Introducing lacrosse to an educational institution or community group
POP lacrosse
POP lacrosse is a version of lacrosse designed for primary schools. It’s a non-contact game that uses affordable plastic-headed sticks and large, softer lacrosse balls, making it accessible for younger players.
The focus of POP lacrosse is on developing basic skills such as scooping, catching, and throwing. Players start with these fundamentals and gradually progress to team play and understanding the rules of the game, all while keeping it enjoyable and free from lacrosse's more complex technicalities.
Those wanting to teach POP lacrosse can be provided with POP lacrosse resource cards, instructional videos, and training support if needed. These coaching resources allow it to be delivered by teachers with little or no experience of lacrosse.
POP lacrosse has been popular in primary schools since the 1980s and is especially effective in teaching invasion game skills, as well as supporting the sticking and fielding components of the physical literacy PE curriculum.
Typically played as a fast-paced, five-a-side mixed game, POP lacrosse is both fun and engaging for children. The first National POP Lacrosse Championships were held in 1992, bringing together regional school tournament winners to compete for the title of national champion in the UK.
The NWLA has a range of training and resources to support you to deliver lacrosse in schools, colleges and community groups. If you interested in introducing lacrosse to others, you can get more information by sending a message to the NWLA Development Officer below. Alternatively, find out more about teaching lacrosse in schools here.
Sixes lacrosse
Sixes lacrosse is a small-sided game with easy to understand rules, designed to support players of all ages and abilities to have a positive experience with sport. Sixes is a great way to transition from POP lacrosse to full-sided men’s/women’s lacrosse for children at secondary school or FE college.
As the chosen format for the 2028 LA Olympic Games, sixes lacrosse continues to grow across the world as a compact, accelerated version of the game with quick transitions and non-stop, high-scoring action.
Sixes is perfect for developing:
coordination and agility
strong values around teamwork and communication.
The sixes game is adaptable, easy to deliver and a very popular addition to the school curriculum for teachers and coaches looking to add something different. Whilst based on the same game principles as other team invasion sports, the unique nature of lacrosse provides a level playing field across ability levels and genders.