Game on, Girls!
We are committed to achieving gender equity and driving transformative change for women and girls in lacrosse. Our programs for women and girls are designed to provide a supportive, inclusive, and competitive environment where every girl feels welcome and empowered.
While we actively encourage and have a significant number of girls participating in our co-ed lacrosse programs, this page is specifically dedicated to highlighting lacrosse programs for women and girls.
Women’s Field Lacrosse
Women's Field Lacrosse is an outdoor version of the sport for women and girls. It was introduced in 1890 in St Andrews, Scotland. The women’s game is played with twelve players on each team and the rules of women's lacrosse differ significantly from Men's Field Lacrosse. Women’s field lacrosse emphasizes speed, skill, and strategy. The game has specific rules to limit physical contact, focusing more on stick skills and position play. Equipment required to play is also different. The stick has a shallow pocket and is checked before every game and after every goal for conformity to the rules.
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Women’s field lacrosse rep teams compete against other clubs in Ontario Women’s Field Lacrosse (OWFL). OWFL games begin at the end of May and conclude at the end of July. U9/U11 and U13 games are played on Sundays and U15 and U19 games are played on Saturdays.
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Women are only required to wear a mouthguard, protective goggles and cleats. Click here for our Women’s Field Lacrosse Equipment Guidelines.
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Girls can begin playing in Ontario Women's Field Lacrosse programs at the U9 level, which typically includes 7 and 8-year-olds. However, local clubs may offer general entry-level programs and leagues for children starting as young as 3 years old. These entry-level programs are thoughtfully structured to cater to young beginners, offering an age-appropriate introduction to all sectors of the sport. Through these programs, young players can develop a foundational understanding of lacrosse in a fun learning environment.
Want to register for women’s field lacrosse? Fill out this form, and we'll help you find your home association.
Women’s Box Lacrosse
Box lacrosse is the indoor version of lacrosse. The game originated here in Canada, where it is the most played version of the game. There are six players on the floor for each team (5 players and 1 goalie) and is traditionally played in a hockey rink once the ice has been removed. Box lacrosse is characterized by its fast pace, physicality, and confined space, leading to a more physical game with quicker reflexes and decision-making.
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Girls box lacrosse games are scheduled at home and away against other clubs in your team’s zone/district. Players will attend two to three tournaments during the season and the provincial championships held in August at the Ontario Lacrosse Festival in Whitby, Ontario.
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Lacrosse equipment is very similar to hockey. Players will be required to have: lacrosse gloves, lacrosse stick, CSA-approved helmet with face mask, mouthguard, shoulder pads, arm and elbow guards, rib/back pads, athletic support and cup.
Click here for our Box Lacrosse Equipment Guidelines.
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Girls Rep Box Lacrosse starts at the U13 level, which includes girls turning 11 and 12-year-old in the current playing year. Co-ed Rep Box Lacrosse programs are available for children beginning at 5 years old.
Additionally, local clubs offer entry-level programs and leagues for children starting as young as 3 years old. These entry-level programs are thoughtfully structured to cater to young beginners, providing an age-appropriate introduction to all aspects of the sport. In these programs, young players have the opportunity to develop a foundational understanding of lacrosse in a fun and engaging learning environment.
Girls-only box lacrosse programs vary across the province and are not offered by all clubs. Visit our interactive map to find a box lacrosse program for girls near you or fill out this form, and we'll help you find your home association. Worried about experience? The most successful players are often those who are eager to try something new and want to be part of a great team!