Complete Guide
U12 Lacrosse on Long Island — Overview
U12 lacrosse covers players ages 10–12 (born in years 2013–2015 approximately, verify with current USA Lacrosse birth year guidelines). At U12, full-contact boys lacrosse begins, and the skill gap between travel and rec levels widens significantly.
Long Island has some of the most competitive U12 lacrosse in the country. Elite clubs like Team 91, Express Lacrosse, LI Empire (girls), FLG Lacrosse, and the Yellow Jackets produce players who commit to D1 programs before high school.
USA Lacrosse age guidelines and birth year cutoffs apply to all sanctioned competition. Check USA Lacrosse's current age group chart for exact birth year eligibility.
U12 Boys Lacrosse — Nassau and Suffolk
Boys U12 lacrosse on Long Island uses full pads and contact rules. Checks are permitted (cross-checks are limited). Goalies wear full goalie equipment.
Nassau County boys clubs: PAL Lacrosse has Nassau-based teams at U12 with league play across the county. Travel clubs practice primarily in Nassau and compete regionally.
Suffolk County boys clubs: Suffolk PAL Lacrosse and independent travel programs serve the Suffolk market. Suffolk teams historically produce strong midfielders and attackmen.
Season structure: Fall ball (September–November), indoor winter training, spring season (March–May/June) is the primary competitive season.
U12 Girls Lacrosse — Nassau and Suffolk
Girls U12 lacrosse uses no-contact rules — checks to the body or hands are fouls. Goggles are required. The skill focus is stick work, cutting, and shooting.
Long Island is a powerhouse in girls lacrosse nationally. LI Empire, Nassau Pride, and many club programs field competitive girls U12 teams.
Girls U12 tryouts typically run August–September for fall season and November–December for spring. Clubs are selective — many limit roster sizes to 15–18 players.
U12 Lacrosse Tryouts — What to Expect
Tryout duration: 60–90 minutes typically split between individual skill stations (catching, throwing, ground balls, dodging) and small-sided games.
What coaches evaluate: Stick skills (dominant and off-hand), footwork and athleticism, understanding of lacrosse concepts, and attitude/coachability.
Tryout fees: $50–$100 non-refundable at most LI clubs. Top clubs like Team 91 and Express may charge up to $125.
Decision timeline: Most clubs notify within 1–2 weeks. Some hold 'evaluation sessions' prior to formal tryouts that influence final selections.
U12 Lacrosse Costs on Long Island
Rec/PAL lacrosse: $100–$250 per season. Spring season only. No tryout. Equipment provided or loaned by many PAL programs.
Mid-level travel club: $1,500–$2,500 per year. 2 practices/week, spring league, 3–5 tournaments.
Elite travel club (Team 91, Express, Empire): $2,500–$4,000+ per year. Multiple practices, showcases, out-of-state tournaments, winter training.
Equipment costs (boys): $800–$1,500 for helmet, pads, gloves, stick, cleats, and bag. Girls equipment is lower cost (~$300–$600) due to fewer required pads.