Youth Inc. Recommends: Four Resources to Tell You Everything You Need to Know About Travel Lacrosse

Travel lacrosse can be a thrilling step forward — offering high-level play, serious skill growth, and the chance to compete with (and against) top athletes across the country. But it also brings long weekends, big expenses, and tough choices. 

Whether you’re considering your first travel season or just looking to understand the landscape better, these five resources break down the tournaments, the commitment, and the bigger picture.

Preparing for Lacrosse Travel Tournaments

What it is: A guide from CitySideLax on how to prepare for a travel tournament — from packing lists and nutrition to sideline conduct and hydration. 

Why we like it: It’s the practical stuff no one talks about until you’re stuck in a hotel with no socks and a burnt-out midfielder. This is the checklist every travel family needs, especially for a first tournament.

The Business of Travel Lacrosse

What it is: A candid article by a longtime coach and director unpacking the costs, pressures, and incentives behind club and travel lacrosse. 

Why we like it: It’s honest — even a little blunt. If you want to understand why travel lacrosse is so expensive and how it works behind the scenes, this one pulls back the curtain.

Should You Do Summer Camp or Club Lacrosse?

What it is: An article exploring the differences between lacrosse summer camps and club teams — and how to choose the right path for your goals, budget, and level. 

Why we like it: Instead of assuming club ball is the default, it lays out the tradeoffs clearly: exposure vs. development, cost vs. value, local vs. travel. Ideal for families weighing their first serious commitment.

Where to Play

What it is: An official USA Lacrosse directory of leagues, clubs, and programs near you — filtered by age, gender, and location. 

Why we like it: If you're not even sure where to start with travel teams or clubs, this is a smart first stop. It lets you compare options and explore what's nearby before diving into any one program.