Detroit United Lacrosse Association

High school athletes playing in the "Boys vs Girls" Game held at the end of each summer season.

500 Sticks for 500 Kids

Every child deserves the opportunity to discover their potential through sport. This summer, Detroit United Lacrosse will introduce more than 500 Detroit youth to lacrosse through our camps and community programming. Our goal is simple: make sure every participant leaves with a lacrosse stick of their own.

For many families, the cost of equipment is the biggest barrier to continuing to play. Without a stick at home, young athletes lose the opportunity to practice, build confidence, and develop the skills that keep them engaged in the sport. By providing every participant with a stick to keep, we are investing in more than athletic development. We are investing in confidence, belonging, and opportunity.

Detroit United Lacrosse uses the sport of lacrosse to unite youth across Detroit while promoting academic achievement, character development, and pathways to prosperity. We provide high-quality lacrosse and academic programming at low or no cost, ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed both on and off the field.

Over the past five years, we have:

• Reached 3,452 youth ages 3 to 18
• Provided more than 1,000 hours of lacrosse programming
• Delivered over 200 hours of academic tutoring
• Maintained a 100% high school graduation rate among our seniors
• Helped 24 student-athletes continue their lacrosse careers in college
• Created employment opportunities for 56 high school and college students

Our 500 Sticks for 500 Kids Campaign aims to raise $15,000 to purchase new beginner sticks while supplementing donations through community equipment drives. Every dollar helps remove a barrier to participation and gives a young athlete the chance to continue playing long after camp ends.

Together, we can put a stick in every player's hands and create more opportunities for Detroit youth to grow through the game of lacrosse.

Solei Ewing, 2026 D1 NCAA commit to Detroit Mercy from our Detroit United Panthers Program.3-5 year older participants of our DCRL programming.Detroit United athlete teaching new athlete how to get a groundball.