a brief history
Lacrosse is known as the oldest sport in America. Centuries ago lacrosse could be found deep in Native American culture as a means to heal ill members of the tribe and resolve conflicts. Many tribes used lacrosse as a way to train for war. Records show teams of up to 1,000 players per side and playing fields up to fifteen miles long with as little a single post to serve as a goal. Lacrosse as we know it today did not start becoming popular until the mid 1630's. In what is now Ontario, Canada Jean de Brebeuf made note of a contest played by at least 48 Native American tribes. By the 1800's the French had picked up the game and started to integrate it into their culture. Still, up until this point the game was highly un-regulated. In 1867 the game was standardized and the game of lacrosse as we know it began to emerge. The first college team in wasnt founded until 1877 by New York University.
Currently there are 557 college teams (NCAA) nationwide and approximately 1,200 high school men's teams. Over the past ten years youth participation has increased 138% bringing the high school participation total to approximately 228,000 and underage youth participants to approximately 300,000. With a main focus on speed and agility; Lacrosse can be played by anyone, anywhere no matter their size.
Info from US Lacrosse
