Our Mission

CityLax, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to changing the lives of students through the game of lacrosse. Through free programming, we use the sport as a powerful tool to create opportunity, build confidence, and inspire long-term success for youth across New York City.

​

Our Goal

Our goal is to help students achieve success both on and off the field. By introducing lacrosse to middle school and high school students, CityLax provides access to a sport many would not otherwise experience, while using that exposure as a catalyst for academic achievement, personal growth, and a brighter future.

​

Why We Do It

CityLax was founded in 2005 by brothers-in-law Mathew Levine and Gavril Paternak. During a practice, they were approached by local NYC kids who had never seen a lacrosse stick before. What began as a spontaneous introduction to the sport quickly revealed a larger need and opportunity.

​

That single moment sparked a movement. Today, CityLax has helped lead the creation of more than 70 public high school lacrosse programs throughout New York City.

 

Thanks to the founders’ passion and commitment, CityLax has grown into the largest urban-based lacrosse nonprofit in the country, reaching thousands of student-athletes each year and empowering them with the skills, confidence, and support needed to overcome life’s challenges.

​

How We Do It

CityLax is made possible mostly through the generous support of donors and year-round fundraising efforts that sustain our programming. We also rely on a dedicated network of volunteer coaches – many of whom have competed at the highest levels of the sport or are CityLax alumni – who serve as mentors, role models, and leaders for the next generation. Grants from public and private organizations also play a role in our mission.

 

Our Core Initiatives

CityLax delivers its mission through five core programs, all provided free of charge to participating students and schools.

 

1. Discover Lacrosse

The Discover Lacrosse program was the spark that the started over 70 PSAL high school lacrosse programs. It introduced the sport to high schoolers and teams were born. 

​

Today, Discover Lacrosse introduces public middle school students to the sport through multi-week, in-school gym class programming. CityLax coaches begin with a brief history of the game before teaching basic fundamentals and teamwork skills. Its goal is to help PSAL programs by introducing lacrosse student-athletes before they get to high school. 

 

All equipment is provided at no cost. To ensure sustainability, CityLax also donates sticks, helmets, and balls, and helps schools identify and recruit teacher-coaches to allow programs to continue as after-school offerings and further expand the CityLax mission.

​​

2. Winter Clinics

Designed for student-athletes in grades 6–12, CityLax Winter Clinics help public school programs re-engage after the offseason while welcoming newcomers to the sport. Each year, CityLax hosts 30 free clinics across all five boroughs over a six-week period in January and February.

 

Equipment is provided for student-athletes who need it, ensuring that access is never a barrier to participation.

 

3. Summer Camps

Following the high school season, CityLax hosts two weeks of free summer camps for student-athletes in the public school system. Volunteer coaches dedicate their time to help players continue developing their skills while reinforcing lessons of discipline, resilience, and confidence that extend beyond the field.

 

4. Open Play Sessions

CityLax Open Play Sessions take place during the summer months at Pier 40, offering student-athletes of all skill levels a chance to play in a fun, non-instructional, and non-competitive environment.

​

CityLax covers all facility fees and provides equipment, allowing athletes to freely apply what they’ve learned while continuing to grow as players and individuals.

 

5. PSAL Grant Program

Each year, CityLax provides more than $65,000 in grants to New York City Public Schools Athletic League (PSAL) programs. These grants support both boys’ and girls’ teams by supplying essential equipment—including sticks, balls, helmets, pinnies, and more—benefiting approximately 55 PSAL teams annually.

​

Our Impact

Since its founding in 2005, CityLax has introduced lacrosse to more than 20,000 student-athletes across 70+ NYC public schools. During that time, the PSAL has grown significantly, expanding access to lacrosse throughout the city.

 

Student-athletes who participate in CityLax programs maintain a 99% graduation rate, and many return to the organization as mentors, coaches, and leaders to inspire and guide the next generation.

 

CityLax is proud to continue using lacrosse as a pathway to opportunity, education, and lifelong success.