More Than 1,000 Lacrosse Players Compete at Annual Saratoga Lacrosse Classic

Event founded in 2013 attracts teams from Northeast, Mid-Atlantic to historic Saratoga Springs

SARATOGA SPRING, N.Y. — More than 1,000 lacrosse players, many accompanied by family members, traveled to Gavin Park on June 28 and 29 for the Saratoga Lacrosse Shootout, an annual tournament for boys co-hosted by PLL Tournaments and Central New York-based Powell Lacrosse.

Teams came from all parts of the Empire State as well as New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Maryland to face off and enjoy beautiful weather just minutes from downtown Saratoga Springs, one of New York’s most beloved small cities.

Founded in 2013 as a destination event for the growing number of travel teams from the Northeast, the event has become a favorite summertime tradition for a long list of programs, even drawing teams from Ontario and the Southern U.S.

On Saturday, guests made their way through a bustling vendor village to find a cozy spot on the sidelines for games that got underway at 8:30 a.m. and ran into the early evening. In between contests, families gathered below the park’s towering oak trees or under team-branded canopies staked throughout the facility. Others took a seat at the picnic tables within the pavilion.

Sunday again brought a joyful scene as the sidelines were packed for semifinal matchups and later the final showdowns across eight different divisions. Bright sun and a steady breeze made for picturesque conditions as teams battled on 12 different grass fields, one of which was sponsored by U.S. Bank, another by Dude Wipes.

The day saw dramatic endings in several brackets and afterward the victorious squads made their way to Shootout headquarters, where they received their championship medals. Donning and pretending to bite the keepsake medallions, team members posed as families cheered on and captured the moment with their cell phones or DSLR cameras.

The 1812 Cannons, a program based in New York’s Jefferson County, brought seven teams to this year’s Shootout. In any given year, the Cannons form a caravan of 400 to 500 players, coaches and family members destined for Gavin Park.

“The 1812 Cannons have a long-standing tradition of competing at the Shootout, and it’s always a highlight of our summer,” said General Manager AJ Garza.

“Our players and families love the high level of competition, the atmosphere at Gavin Park and everything the Saratoga region has to offer. … It’s a great experience for our clubs—seeing teams support one another, families spending time together and everyone enjoying the game.”

As a program focused on player and team development, Garza and his staff “appreciate the consistently positive environment” at the Shootout.

“From great vendors and food to excellent facilities, the tournament delivers on its promise of a fun and upbeat experience year after year,” he said.

Lacrosse legend Ryan Powell, who co-founded the event with Summit Lacrosse Ventures, sees the Shootout as one of the best weekends of the summer for attending families — many of them returning each year.

Powell was a four-time All-American at Syracuse University before going on to star in Major League Lacrosse and the National Lacrosse League and win a gold medal with the U.S. men’s national field team. He now steers the ship for the Chittenango-based Powell Lacrosse brand, which specializes in one-of-a-kind heads, handles and accessories.

Powell believes family-friendly youth events are key to the sport’s growth. At Saratoga, the Powell Lacrosse tent featured a large selection of colorful, custom-strung sticks, perfect for beginners.

“When young lacrosse players have a positive experience, and their families can be a part of it, they learn to love the game,” Powell said. “It becomes more than just a sport — it turns into a healthy way of life.”

Kevin Leveille, PLL Play’s VP of Youth Sales Strategy, said the event has become a celebration that unites teams and families and puts the sport’s contrasting regional cultures on display.

“Lacrosse is different from place to place, even within New York State, and the Shootout  certainly showcases that with the teams we host,” said Leveille, who grew up just outside of Albany and, like Powell, went on to star on the collegiate, pro and world stages.

“What we share with Powell Lacrosse is a vision for youth lacrosse. It should be relaxed, fun and built into a vacation weekend. No matter the score, the Shootout is meant to be a good time for all of our participants. We’re grateful for another fantastic year at Gavin Park.”

Below is a breakdown of the divisional champions at the Saratoga Lacrosse Shootout:

Save the date for next year’s Saratoga Lacrosse Shootout, tentatively scheduled for June 27 and 28, 2026.

Check the full PLL Play schedule for pro-led training and development opportunities from coast to coast. And be sure to follow the PLL, PLL Play and PLL Tournaments on social media to keep up with us all summer long.