Lacrosse is a sport that was invented by Northeastern Indians many years ago.  The sport has grown to be immensely popular on the East Coast and in Canada.  It is played in junior programs, high schools and colleges all over the East Coast.  Lacrosse has been working its way out west through the years, and it is the fastest growing sport in the United States.  The sport is now taking hold in Oregon.  In some areas of Portland, junior lacrosse leagues are getting more participants than Little League baseball.  Lacrosse is now gaining popularity in Portland area high schools.  There are teams in Roseburg and Hermiston, and the Eugene area is adding three teams this year.  Lacrosse is a spring sport, being played between the end of February and the end of May. 

Lacrosse is played on a field with two 6 foot x 6 foot goals.  The object of the game is to score by putting the ball in your opponent's goal.  There are 10 players on the field at one time (12 in the girl's game); 3 attackers, 3 midfielders, 3 defenders, and one goalie.  It is a fast, high scoring game.  Lacrosse is a combination of soccer, football, and hockey (in the men's game).  Body "checking" is legal just like it is in ice hockey.  The women's game is similar to the men's game, but does not allow body checking.  Penalties are assessed (again as in hockey) and offending teams play short handed until the penalty expires.

To play lacrosse at Sunset, you must buy your own equipment.  Equipment packages for the boys start at about $200.00 when purchased through the team.  Because they do not body check in woman's lacrosse, the girls do not wear all of the padding and equipment that the boys do.  The girls only need a stick, and an internal mouth guard.  Starter packs for this run around $35.  Typical lacrosse footwear is football or soccer shoes.

All players must join U.S. Lacrosse, the sports governing body.  This also covers the players insurance.  There are also league dues, uniform costs, field expenses, and coaching fees.  Last year these fees came to about $200 per person.  Players buy their own uniforms, at a cost of about $50.  We try to set off these costs as much as possible with fund raising events.  As we get closer to the season, we will have a better idea what our budget is, and what each player will have to pay to participate.  We plan to have a limited number of "scholarships" available for athletes who have trouble coming up with the funds to play lacrosse.  It is our intention to give every kid who wants to play lacrosse the opportunity to play this great game.  As you can see, our fundraising activities are an important aspect of Sunset Lacrosse, and this year we have a committee whose sole job is to look into raising money for Sunset Lacrosse.

Lacrosse is a great game that is as exciting to watch as it is to play.  It is called the fastest sport on two feet.  It is a great cross-training sport that builds skills for athletes that play football, basketball, hockey, and soccer.  We hope that you decide to become a part of it.