Youth Lacrosse Gear Checklist: Everything Your Player Needs (and What to Skip)

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Starting Youth Lacrosse

Getting a youth player started in lacrosse requires a specific set of gear — some mandatory for safety and league rules, some recommended for performance, and some you can skip entirely until they've confirmed they love the sport. This guide helps you spend money wisely on a first-year player.

Required Equipment

Helmet: NOCSAE-certified lacrosse helmet. Cascade Youth, STX Stallion Youth. ~$60-100. Non-negotiable.
Gloves: Youth lacrosse gloves with back-of-hand protection. STX Cell 5, Warrior Burn Youth. ~$30-50.
Arm pads/elbow pads: Mandatory at most youth levels. Cascade Lacrosse Arm Pads. ~$20-30.
Shoulder pads: Required for boys lacrosse at most levels. STX Stallion Arm/Shoulder Pad. ~$30-60.
Stick: Position-appropriate complete stick (head + shaft). ~$30-80 for entry-level youth.
Mouthguard: ASTM-certified. Shock Doctor Gel Max. ~$15.
Cleats: Molded soccer or lacrosse cleats. Nike Vapor Varsity, Under Armour Yard Mid. ~$30-60.

Optional/Recommended

Athletic cup/supporter: Strongly recommended for boys, often not enforced but smart practice.
Rib pads: Recommended for goalies and physical midfielders.
Protective shorts: Not required but appreciated by youth players who take ground balls to the thigh.

By Age Group

Division	Age	Full Gear?	Notes
U9	7-8	Helmet + gloves only	Modified rules, no contact
U11	9-10	Full gear recommended	Light contact begins
U13	11-12	Full gear required	Full contact rules
U15	13-14	Full varsity-equivalent gear	Near-adult physicality

Budget Tips

For a first-year player, spend confidently on the helmet (safety, no compromise) and buy budget versions of everything else. Youth players grow fast — the shoulder pads they need at U11 won't fit at U13. Buying expensive gear for young children before they commit to the sport is poor value.

Used gear (helmet excepted — never buy a used helmet) from Facebook Marketplace, SidelineSwap, and local lacrosse Facebook groups can save 50-70% on arm pads, gloves, and shoulder pads.

Best Starter Kits

Cascade Youth Lacrosse Helmet — Best youth helmet. NOCSAE certified, tool-free adjustment, ages 5-12. Don't compromise on helmets.

~$70 Check Price on Amazon

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STX Lacrosse Stallion Youth Starter Pack — Complete starter kit: head, shaft, arm pads, gloves, ball. Everything for a first-year U9-U11 player in one box.

~$80 Check Price on Amazon

Program: Amazon Associates

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the minimum gear a youth lacrosse player needs?

Helmet, mouthguard, gloves, and a stick are the absolute minimums. Most leagues also require arm pads and shoulder pads for U11+. Girls lacrosse requires goggles instead of a full helmet at most levels.

How long does youth lacrosse gear last?

Sticks: 1-2 seasons. Shoulder pads and arm pads: 2-3 seasons (until they're outgrown). Helmets: replace every 5 years per NOCSAE recommendation, or immediately after significant impact. Cleats: 1-2 seasons.

Is girls lacrosse equipment different?

Yes, significantly. Women's lacrosse rules allow less physical contact, so the equipment requirements are different: eye goggles instead of helmet (though some youth programs require helmets), no shoulder pads required, lighter gloves. Check your specific league rules.