What is Lacrosse?
Lacrosse is North America's oldest team sport, originating with Indigenous peoples. Today, it's one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. Think of it as a mix of hockey, soccer, and basketball-players use a stick with a mesh pocket to catch, carry, and pass a rubber ball, with the goal of shooting it into a net.
Boys vs. Girls: Two Different Games
Boys Lacrosse
- - Full contact (body checking allowed)
- - Full protective gear including helmet
- - 10 players per side on field
Girls Lacrosse
- - Limited contact (stick-to-stick only)
- - Goggles and mouthguard required
- - 12 players per side on field
What Age Can My Kid Start?
Kids can start as young as Kindergarten. Here's how the pathway works:
TVYLL (Treasure Valley Youth Lacrosse)
Grades K-6 (Boys) / K-8 (Girls)The starting point for most Treasure Valley kids. Recreational league focused on learning fundamentals and having fun.
| Division | Grades | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| 8U | K-2nd | Learning basics, minimal contact, lots of fun |
| 10U | 3rd-4th | More structure, positions introduced |
| 12U | 5th-6th | Full rules, preparing for middle school |
| 14U | 7th-8th (Girls) | Girls continue through 8th grade |
IMSLA (Idaho Middle School Lacrosse)
Grades 6-8 (Boys)*School-based teams for 6th-8th grade boys. More competitive, preparing for high school.
*Some programs allow 5th graders to participate. Contact your local program for specific eligibility details.
High School Leagues
Grades 9-12
SWILA - Boys high school league
TVWLL - Girls high school league
Bottom line: If your kid is in grades K-6, start with TVYLL. That's where 90% of Treasure Valley players begin.
What Does It Cost?
Here's a realistic breakdown. Good news: gear is reusable season after season. Costs vary by program and age division.
Boys - First Season
Girls - First Season
*TVYLL Registration Note: Base registration ranges from $60 (8U) to $165 (14U Girls) depending on age division. Additional fees may include jersey fees for new players, a refundable volunteer deposit (up to $50), and processing fees. Total registration costs typically fall in the $150-300 range.
Ways to Save: TVYLL gear swaps, used equipment on SidelineSwap/Facebook, volunteer rebates ($100 back for 6 hours), and equipment rental at LaxID.
What Gear Do They Need?
Boys Checklist
- Helmet (NOCSAE certified)
- Shoulder Pads (ND200)
- Arm Pads
- Gloves
- Stick
- Cup & Mouthguard
- Cleats (recommended)
Girls Checklist
- Goggles (ASTM certified)
- Stick (women's)
- Mouthguard (colored, not clear)
- Cleats (recommended)
Girls lacrosse = less gear = more affordable!
Where to Buy (or Rent at LaxID)
Ready to Get Started?
Register for TVYLL
Spring registration opens in December. Fall registration opens in August.
Go to TVYLLNot ready? Try a free TryLax clinic first!
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started
What age can kids start lacrosse in Boise?
Kids can start lacrosse as young as kindergarten (age 5) in the Treasure Valley. TVYLL offers 8U divisions for grades K-2 for both boys and girls. At this age, the focus is on fun, basic stick skills, and learning to love the game-not competition.
Can my child play if they've never held a lacrosse stick?
Absolutely! Most TVYLL players start with zero experience. Coaches teach from scratch, and the first weeks focus on basic catching, throwing, and ground balls. Many kids pick it up quickly-lacrosse is intuitive once you get the hang of cradling.
What youth lacrosse leagues are in the Treasure Valley?
TVYLL (Treasure Valley Youth Lacrosse League) is the main youth organization serving Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Star, Kuna, Nampa, and surrounding areas. They offer programs for boys (grades K-6) and girls (grades K-8) with divisions at 8U, 10U, 12U, and 14U. Spring is the primary season running March through May.
My kid's school doesn't have a lacrosse team. Can they still play?
Yes! TVYLL teams are organized by geography (zip code) and also by nearest public high school depending on numbers. Your child will be placed on a team with other kids from your area. For middle school (IMSLA), you can petition to play for a nearby school's team if yours doesn't have one.
We homeschool / go to private school. Can we play?
Welcome! TVYLL accepts all kids regardless of school type. You'll be placed on a team based on where you live, just like everyone else.
Cost & Gear
How much does youth lacrosse cost in Idaho?
Youth lacrosse in the Treasure Valley typically costs $150-300 per season for TVYLL registration (varies by age division, and may include jersey fees, volunteer deposits, and processing fees), plus $35 for required USA Lacrosse membership. First-year gear costs $75-150 for girls (goggles, stick, mouthguard) and $200-400 for boys (helmet, pads, gloves, stick). TVYLL offers loaner equipment and gear swaps to help families save money. LaxID also offers gear rental.
Where can I buy (or rent) lacrosse gear in Boise?
The best local option is LaxID, a lacrosse specialty shop with knowledgeable staff who can properly fit equipment—they also offer gear rental, which is a great option for first-time players. Dick's Sporting Goods and Scheels also carry lacrosse gear. For used equipment, check Facebook Marketplace, TVYLL gear swaps (usually held in February), or SidelineSwap.com online.
What's the difference between boys and girls lacrosse equipment?
Boys lacrosse is a contact sport requiring full protective gear: helmet, shoulder pads, arm pads, gloves, cup, mouthguard, and a men's stick. Girls lacrosse has limited contact and requires only goggles, a colored mouthguard (not clear), and a women's stick. This makes girls lacrosse significantly more affordable to start.
Are there scholarships available?
TVYLL has scholarships available for families who need financial assistance. For other teams and programs, you should inquire directly with them for specifics on financial aid or scholarship opportunities.
Safety & Rules
Is boys lacrosse dangerous?
Boys lacrosse is a contact sport with required protective gear (helmet, pads, gloves). At the youth level, coaches emphasize safe, legal contact and refs are trained to call dangerous play. Injury rates are comparable to soccer and basketball. Body checking is introduced gradually and isn't allowed at the youngest age levels.
What are the basic rules of lacrosse?
The objective is to shoot a rubber ball into the opponent's goal using a stick with a mesh pocket. Players can run with the ball (cradling), pass it, or shoot. Boys play 10v10 with full contact allowed. Girls play 12v12 with stick-to-stick contact only. Games have 4 quarters (8-12 minutes each at youth level). Penalties result in time in the penalty box, similar to hockey.
Beyond Youth Lacrosse
What high school lacrosse programs exist in Idaho?
Idaho has 15+ high school lacrosse programs. Boys play in SWILA (Southwest Idaho Lacrosse Association) with teams including Bishop Kelly, Boise, Rocky Mountain, Eagle, Mountain View, Timberline, Centennial, and more. Girls play in TVWLL with similar schools represented. The season runs March through May with league playoffs.
Are there college lacrosse programs in Idaho?
Yes! Idaho has 5 college programs. NNU Nighthawks Men's compete at NCAA Division 2 level. College of Idaho plays MCLA Division 2 lacrosse. Boise State has men's (MCLA D1) and women's (WCLA) club programs. These programs actively recruit Idaho high school players—several SWILA seniors commit each year.
Are there lacrosse camps or clinics in Boise?
Yes! TVYLL offers Winter Warmup clinics in February before the spring season. TryLax events let beginners try the sport for free with loaner equipment. Club programs like True Lacrosse Idaho and Cityside 208 offer year-round training. College camps at NNU and College of Idaho are available in summer for high school players.
Camps & Clinics in Idaho
Looking for extra training or want to try lacrosse before committing? Here are your options in the Treasure Valley:
Free / Try-It Events
- TryLax - TVYLL's free intro clinics with loaner gear (usually February)
- Winter Warmup - Pre-season clinic to shake off rust
- Gear Swaps - Buy/sell used equipment, ask questions
Year-Round Training
- Cityside 208 - Local skills clinics for boys & girls
- True Lacrosse Idaho - Club/travel team with training
- Timberline Girls Club - Girls-focused development
College Camps (Summer)
- NNU Nighthawks Camp - NCAA D2 coaching staff
- College of Idaho Camp — MCLA-level instruction
- Boise State Camps - Club program events
Upcoming Events
Check the Schedules tab for clinic dates, or follow @treasurevalleylacrosse for announcements.
Still Have Questions?
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