FOREST LAKE YOUTH LACROSSE GIRLS PROGRAM
The Forest Lake Youth Lacrosse Girls 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) FEBRUARY 22, 2026
March: Parent/Player Meeting March 25, 2026
April: Practices begin
May: Games on weekends, Practices during the week
June: Games and practices now are during the weekday. Season ends with a weekend 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:
| Team | Style | Date(s) | Location |
| Girls 8U | 3 Game Tournament | May 30-31 | Viking Goat in Farmington, MN |
| Girls 10U-14U | 4 Game Tournament | May 29-31 | White Bear Lake HS North Campus & Podvin Park |
| Team | Style | Date(s) | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Girls 8U - 14U | 3 Game Tournament | June 26 - 28 | Black & Blue Woodbury, MN |
| Girls 10U | 4 Game Tournament | July 18-19 | Delano HS |
| Girls 12U-14U | 4 Game Tournament | July 24-26 | White Bear Lake HS, North Campus |
REGISTRATION FOR THE FOREST LAKE YOUTH GIRLS 2026 SPRING & SUMMER LACROSSE SEASON is currently closed. Questions can be sent to info@forestlakelax.org
GIRLS YOUTH PLAY LEVELS FOR 2026 SPRING/SUMMER SEASON
|
DATE OF BIRTH |
DIVISION |
|---|---|
| 9/1/2017 - 8/31/2020 | 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
GIRLS YOUTH LACROSSE EQUIPMENT
- Goggles:
- Information from USA Lacrosse on standards and certifications are located here.
- Make sure the goggles fit to your face and don’t move while you run.
- As we grow our faces grow. What fits in 8U won’t necessarily fit your face in 12U. Try on your goggles now and make sure they still fit.
- Girls Lacrosse Stick:
- 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 girls lacrosse 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 used and an older, outdated style.
- Girls sticks are different from boys sticks! It is important that your girl has a Girls Lacrosse stick at the start of the season. When shopping for a stick at a store like Dick’s Sporting Goods or ES Lacrosse, you will notice there are separate sections for girls and boys sticks, however, here is some quick info on the difference between sticks:
- Girls’ pockets are shallow, while boys’ pockets are deep.
- Girls have a standard stick length, while boys have varied lengths for different positions on the field.
- PLEASE NOTE: Youth Girls Lacrosse sticks come even shorter. These sticks are best for 8U age. As they grow and are at 10U and up, they will likely need a regular stick length to allow for optimal cradling for their longer arms.
- Girls sticks have narrower heads, while boys heads are wider.
- Recommended Complete Sticks:
- STX Girls’ Crux Junior - Kindergarten - 2nd grade only
- Maverik Girls Ascent
- Nike Girls Lunar or Victory
- Brine Girls Edge
There are hundreds of other great options and higher end sticks, but this provides some options that would compete with used prices.
- As players advance year over year and become more serious, they can explore higher end sticks and heads as desired.
- Mouthguard:
- Players are required to wear a mouthguard during practice and games. Having at least 2 on hand is suggested in case one is lost.
- Cannot be white or clear. Needs to be a visible color so refs can easily see.
- Consider participating in the iSmile event where they mold a custom mouthguard for our players for free.
- There are mouthguard options for players with braces as well.
- Cleats:
- Lacrosse or soccer cleats work. Soccer cleats are usually easier to find, however, lacrosse cleats are a high top design which is helpful for the sport.
Optional Equipment:
- Girls Lacrosse Gloves:
- Keep your hands warm while keeping a firm grip on your stick. Some even add a little extra padding for accidental hits.
- Girls Lacrosse Helmet:
- While not required, a good extra safety precaution. Also, different than a boys lacrosse helmet.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to girlsdirector@forestlakelax.org with any questions that may come up as you shop for your daughter.
Girls’ 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 (they aren't designed to hold a stick.)
If you have a stick only bag like below:
Something like these smaller cinch bags from the Neill site might be a good idea to have for their goggles, cleats, mouthguards etc:
Or, if you would like to have a backpack that holds everything with their stick attached to the side, these are some examples of options that are sold at places like Dick's Sporting Goods. They have a variety of many options, just be mindful to order the smaller ones. The bigger bags are meant for the boys since they have much more equipment:
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.