Denver City Lax

Background Statement

Denver City Lax was founded in 2007 with a single 5th grade team. Today, over 300 full-time participants play on multiple boys and girls teams ranging from K through 8th grade. Thousands of other students have been introduced to lacrosse through clinics, school visits and camps. Historically, over 95% of City Lax participants identify as black, Latino, Indigenous or multi-racial, and a high percentage (75 to 85% in any year) qualify for the federal free/reduced lunch program.

From the outset the vision was for City Lax to offer additional programming that builds upon the positive benefits that flow from participating in a physical activity and the sport of lacrosse. The goal has been to promote personal growth in youth to assist the development of our future community leaders.

Lacrosse is America’s oldest sport with roots in Native American history and culture, and in recent years has become one of the fastest growing sports from youth through the collegiate level. As the sport expands, the challenge has been to not leave kids in under-served neighborhoods behind. Access to lacrosse by low-income youth has historically been precluded by both entry level costs and the financial resources required to stay engaged in the game.

To meet these challenges Denver City Lax offers at no cost to all participants: organized teams by grade and experience level, practices, league play, all equipment and uniforms, lacrosse clinics and camps, competitive play opportunities, travel, academic intervention, leadership training, and numerous enrichment activities based on youth development.

Kids that would otherwise not be able to participate are thriving.