Six months ago, there was no youth lacrosse league in Northern Arizona. On September 27th, nearly 50 kids were playing games together beneath Sedona’s red rocks.

Fifteen games. Three fields. More than 100 players, family members, coaches, volunteers and spectators at Posse Grounds Park. Kids from Flagstaff, Prescott and the Verde Valley had a place to play—and a whole community cheering them on.

This was a historic day for Northern Arizona Youth Lacrosse, the region’s first and only youth lacrosse league. An idea had become teams. Practices had become games. And kids who hadn’t had a local youth league now had teammates, opponents and a sport to call their own.

NAYL players coaches and volunteers gathered on the field with Sedona red rocks behind them
Players, coaches and volunteers from across Northern Arizona at our first play day.

From an idea to three communities on the field

We started NAYL because we wanted kids here to have the chance to play lacrosse close to home. By our first regional play day, the Flagstaff Astros, Prescott Outlaws and Verde Valley Vortex were all on the field together.

“It feels surreal that less than six months ago we decided to start a lacrosse league in Northern Arizona and we are already playing games and bringing so many people together,” said NAYL co-founder Molly Whitehead.

That is a lot to take in when you stop and look around: the uniforms, the sticks, the parents watching from the sidelines, and three fields full of games where there had never been a youth league before.

Young NAYL players competing for the ball during a game in Sedona
Fifteen games kept all three fields busy.

The kids made the day

We can count the games and the people. What mattered most was how much fun the kids had. Players and parents kept telling us how amazing the day was, and we felt it too. The energy at the park was fantastic.

There was room to learn, to try something new, and to enjoy being part of a team. Between games, kids watched the action together from the sidelines. These are the afternoons we wanted to make possible when we started NAYL.

Young lacrosse players sitting together on the sideline and watching a game
Watching the action and waiting for a turn on the field.

A lacrosse community showed up

Current Northern Arizona University Men's and Women's Team Players volunteered alongside our coaches and spent time with the younger players. Families traveled from across the region. Volunteers gave their time. Neighbors and supporters came out to watch.

Thank you to every player, parent, coach and volunteer who made that happen. Building a league takes a lot of people willing to show up, and you did. Our first play day belonged to all of you.

Prescott Outlaws player Jack Whitehead carrying the ball as Riley De Alva of Flagstaff guards him
Prescott Outlaws player Jack Whitehead, 9, and Riley De Alva, 9, of Flagstaff during a game.

Thank you to the businesses backing these kids

We’re grateful to BEND Hot Yoga, Arabella Hotel Sedona, FreeForm Coffee and Arizona Photo and Video for supporting youth lacrosse in Northern Arizona. Thank you for being part of this first season and helping us share what these kids are building.

Photos: Zach Rohe for Arizona Photo and Video.

Your child can be part of what comes next

Sedona was our first regional play day. We want more kids on the field for the next chapter.

Our next Flagstaff Play Day is October 24th. Current NAYL players are included in the fall season and don’t need to register separately. See the Flagstaff Play Day schedule.

If your child is curious about lacrosse, this is a good time to try it. Beginners are welcome. Find your community team and registration options, or join our free Prescott Pickup & Play clinic on November 4th.

There’s a youth lacrosse league in Northern Arizona now. We’d love for your family to be part of it.

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