of the tournament.
But a serious struggle, as many expected, did not work out: SKA-1946, although he lost the opening game of the series, then won two games in a row, scoring a total of 13 goals. The hero of the 6th meeting of the final was Matvey Michkov – the most promising young player in Russia. The athlete scored the winning goal in overtime and did it in his signature style by scoring a lacrosse goal. According to the results of the playoffs, he became the best scorer, having scored 13 goals in 17 games.
Among the winners on the championship ice in St. Petersburg was the former general manager of Ak Bars Rafik Yakubov . Last year, he was appointed sports director of SKA. His duties included supervising youth teams from the club system: SKA-Neva, SKA-1946 and SKA-Varyags. Yakubov’s invitation to this position worked – the SKA youth team won the main league trophy on the move, although before that they constantly stumbled in the final.
org/ImageObject” itemprop=”image”> The most difficult was the semi-final, where the St. Petersburg team played with Kazan “Irbis” and were on the verge of relegation. Fate brought Yakubov back to his native club and city
Photo: irbis.ak-bars.ru
The most difficult was the semi-final, where the St. Petersburg team played with Kazan “Irbis” and were on the verge of relegation. Fate brought Yakubov back to his native club and city. Before the fourth match of the semi-finals, Kazan were leading in the series with a score of 2-1 and were one step away from reaching the final. In the MHL, we recall, the series is played up to three victories. “When we were on fire in the 1-2 series, I realized that I needed to take tickets and fly to Kazan,” Yakubov said in an interview with BUSINESS Online. – I understood that if we win the fourth match, then we will take the series. He flew in and cheered up the guys before the game.”
As a result, SKA-1946 took the fourth game with great difficulty, winning only in the second overtime thanks to the goal of the same Michkov.
And already in the fifth, decisive match, where the psychological advantage was on the side of St. Petersburg, SKA won without any problems (3:1). As a result, over the past season, Yakubov “scalped” the two former teams in which he worked. First, with SKA-Neva, he passed in the first round of the Petrov Cup Neftyanik, in which he previously worked as a sports director, and then Irbis in the semi-finals of the Kharlamov Cup.
After winning the final of the Kharlamov Cup, Yakubov received both a gold medal and a champion cap
Photo: BUSINESS Online
Three cups with different teams
After winning the final of the Kharlamov Cup, Yakubov received both a gold medal and a championship cap. He celebrated success both on the ice and in the locker room – together with the boss and head coach of SKA Roman Rotenberg . At the same time, the sports director of SKA did not go to celebrate the championship in one of the restaurants in St.
Petersburg – because of Ramadan: Yakubov does not keep a post, but tries not to visit noisy establishments this month.
As a result, Yakubov now has a set of all significant club awards. During his playing career, he became the champion of Russia together with Ak Bars, and as a manager he won both the Bratina (the main trophy of the VHL) and the Gagarin Cup. Interestingly, with all the teams, Yakubov won trophies in the very first year of work. Almetyevsk “Neftyanik” for more than 10 years could not win the VHL trophy, and with the arrival of Yakubov, they immediately took Bratina. The sources of our publication say that it was he who played a huge role in the victory, for example, because he agreed with Ak Bars to rent a goalkeeper Timur Bilyalov , who went on to become the most valuable player in the playoffs and the best goaltender in the VHL.
After the victory with Neftyanik, Yakubov was promoted and received the position of general manager of Ak Bars.
Kazan at that time had been without a victory in the Gagarin Cup for 8 years, and with the arrival of Rafik Khabibullovich, they immediately took the trophy. SKA-1946 is the same story. The team has never won the Kharlamov Cup, although it has played twice in the finals. It is not for nothing that Yakubov is called lucky. He himself has also heard of such a nickname and is not offended.
Of course, this does not mean that only thanks to the appearance of Yakubov, the teams begin to take cups. In the Ak Bars championship season, it was not him who assembled the squad, but the manager, which is important, did not interfere with Zinetula Bilyaletdinov and somewhere helped with the atmosphere within the team. And the victory of SKA-1949 in the Kharlamov Cup is absolutely natural. It was the St. Petersburg team that was one of the main favorites of the championship. SKA has been gathering the strongest players from all over Russia into its system for several years now.
That is how Michkov appeared. No other club in the country now has so many talents aged 17–20 as the St. Petersburg army. At the same time, there are few own players in the youth team: only 13 out of 53.
In the championship season of Ak Bars, it was not Yakubov who assembled the line-up, but the manager, which is important, did not interfere with Zinetula Bilyaletdinov and somewhere helped with the atmosphere within the team
Photo: BUSINESS Online
At the call of Rotenberg
Yakubov ended up in SKA in September last year. Then the manager, as they say in hockey language, was a free agent. After several seasons in Ak Bars, they decided to part with him. In an interview with our publication, Yakubov recalled that Rotenberg called him to SKA: “We met with Roman Borisovich live at the All-Star Game in Kazan in 2019year. There was a match between Ak Bars and KHL veterans.
Roman Borisovich and I played on the same team, I remember, we fought back with 0:3 and won. Since then, we have been in constant contact. Recently, Roman Borisovich called me and said that there was an interesting proposal. I periodically had offers from other clubs. But when you are invited to work at SKA, one of the strongest and most prestigious clubs in Russia, they don’t refuse an offer.”
Under Yakubov, SKA created, in fact, a new position. Previously, the club did not have a sports director. In an interview with our publication, he himself says that he is more responsible for the development of young players. This is true, because Rafik Khabibullovich does not work with the main SKA team, but only contacts with youth teams from the VHL and MHL. To some extent, Rotenberg called Yakubov into the SKA system because of his own heavy workload. In addition to the fact that Rotenberg is the vice president and general manager of SKA, he is also the head coach. It is logical that in connection with this, he needed a strong specialist in order to build the club vertical.
