Lacrosse, recognized as North America’s oldest team sport, originated among Indigenous tribes as early as the 12th century. The game, known for its spiritual and cultural significance, was played with hundreds of participants on expansive fields spanning miles, with matches lasting several days.
Youth lacrosse arrived in Iowa in 2008 with the creation of the West Des Moines Tigers Lacrosse Club and has since expanded to 8 regional programs across the state. Wisconsin can trace its competitive youth lacrosse history back to the 1990’s and Illinois back to the 1970’s.
Curated lacrosse YouTube Playlist: some of the most well produced highlights and lacrosse documentary series from the last decade
Understanding Lacrosse Formats: Field, Box, and Sixes
Lacrosse is played in several distinct formats that can look and feel very different, and understanding those formats is essential for anyone new to the sport. While many people in the U.S. are only familiar with the college or pro versions of field lacrosse, typically 10 versus 10 for men and 12 versus 12 for women, the game is much more versatile. Two of the most competitive and widely respected versions of lacrosse, box lacrosse and Olympic sixes, feature five field players and a goalie per team.
These formats aren’t watered-down versions – they’re fast, physical, and incredibly skill-intensive. In fact, the best players in the world today often grow up playing box lacrosse in Canada or with the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, only learning the field game rules when they reach college. Their early development in box environments doesn’t hold them back, it accelerates their growth. These same players go on to dominate at the college level and frequently advance to the professional ranks.
At Bedrock Lacrosse, our program is built to mirror these high-skill formats. By designing gameplay and practice environments that reflect the box and sixes experience, we’re giving local players more chances to touch the ball, make decisions, and build elite-level skills – all while preparing them to succeed in any version of the sport.
College Opportunities Abound
College lacrosse has a rich history, with the first recorded collegiate game played between New York University and Manhattan College in 1877. Since then, the sport has grown tremendously, with Syracuse, Johns Hopkins, and Princeton leading in men’s national championships, while Maryland, Northwestern, and North Carolina dominate on the women’s side. Today, there are opportunities to play collegiate lacrosse across all 50 states, including many right here in our own backyard. Whether at the NCAA, NAIA, or club level, the sport continues to expand, offering athletes of all skill levels a chance to compete. Today, lacrosse offers one of the highest probabilities of college recruitment among all American sports (14.4% for men and 13.8% for women).
The Pros
Lacrosse has grown tremendously at the professional level in both the United States and Canada. The National Lacrosse League (NLL), formed in 1986, is the premier box lacrosse league in North America, featuring fast-paced indoor games played in hockey sized arenas during the winter and spring season. The Premier Lacrosse League (PLL), launched in 2019, showcases elite field lacrosse talent and operates a touring model with games played in cities across the U.S. The PLL merged with and succeeded Major League Lacrosse (MLL) in 2020, uniting the top pro field players under one umbrella. On the women’s side, the Women’s Lacrosse League (WLL) launched recently, bringing increased visibility, competitive play, and new opportunities for female athletes in the sport.
Elite Canadian Box Lacrosse
Canada is home to some of the most prestigious and competitive lacrosse in the world. Two top box lacrosse leagues – Major Series Lacrosse (MSL) in Ontario and the Western Lacrosse Association (WLA) in British Columbia – feature elite-level talent during the summer months. The champions of each league face off in the historic Mann Cup, a best-of-seven national championship series regarded as the highest honor in Canadian lacrosse and one of the most difficult trophies to win in all of sports.
Semi-Pro Box Lacrosse in the U.S.
Below the pro level, box lacrosse is rapidly expanding across the U.S., with semi-professional teams popping up in dozens of cities. Right here in Iowa, the Iowa Dogfish, founded in 2020, have become a local favorite – starting in Davenport and now playing home games at ImOn Ice Arena in Cedar Rapids. Other teams include the nearby Madison Milkmen, two teams in the Chicago metro area, and another in Omaha. In total, there are over 60 semi-pro teams competing across the country, offering passionate players and fans a thrilling brand of indoor lacrosse that continues to grow year after year. You can find a few of our Dubuque Lacrosse Club coaches playing and managing at this level.
European Box Lacrosse
The National Box Lacrosse League (NBLL) is the premier box lacrosse league in Europe, based in the Czech Republic. Founded in 1986, the NBLL has grown to include teams from across Central Europe, including Austria, Slovakia, and Germany. The league features a competitive structure with a regular season and playoffs, culminating in a Final Four weekend. The NBLL is known for its high level of play and has been instrumental in developing box lacrosse talent in Europe. Many players from the NBLL have gone on to represent their nations in international competitions, such as the World Indoor Lacrosse Championship.
International Competition
International lacrosse continues to expand through world championship events in both field and box formats. The 2023 World Lacrosse Men’s Championship was held in San Diego, California, where the United States secured the gold medal. The next men’s field championship is scheduled for 2027 in Japan. The 2026 World Lacrosse Women’s Championship will take place in Tokyo from July 24 to August 2. In box lacrosse, the 2024 World Lacrosse Box Championships were held in Utica, New York, with Canada winning the men’s title and the United States claiming the inaugural women’s gold.
A significant milestone for the sport is its return to the Olympic Games in 2028 in Los Angeles. Lacrosse will be featured in the sixes format – a fast-paced, condensed version that blends elements of field and box lacrosse with 5 field players and one goalie per team on the field. This format offers a dynamic and accessible entry point for new players and fans worldwide.
The global growth of lacrosse is further evidenced by recent developments. Bangladesh became the 94th member of World Lacrosse, joining the Asia-Pacific Lacrosse Union. This expansion reflects the sport’s increasing popularity across South Asia, Central Asia, and the Middle East. Additionally, the upcoming Men’s U20 Championship is set to be held from August 15–24, 2025, in Seogwipo, Jeju Island, South Korea, highlighting the sport’s rising prominence in Asia.
Some of Our Other Favorite Content
Lacrosse isn’t just a sport – it’s a growing community with incredible stories, highlights, and learning opportunities from all over the world. We’ve pulled together some of our favorite content to help players and parents dive deeper into the game, from exciting YouTube highlights and pro-level breakdowns to training tips and inspiring documentaries. Whether you’re new to the sport or a longtime fan, there’s something here to spark curiosity and grow your love for lacrosse.
Curated lacrosse YouTube Playlist: some of the most well produced highlights and lacrosse documentary series from the last decade
The Lax Mag: Primarily professional and semi-professional box lacrosse coverage
Inside Lacrosse: Primarily high school and college field lacrosse coverage
Top YouTube Channels:
- The Lacrosse Network – leading lacrosse media channel
- Mitchell Pehlke – former college lacrosse player, lacrosse vlogger
- ECD Lacrosse – Lacrosse equipment and apparel brand
- Miles du Bois – college lacrosse player, vlogger
- Paul Rabil – Former pro player, future hall-of-famer, PLL Co-founder