Why Lacrosse Could Be the Next Big Opportunity for Your Young Athlete
Lacrosse isn’t just a sport with a long history in Australia—it’s also one with an exciting future. With its return to the Olympic Games in LA 2028, now is the time for parents to consider lacrosse as a pathway for their child’s athletic development.
Here’s what you should know: 🥍A Rich but Overlooked History
Lacrosse has been played in Australia since the late 1800s.
It was once among the country’s most popular sports—right alongside footy and horse racing.
While soccer and AFL took over post–WWII, lacrosse has quietly remained competitive on the world stage.
🌎Australia on the World Stage
Australia consistently ranks top 3–4 in the world.
The gap? Our best athletes aren’t yet physically or technically at the same level as Canadian and U.S. players.
Exposure to stronger programs overseas shows just how much our kids can grow when given the right resources.
💡Why This Matters for Parents
Lacrosse is now officially an Olympic sport (LA 2028, Brisbane 2032).
This means increased funding, better resources, and more pathways for young athletes.
Early adopters—kids who commit now—will be best positioned for these opportunities.
🏋️Training Beyond the Club
Local clubs do a great job introducing kids to lacrosse.
But elite development requires more:
Strength & conditioning
Speed & agility work
Nutrition and mindset support
Consistent coaching from experts with international experience
🚀Building the Next Generation
Programs like the Melbourne Lacrosse Academy (MLA) were designed with this in mind.
Small, focused groups of motivated players
Year-round support, not just short bursts around tournaments
Coaching that blends world-class lacrosse skill training with modern athlete development
🎯The Big Picture for Parents
Your child doesn’t need to be the “star” now. With the right guidance, late bloomers can thrive.
The 12–16 age window is critical—physical growth, new skills, and mental resilience all skyrocket here.
Lacrosse offers a unique chance for your child to pursue something different, with real pathways to college, international competition, and even the Olympics.
👉Want to learn more?
Check out the full conversation on the Inner Athlete Podcast:
