CityLax Grants Nearly $50,000 to 44 PSAL Lacrosse Programs
2/17/26, 5:00 PM
The nation’s largest urban youth lacrosse nonprofit continues expanding access to the sport, leadership, and academic opportunity for NYC student-athletes
CityLax, the nation’s largest nonprofit dedicated to advancing lacrosse opportunities for urban youth, is proud to announce it has awarded nearly $50,000 in grants to 44 New York City Public Schools Athletic League (PSAL) lacrosse programs, including 23 girls’ teams and 21 boys’ teams, across the five boroughs for the 2026 season.
CityLax’s annual Grant Program is open to all PSAL lacrosse programs and is designed to ensure that financial limitations never prevent student-athletes from participating. The grants provide essential equipment and supplies, including sticks, protective gear, uniforms, balls, and other program needs, helping schools sustain and grow their teams while easing the financial burden on families.
In many schools, athletic budgets fall short of covering the true cost of operating a lacrosse program. CityLax steps in to close that gap, ensuring programs remain accessible and equitable.
“This grant program is about opportunity,” said CityLax CEO Rich Lisk. “Too often, schools and families are asked to shoulder costs they simply can’t afford. By providing the equipment and resources teams need, we remove financial barriers and make sure students can focus on learning, competing, and growing. Access to sports should never depend on zip code or income.”
For more than 20 years, CityLax has introduced lacrosse to underserved communities throughout New York City. Through initiatives such as Discover Lacrosse, Winter Clinics, Summer Camps, Open Play opportunities, and the PSAL Grant Program, CityLax provides structured athletic programming alongside mentorship and academic support.
All CityLax programs are offered free of charge, made possible through the generosity of donors and community partners. CityLax also provides full equipment support for student-athletes who cannot afford it.
Since its founding in 2005, CityLax has introduced lacrosse to more than 20,000 student-athletes and helped launch programs at over 70 New York City public schools. Student-athletes who participate in CityLax programs have achieved a 99% high school graduation rate, with many returning to mentor and coach the next generation.
What began as a grassroots initiative has grown into a citywide movement spanning all five boroughs. Today, CityLax stands as the largest urban youth lacrosse initiative in the United States, using the sport as a vehicle for academic achievement, leadership development, personal growth, and college readiness.