After 13 years and approximately $2.2 million of equipment grants in dozens of states, the US Lacrosse Equipment Grant program has undergone a bit of a makeover in 2012. This program has been relaunched as part of USL's new First Stick initiative, which combines equipment grants with additional educational resources to assist new programs in establishing operations.

Applicant programs must demonstrate a financial need as well as a plan for providing the other necessities (beyond equipment) for a new start program. Applicant groups must be in a developing lacrosse area (a state or region where lacrosse opportunities are currently limited or absent), and must be willing to commit to a three-year partnership with US Lacrosse.

Equipment grant purchases are funded by US Lacrosse, thanks to the support of members and donors, as well as the contributions from participating Lacrosse Industry Council members. Additional funding comes from the Lance Holden Memorial Fund, established by Lance's business partner Jim Darcangelo of Lax World to perpetuate Lance's lifelong contribution to lacrosse.

Through the years, the annual equipment grants have minimized the expense of launching new girls’ and boys’ programs, and assisted in establishing a legacy of lacrosse opportunity that has benefitted countless youngsters nationwide. US Lacrosse is eager to continue building that legacy for years to come through the First Stick Program.

Please contact the Sport Development Department if further questions.

 

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