Lacrosse is a popular game played by many people across the globe. It originated from Native Americans and is referred to as the “Creator’s Game.” The Haudenosaunee Nationals organization continues to make noise on the world stage, in both men’s and women’s leagues, and lacrosse is enjoying increasing popularity in the college sports world. 

Now, lacrosse is available for Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community youth at the Skeg Himdag Ki:. From the end of October to mid-December, students had the opportunity to learn and play the game with the Arizona Lacrosse Academy. 

The Arizona Lacrosse Academy is a nonprofit organization based in Phoenix that is dedicated to bringing this game to youth in the Valley. In partnership with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale, Jason Andersen and Jeff Wilson, directors of the academy, wanted to introduce lacrosse to the kids in a clinic style. Plans began to bring the idea to life but were interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

As time went on and life began to return to what it used to be, the lacrosse idea kicked back into gear. This time it was a little different, though; instead of teaching in a clinic style, Andersen and Wilson decided they wanted to form teams of kids from the Red Mountain, Barker and Lehi branches of the Boys and Girls Clubs. 

However, just as plans began in 2022 the organization came across another dilemma.

“When we first got started, the only leagues available for youth were way out west: Peoria, Maricopa, West Phoenix, North Phoenix,” said Sheila Scott, sports league director for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale. “They didn’t have any [in the] east [Valley] or in Scottsdale, so the staff decided they would drive the kids to the games [themselves].”

In the beginning, parents would make the drive to watch the kids play, but unfortunately attendance fell off because the drive was just too far. After two years of this came the decision to create a small lacrosse league here in the Community between the Lehi, Red Mountain and Barker branches. That way long drives wouldn’t be necessary and it would become easier for parents to attend games. It was also easier for the youth to participate.

Now, the kids could learn the fine points of lacrosse closer to home. They practice with each other on Tuesdays and play scheduled games on Thursdays.

“The best part is when they really start to develop and understand the game and how it works,” said Scott.

“Thank you to all the supporters we have, Jason and Jeff, and their donors, and [thanks to] the parents who let their kids stay late and learn and [for] coming to games,” Scott added. “Thank you for all the support to make this happen.”

Expect more lacrosse in the fall.