Everything You Need to Know
Boys Equipment
- Lacrosse stick (position-appropriate)
- Protective helmet (required)
- Mouthpiece (must be highly visible color)
- Gloves
- Shoulder pads
- Elbow pads
- Protective cup (strongly recommended)
- Cleats preferred (not required)
Girls Equipment
- Girls lacrosse stick (different from boys)
- Mouthpiece (must be visible color, NOT clear/white)
- Protective eyewear (must meet ASTM F3077)
- Cleats preferred (football, lacrosse, or soccer)
Thunderbolt Park
Primary practice location for most programs. Located next to the Fleming Island Library. Home of Speed Lax Friday games and Summer LAX Monday/Wednesday sessions.
Julington Creek Plantation Park
Home of Boys' Youth (PK–8) Spring Program Saturday games and most Girls' Youth Spring Program games. Saturday game location for NFYLL play.
Practice Schedule
Spring season: games mid-March through mid-May. Girls games begin late February, end late April. Summer: May 13 – June 28. Fall Lightning League games are held Sundays at 2850 Hodges Blvd, Jacksonville (registered through lightninglacrosseleague.com).
League Affiliations
Boys teams compete in NFYLL (North Florida Youth Lacrosse League). Girls teams compete in NEFGYLL (Northeast Florida Girls Youth Lacrosse League). Governed by USA Lacrosse.
Welcome, New Families!
If you're here, you're in the right spot. We offer programs for boys and girls at the youth level as well as high school–aged players. Lacrosse is the fastest-growing youth sport in the country — and most kids here haven't played before, so your child is not at a disadvantage.
A lot of players have only picked up a stick in the last year or two. Our volunteer coaches are eager to teach the sport to beginners and have a passion for growing the game.
Check out one of our free TryLAX intro clinics — they're posted on our calendar when available. You can also browse information on our site or email us with any questions.
Age Group Guidelines (Boys Stick Selection)
Girls equipment includes a stick (different from boys' — see age group details below), a mouthpiece (must be a readily visible color, NOT clear or white), and protective eyewear (must meet ASTM standard F3077). Cleats are preferred but not required. If a player has braces or permanent retainers, a customized mouth guard made by an orthodontist/dentist may be necessary — allow 3–4 weeks for this process.
3rd–4th grade: Players commonly continue with developmental-level sticks. Some players begin to recognize which sticks help them catch, throw, or shoot more easily.
5th–6th grade: 5th grade is a common time to move up in stick. The "next level" can easily be purchased for $60–80.
7th–8th grade: Weight and shaft diameter are likely to increase. Strings should be flexible and allow for a pocket. 8th graders commonly upgrade to a stick they will use in high school.
Two products our players have had good success with: (1) Bangerz HS-OTG Goggles — specifically designed to fit over glasses and offer good visibility (available on Amazon). (2) STX 4Sight Pro Goggles — ASTM F3077 approved; tend to work for some players with small-to-medium frames but try them on first.
FILC is run entirely by dedicated volunteers who are passionate about growing the sport of lacrosse in Northeast Florida. Our board members are parents, coaches, and community members committed to providing a positive experience for every athlete.
Want to Get Involved?
We're always looking for volunteers, coaches, and board members. Reach out to learn about opportunities to give back.
Volunteer with FILC