Fifty Youth Squads Compete at 9th Annual Lake Placid Summit Youth Classic

Event modeled after adult/scholastic tournament draws youngsters, families to the Adirondacks

LAKE PLACID, N.Y. — Fifty youth boys teams gathered in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains from July 7 to 9 for the ninth annual Lake Placid Summit Youth Classic, an event modeled after the popular adult and scholastic tournament held on the same fields each summer since 1990.

The 2025 Summit Youth Classic drew programs from as far away as Maryland and Ohio and featured divisions running from 3rd/4th grade — the 2033 and 2034 graduation classes — up to rising high school sophomores, representing the class of 2028.

The tournament was established in 2016 with the hope of drawing families to the Adirondack Mountains for three days of competition in the Eastern High Peaks region, a destination with its own rich Olympic history.

Teams made their way to the North Elba Athletic Fields with families in tow on Monday afternoon as games kicked off across seven divisions. In all, an estimated 3,000 people traveled to the area for this year’s Summit Youth Classic.

Much like the adult version of the tournament, each matchup saw the sidelines packed with family members who across the three days cheered and enjoyed the sweeping scenery, including clear views of famous peaks like Whiteface Mountain and — the tallest of them all — Mount Marcy.

Between matchups, coaches, parents and kids grabbed a bite to eat or checked out the wide selection of goods available in the bustling Summit Youth Classic vendor village, including custom tournament merchandise made by longtime event partner Graph-Tex. Away from the field, visitors found limitless options for outdoor adventure across the three days in the nation’s largest park.

After two days of hard-fought divisional play, Wednesday brought electrifying championship matchups, a treat for the many family members rooting on the sidelines and a thrill for the youngsters experiencing the phenomenon known throughout the sport as “Lax Placid.”

“The Summit Youth Classic was an amazing experience for our players and families,” said Michael Shelli, director of the Kraken Sigma program and head coach of the team that brought home the 2029 Silver Division championship.

“This was a highly competitive and well organized tournament that created lasting memories both on and off the field,” said Shelli, who played lacrosse at the University at Albany and now operates the Kraken Sigma in the Capital Region.

“The balance between playing games and downtime was a perfect way to build friendships, bond with teammates and enjoy quality time with family in beautiful Lake Placid. We’re already looking forward to next year and winning the ‘chip’ again.”

Kevin Leveille, PLL Play’s VP of Youth Sales Strategy, said the Summit Youth Classic has quickly become a favorite for anyone who’s participated since its inception.

“This event really showcases the game in a way that’s pure and fun—the way it should be,” said Leveille, whose father, George, co-founded the Lake Placid Summit Classic more than 37 years ago.

A youngster in those days who dreamed of playing at the highest level, Leveille watched then-pros and world-team players from the Lake Placid sidelines. Inspired by it all, he went on to become a college and professional star himself and to captain the U.S. Men’s field team at the 2014 FIL World Lacrosse Championships. To this day, he’s still one of the pro game’s all-time leading goal scorers.

“The Youth Summit Classic was designed specifically for kids and families, so it also reminds us that this game is really about the young ones and the next generation that will pass it on. This has been a fantastic family experience since we started it and we have pride in preserving that each year. In Lake Placid, we’re focused on respecting the game and creating a constructive environment for our young participants.”

Below is a rundown of the divisional champions at the 2025 Lake Placid Summit Youth Classic:

Save the date for next year’s Lake Placid Summit Youth Classic, tentatively scheduled for July 6 to 8, 2026. Also mark your calendars for the inaugural Forty Sixes Summit Classic, set for Oct. 18 and 19 in Lake Placid.

Check the full PLL Play schedule for pro-led training and development opportunities as well as our fall lineup of events. And be sure to follow the PLL, PLL Play and PLL Tournaments on social media to keep up with us all year long.