Where It All Starts: Why 3v3 StartLax Might Be the Most Important Thing We Do
Not just the first step. Sometimes, the destination.
At Carolina Lacrosse Association (CLA), we believe in more than just teaching a sport — we believe in creating experiences that shape kids for life. Our mission is to give thousands of kids the opportunity to experience the power of sports, and to build a pathway where every player can thrive — no matter their age, stage, or season.
From that mission, a clear pathway has emerged:
Start with free clinics and 3v3 lacrosse — the easiest and most joyful entry into the game
Play in our seasonal leagues — where teammates become friends and the game becomes familiar
Train through focused skill sessions — sharpening technique and confidence
Travel with our year-round teams — for those chasing elite development and competition
But this fall, something became clearer than ever: sometimes, Start isn’t just the beginning. It’s where kids fall in love with the game. And for some families, it might be exactly where they belong.
What is 3v3 StartLax?
StartLax is our beginner lacrosse program for kids in grades K–8, designed to make the sport fun, accessible, and unforgettable.
Mini goals, small fields
Signature Lacrosse mini-stix (the best in the business)
Soft balls
No pads, no pressure
Co-ed, community-driven
It’s the most welcoming way for kids to pick up a stick and just play. No expensive equipment. No complicated rules. No barriers. Just pure love of the game.
Whether you live in our CLA Charlotte or CLA North Regions, we’ve got a local field near you and a community ready to welcome you.
What We Saw This Fall:
Every week this fall, we watched something incredible happen:
Kids knew each others names and were so excited to see each other week after week
Real friendships formed to the point they were coordinating plans to hang out outside of 3v3
Siblings who watched from the sidelines jumped in after realizing how fun and welcoming it was
Parents connected — cheering, laughing, filming memories, making friends
Coaches played with the kids — not barking orders, just having fun and being in it with them
Kids ran off the field hugging coaches and asking, "Can we do it again next week?"
It was magical. Not because it was flashy or intense. But because it was pure.
Why Families Wanted More StartLax
When we first launched StartLax, we imagined it as just that — a starting point. A way for new players to dip their toes in before moving into our leagues, training, and travel teams.
But something unexpected happened.
As the season ended and we invited families into the next program in our pathway, many of them said:
“Can we keep doing StartLax?”
At first, we didn’t expect that.
But then it clicked.
StartLax was easy. Simple. Fun.
No equipment to buy
No pressure to perform
No drills or lines
No stress or confusion
Just show up, grab a stick, and play.
In a world where youth sports can feel overwhelming and overscheduled, StartLax became a breath of fresh air. For kids and parents alike.
Games were approachable
The vibe was fun and low-stress
Coaches were part of the fun
It felt like community, not competition
We saw kids light up. Parents exhale. Families bond.
And they didn’t want it to end.
That’s why families asked for more StartLax. Because it wasn’t just the sport. It was the experience.
And for many, it felt like home.
What Happens Next?
We’re making CLA Start a year-round offering.
You can still move into PLAY leagues or sign up for CLA TRAIN. You can still chase elite goals through our TRAVEL teams. But now, you can also stay right here — where the love for lacrosse begins. And sometimes, where it stays.
StartLax is the perfect fit for families who want:
A co-ed, fun-first environment
No required equipment
Local fields and friendly coaches
A true entry into the sport without the intensity
I thought StartLax was going to be a warm-up. A prep step. But what I’ve come to realize is this:
For some kids, this is the moment they fall in love with the game.
The place they gain confidence, joy, and belonging. And that matters more than anything.
We’re just getting started, and we’d love for your family to be part of it.
✅ Ready to Try StartLax?
Boys and Girls Grades K–8
No gear needed
No experience required
Learn More Below:
Carolina Lacrosse Association is redefining how kids experience the game — from their first pass to their first passion. Come see why more families are falling in love with lacrosse through StartLax.