Something exciting is happening for lacrosse in Northern Arizona.
On Sunday, September 27, Northern Arizona Youth Lacrosse will bring young athletes from Flagstaff, Prescott, and the Verde Valley and Sedona area together for a regional play day at Posse Grounds Park in Sedona. From 8:30 a.m. to noon, players will take the field for organized games, learn from one another, and experience the energy of a real lacrosse event close to home.
Organizers believe this will be the first youth lacrosse play day of its kind in Northern Arizona. It is a meaningful milestone for the players, families, coaches, volunteers, and community partners who are helping grow the game across the region.
More Than a Day of Games
For many players, this will be their first chance to use the skills they have practiced in an organized game setting. They will play alongside their teammates, learn how games flow, build confidence, and discover the fun of applying new skills under the guidance of supportive coaches and referees.
The day is developmental and welcoming. It is not centered on standings or high-pressure competition. Players will have room to learn, make mistakes, encourage one another, and grow more comfortable with the game.
The Flagstaff Astros, Prescott Outlaws, and Verde Valley Vortex are all part of a larger effort to create sustainable youth lacrosse opportunities across Northern Arizona. Bringing those communities together gives players a chance to meet new teammates and opponents while helping families see the regional lacrosse community taking shape.
NAU Lacrosse Players Giving Back
Northern Arizona Youth Lacrosse is especially excited to welcome players from the Northern Arizona University men’s and women’s club lacrosse teams.
NAU players are expected to volunteer throughout the morning, referee youth games, and help at the officials’ table with the game timer and horn. Their support will help the event run smoothly, but their presence will mean even more to the young athletes on the field.
The kids will have an opportunity to meet college players who share their love of lacrosse. Seeing those athletes volunteer, answer questions, and referee games gives young players positive role models and shows them that lacrosse can remain part of their lives for years to come.
Organizers are also exploring the possibility of a short scrimmage after the youth games featuring NAU players and local coaches. It would give the kids a chance to cheer from the sideline and see the sport played at another level.
A Morning for Families and Community
The play day is about more than what happens between the whistles. It is also a chance for families from across Northern Arizona to meet, connect, and celebrate what their children are building together.
After the youth games, participating families and volunteers will gather for a family-style barbecue, with food and drinks shared across the community. Coaches, college athletes, parents, and young players will have time to relax and get to know one another away from practice.
Northern Arizona Youth Lacrosse wants to be more than a place where children attend practice. The goal is to build a community where players form friendships, parents connect, college athletes give back, and families feel welcome whether their child picked up a stick years ago or only recently discovered the sport.
The Beginning of Something Bigger
This first play day is an exciting milestone, but it is only the beginning.
Northern Arizona Youth Lacrosse is continuing to grow local teams, clinics, seasonal programs, and future play days across the region. Every new player, volunteer, coach, and family helps make the sport more accessible to young athletes who previously had few nearby opportunities to play.
We are grateful to the families, coaches, volunteers, and NAU players helping make this event possible. We cannot wait to hear the first whistle, watch these young athletes take the field, and celebrate this important day together.
Play Day Details
Date: Sunday, September 27, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m. to noon
Location: Posse Grounds Park, Sedona, Arizona
Hosted by: Northern Arizona Youth Lacrosse
Focus: Developmental games, learning, confidence, sportsmanship, and community
Families interested in future practices, seasons, and registration can learn more through the Northern Arizona Youth Lacrosse team pages. To volunteer or help grow the game, visit Volunteer Opportunities.