What is PAPA Lacrosse?

PAPA Lacrosse holds as its mission: 'To foster an alternative and compelling understanding of greatness, defined not by the degree of power wielded over others but by the degree of service rendered to others.' In short, PAPA Lacrosse seeks to cultivate young men whose excellence on the lacrosse field is matched only by their humble service to others off the lacrosse field.

The History of PAPA Lacrosse

PAPA Lax was begun with an ironic observation. Boys lacrosse, which is the fastest growing sport in the country, is growing in spite of itself. That is, boys lacrosse is simultaneously wildly fun, increasingly popular but financially prohibitive. Kids love the continual action of the game but their parents don't love the cost of lacrosse equipment which can exceed $300. As a result, it is only children of considerable means that have access to a sport that children from every economic station, would enjoy. With that in mind, we began to raise money from local organizations, individuals and businesses with the hope of purchasing all of the lacrosse equipment necessary for any interested young man from Phoenixville to be fully outfitted free of charge. Thanks to the generous donations of many, the necessary funds were raised to purchase enough equipment to do just that! In the summer of 2006, PAPA Lax was begun and interest has grown quickly. We are happy to report that during the summer of 2007, 130 young men participated in lacrosse, many for the first time!

What makes PAPA Lax unique, anyway?!

It's affordable!
Equipment is provided free of charge. Because we do not wish any interested young man to be prevented from participating in PAPA Lax for financial reasons, we offer parents a sliding registration fee between $20-$60. Thus, each parent is invited to pay anywhere between twenty to sixty dollars, depending upon their present means and circumstances. Those parents who cannot afford $20 are welcome to apply for a scholarship. All necessary equipment is provided free of charge. Checks should be made payable to ‘Phoenixville Area Positive Alternatives’.

It's Instructional!
Those who participate in PAPA Lax receive instruction and are coached by experienced local middle school and high school players as well as local adult youth lacrosse coaches. Proper skills are introduced, modeled and then implemented. Because many of those who participate in PAPA Lax are playing lacrosse for the first time, it is serves as a good 'on ramp' for those who are interested in lacrosse but are reluctant to jump in at a more competitive level.

It's about more than lacrosse!
PAPA Lacrosse, holds as its theme, 'Building Young Men for Others' which is to say that we view lacrosse as a means to a more important end. Through the use of half time stories, homework assignments and the example of our staff, we attempt to alter the trajectory of young lives. We seek to foster in young men of every race, creed and economic position, attributes that will contribute to their becoming faithful husbands, good fathers and healthy citizens long after they lay down their lacrosse sticks. For those interested in learning more about the philosophy of PAPA Lax, we'd recommend the book, 'Season of Life' by Jeffrey Marx.

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