BALTIMORE - Forty-five lacrosse organizations in 23 states will receive US Lacrosse Equipment Grants this year. The US Lacrosse Equipment Grant Program, in its eleventh year, is an annual offering of US Lacrosse. Since the inception of the Equipment Grant Program, US Lacrosse has donated equipment to over 300 fledgling lacrosse programs with the retail value of more than $1,650,000.

The US Lacrosse Equipment Grant is one of the most impactful programs that US Lacrosse offers. It directly supports the growth of lacrosse across the country, allowing more youth to have the opportunity to play the sport each year. The program is supported by US Lacrosse memberships and the generous financial donations of lacrosse enthusiasts from coast to coast.

"While lacrosse growth is explosive in certain parts of San Diego County," said Geoff Allard of Carlsbad, Calif., a recipient of a 2008 US Lacrosse Equipment Grant, "there are unfortunately many areas with significant barriers to entry for new players including finances, cultural and language differences and lack of exposure in certain communities.

"The generous equipment grant from US Lacrosse has already begun to facilitate our recruiting efforts to the underserved areas of San Marcos while the availability of loaner equipment will help alleviate the financial burden to some families whose children might otherwise not participate. US Lacrosse's efforts in promoting the sport's growth while keeping true to its roots in honorable play and longstanding tradition of sportsmanship are invaluable."

"Without US Lacrosse's assistance we would have been unable to field youth teams this spring," said Chris Mann, program director and coach with North Chatham Youth Lacrosse (N.C.) and a 2008 US Lacrosse equipment grant recipient. "As it turned out, we had 45 boys turn out and made up three different teams. US Lacrosse made this season possible and allowed 45 boys who are new to the sport to get hooked. US Lacrosse is extremely important to the future of the sport. Every year, through its various programs, regions like ours are exposed to the game."

Steve Stenersen, president and CEO of US Lacrosse, noted that "While US Lacrosse continues to increase its investment in this program each year, we're also fortunate to benefit from the generous contributions of equipment from manufacturers Adidas, Brine, Harrow, Onyx, STX and Warrior which enable us to do so much more."

Lacrosse programs applying for a grant must show a demonstrated financial need and priority is given to those residing in a state or region where lacrosse opportunities are currently limited or absent. Applicants can choose from a girls' package, boys' package, program (boys' and girls') package or a physical education program package.

The girls' package includes 24 field player sticks, 24 pairs of protective eyewear, 1 goalie stick and full protective equipment for 1 goalie (including helmet).

The boys' package includes: 24 field player sticks and 1 goalie stick, full protective equipment for 24 field players and 1 goalie (gloves, arm guards, shoulder pads, and helmets).

The combined program package includes: 20 field girls' player sticks, 20 pairs of protective eyewear, 1 girls' goalie stick, full protective equipment for 1 girls' goalie (including helmet), 20 boys' field player sticks, 1 boys' goalie stick, full protective equipment for 20 boys' field players and 1 goalie (gloves, arm guards, shoulder pads, and helmets).

The physical education program package includes: 30 physical education soft lacrosse sticks and 30 balls.

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2009-10-22