Kawartha Lacrosse fuelling women’s lacrosse boom in Peterborough

Photo via KawarthaLacrosse.com

Kawartha Lacrosse continues to help drive the women’s lacrosse scene in Peterborough, where the sport is thriving with growing numbers and ambitious plans for 2025. What began as a club team in 1997, sparked by Lakefield High School girls craving tougher competition, has evolved into a cornerstone of women’s lacrosse in Ontario.

The growth of women’s lacrosse has been undeniable in recent years, and Kawartha Lacrosse has seen a notable surge in participation. Director Fred Blowes says the sport’s appeal has drawn more young athletes to the field, especially in the last few years.

The organization caters to a wide range of ages, says Blowes, starting as young as kindergarten and extending up to its top-tier Junior Women’s Elite Lacrosse (JEWL) program, which showcases some of the province’s best talent.

This season, Kawartha Lacrosse is set to host multiple high-profile events, including weekend tournaments at Beavermead Park on July 6-7 (for U13, U15 and U19) and July 13 (U9 and U11), drawing teams from across Ontario. Blowes says there’s even more excitement for them this summer, with the organization winning their bid to host the prestigious JEWL Provincials.

For local athletes, Kawartha Lacrosse has proven to be a launchpad to greater opportunities. Over the years, the program has helped dozens of players secure NCAA scholarships, with a growing number also advancing to universities across the province. Blowes emphasizes that the impact of this stepping stone is a point of pride for the organization.

With tryouts kicking off this week at Fleming College and the season ramping up toward an early bird tournament before the long weekend, registration is in full swing at kawarthalacrosse.com. While rep team coaches are locked in for 2025, the house league still needs volunteers to guide its youngest players, and sponsorships are welcome to keep the program thriving. According to Blowes, the JEWL Provincials alone will bring eight top-tier teams to Peterborough, providing an economic boost for the area.

As Kawartha Lacrosse approaches its 30th anniversary in two years, its legacy is built on community support and a dedication to growing the sport, one goal at a time.

(Written by: Scott Arnold)