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Lacrosse Play Moving at Torrid Pace

Date: 5/7/09

Overall Participation Has Grown by 100%+ Since 2000

WASHINGTON, D.C. – May 7, 2009 -- Interest in lacrosse has never been stronger....... and it doesn't look like it's going to slow down anytime soon. According to the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association’s (SGMA) 2009 Lacrosse Single Sport Report, lacrosse remains one of the 'hottest' sports to play in the U.S. Figures released by SGMA indicate lacrosse has grown by nearly 80,000 participants per year since 2000.

Since 2000, overall participation in the sport has more than doubled -- from 518,000 to 1,127,000. And, there’s potential for additional growth as two-thirds of all lacrosse players come from just one-third of the country. 

"Concentration of lacrosse participation lies along the Eastern Seaboard," said SGMA President Tom Cove. "Right now, virtually all of the Midwest is an untapped demographic."

According to SGMA’s 2009 State of the Industry Report, lacrosse is the 2nd hottest sport for sales growth. 

"That bodes well for manufacturers of product and local recreation professionals as demand for gear and accessories will be high plus interest in local programs should be strong," noted Cove.

Not only is interest in lacrosse strong right now, but its future looks bright, too. In a nutshell, the rate of participation is high and those playing the game are young, too. According to SGMA, 65% of all participants are under age 25. And 75% of all 'core' participants (those playing 13 times a year) are under age 25.

Listed below are some additional notes of interest, as they apply to lacrosse:

• Cross-Participation: Lacrosse players also play football, rugby, and ice hockey.
• Big-City Appeal: 45% of lacrosse players live in cities of at least 2,000,000 people.
• Inside the Numbers:  Since 2000, overall participation in lacrosse has grown by 117%.

The source of these facts and figures on lacrosse is SGMA’s Lacrosse Single-Sport Participation Study (2009 edition). It is available from SGMA by clicking on Research Reports at www.sgma.com.

The Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association, the #1 source for sport and fitness research, is the global business trade association of manufacturers, retailers, and marketers in the sports products industry. SGMA leads the sports and fitness industries while enhancing industry vitality and fostering sports, fitness, and active lifestyle participation.  More information about SGMA can be found at www.sgma.com.