News Summary
The PLL Play Cali Cup youth tournament recently concluded in San Diego, showcasing the skills of young lacrosse players from California and Arizona. Held in conjunction with the Premier Lacrosse League matches, the tournament featured youth boys teams in grades four to nine competing across several venues with modified rules to enhance enjoyment. Families experienced professional lacrosse firsthand while interacting with PLL stars, highlighting the event’s aim to inspire and grow the sport in the region. Organizers anticipate future events to further nurture lacrosse culture among youth athletes.
San Diego – The inaugural PLL Play Cali Cup youth tournament concluded on June 29, 2024, marking a vibrant showcase of young lacrosse talent from California and Arizona. The event synchronized with the Premier Lacrosse League’s fifth weekend of action, offering participants a unique combination of youth competition and professional level lacrosse.
The tournament included youth boys teams competing in grades from fourth to ninth, utilizing a round-robin format across several venues. Games took place at Coronado High School, Coronado Middle School, and Tidelands Park, all located within a short drive of downtown San Diego. Enhanced to resonate with younger athletes, the matches featured a modified field size and youth-friendly rules to foster an enjoyable game flow.
As the tournament wrapped up on Friday evening, participants had the opportunity to attend the PLL matchups at the University of San Diego’s Torero Stadium. The first night of professional games featured an exciting lineup: the Denver Outlaws defeated the California Redwoods 18-12, while the New York Atlas secured an 10-8 victory against the Utah Archers. The following evening, the Philadelphia Waterdogs emerged victorious over the California Redwoods 12-9, and the Carolina Chaos edged out the Boston Cannons with a score of 14-12. All PLL games were broadcast live on ESPN+, with the Waterdogs vs. Redwoods match showcased on ESPN as the Saturday Night Lacrosse feature.
The Cali Cup not only served as a competitive platform for aspiring young athletes but also facilitated an immersive experience where families could engage with PLL stars. Participants were thrilled to interact with professional players as they entered the field, contributing to an electrifying atmosphere throughout the tournament.
Steve Sepeta, president of Adrenaline Lacrosse, emphasized the significance of this event in bringing high-level competition to the West Coast, allowing local lacrosse players a rare chance to witness the sport at its finest. Kevin Leveille, VP of Youth Sales Strategy for PLL Play, shared insights on the event’s role in inspiring youth to pursue playing lacrosse, underlining the importance of such tournaments for the sport’s growth.
The Cali Cup aims not only to cultivate the sport’s popularity but also to enrich the lacrosse culture among youth athletes. The event draws success from previous iterations like the PLL Opening Weekend Classic, which had thrived in Albany, N.Y. over the past four years.
Families attending the tournament appreciated the interactive fan experience provided in the Premier Zone, featuring amenities and surprise guests that enhanced the overall enjoyment of the event. Organizers have indicated that future dates for additional events, planned for 2026, will be announced later, further strengthening the sport’s community ties.
Participants and attendees are encouraged to stay connected by following PLL, PLL Play, and PLL Tournaments on social media for updates throughout the summer and beyond. The Cali Cup has thus set a promising precedent for youth lacrosse events, aiming to energize and nurture a new generation of players.
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Additional Resources
- Premier Lacrosse League: Youth Boys Lacrosse Squads Turn Out for Inaugural PLL Play Cali Cup
- Wikipedia: Lacrosse
- USA Lacrosse: 2024-25 College Lacrosse Fall Ball Schedule
- Google Search: Lacrosse Tournament Schedule
- SDSU Aztecs: Lacrosse Releases 2025 Schedule
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lacrosse
- Inside Lacrosse: 2025 Adrenaline Challenge Preview
- Google News: Lacrosse Events
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
