Equipment

If your child has been playing lacrosse for some time, then you’re probably very familiar with the equipment they use. But if you’re like a lot of parents whose kids are new to lacrosse, then you might be wondering: what equipment does my youngster need, and where do I purchase it? 

First, let’s cover the equipment that your child will receive from CYO as part of registering for a team at or near the start of the season, and the equipment that you are responsible for purchasing. 

Girls equipment

Girls will receive a matching uniform jersey and uniform kilt, which is yours to keep at the end of the season. You are responsible for purchasing for your daughter the following: a lacrosse stick, cleats/athletic shoes, a mouthguard and lacrosse goggles/eyeguard. In addition, you are responsible for purchasing any other equipment or clothing not listed above (i.e., socks, warm-up clothing, etc.). 

Boys equipment

Similarly, boys will receive a uniform jersey and uniform shorts from CYO, at or near the start of the season. You are responsible for purchasing your son the following: a lacrosse stick, a NOCSAE-compliant lacrosse helmet, shoulder and arm pads and gloves, cleats/athletic shoes, an athletic cup, and a mouthguard. In addition, you are responsible for purchasing any other equipment or clothing not listed above (i.e., socks, warm-up clothing, etc.).

Key differences in equipment

Some key differences between girls’ and boys’ lacrosse equipment are noteworthy. These are due to the differences in the rules and gameplay. First, the lacrosse stick (also called a “crosse”). For girls, the stringing (the leather or synthetic laces attached to the inside of the head) is taut and there is no pocket. Boys’ lacrosse sticks have a pronounced pocket in the stringing. 

Second, girls do not wear helmets, and boys do not wear the protective eyeguards. Similarly, girls do not wear shoulder or arm pads or gloves. 

Where can I purchase what I need?

In our experience, one of the best places to purchase first-time and experienced player equipment is at Bigfoot Sports in Tualatin. It’s a little drive, but we recommend them because of the experience level and friendliness of the staff. They’ll be prepared to recommend the right level of equipment for your son or daughter.