Help Us Put a Stick in Every Player’s Hands

At Detroit United Lacrosse, our mission is to use the sport of lacrosse to unify the youth of Detroit’s neighborhoods by promoting academic and character education, personal development, and pathways to prosperity, instilling the values of the sport: respect, honor, courage, and integrity.

Every summer, hundreds of Detroit youth step onto a lacrosse field for the very first time through our camps and community programming. This summer alone, we anticipate reaching more than 500 youth across the city through low- and no-cost programming.

But one of the biggest barriers to continuing in the sport is simple: equipment.

Many of our participants are introduced to lacrosse at camp, but without access to their own stick, it becomes difficult to continue practicing, building confidence, and developing the skills needed to stay involved in the game. A lacrosse stick is more than just equipment, it represents access, belonging, opportunity, and the ability to continue growing long after camp ends.

That’s why we are launching our 500 Sticks for 500 Kids Campaign with the goal of raising $15,000 to ensure every child in our summer programming has access to a stick they can keep. 

Funds raised will go directly toward:

• Beginner lacrosse sticks for boys and girls of all ages
• Filling equipment gaps for families unable to purchase gear
• Expanding access to year-round participation opportunities
• Helping youth continue practicing and building confidence at home

We are also excited to partner with local communities through gently used equipment drives to maximize the impact of every dollar donated.

Bonus Giveaways

To celebrate and help spread the word:

• Every donor will be entered to win a Detroit United Lacrosse crewneck
• Anyone who shares the campaign or their donation on Instagram stories and tags will be entered to win a Detroit United Lacrosse t-shirt

Lacrosse remains one of the least accessible sports in America, with Black athletes making up only a small percentage of NCAA lacrosse players despite the sport being a major source of college scholarship opportunities. We are working to change that narrative by creating pathways for Detroit youth to access the game, stay involved, and succeed both on and off the field.

The impact of our work over the last five years:

• Reached 3,452 youth ages 3–18
• Provided over 1,000 hours of lacrosse programming
• Delivered 200+ hours of academic tutoring
• Maintained a 100% high school graduation rate among seniors in our program
• Helped 24 seniors commit to play college lacrosse
• Provided jobs for 56 high school and college students

We envision Detroit becoming a model city for the growth of lacrosse through community support and the development of student leaders who uphold the virtues of the game in every aspect of life.

A stick can open the door to confidence, mentorship, education, community, and opportunity.

Help us put one in every player’s hands.

Giving Levels

• $25 — Future Starter
  Provides one beginner stick for a young player under age 5.
• $50 — Rookie Ready
  Provides one beginner boys or girls stick for a youth player.
• $100 — Team Builder
  Equips multiple athletes with sticks and training equipment.
• $250 — Game Changer
  Supports an entire small-group camp pod with equipment access.
• $500+ — Grow the Game Partner
  Expands access to lacrosse opportunities across Detroit neighborhoods.

Be part of story of the next generation of Detroit lacrosse players, youth that will no doubt change the sport and the world.