Experience
a wider world
through
lacrosse.
KYLA creates opportunities for young players to learn safely, enjoy growing, and connect with teams in Korea and abroad.
Notices
View allSchedule
Full scheduleWhat KYLA does
We do four things so that a first try with a stick can lead on to team play, tournaments and international exchange.
Youth programs
Lessons that link PE classes, after-school programs, school clubs and community clubs. We help children keep enjoying the sport from the day they first pick up a stick.
See youth programsEvents & leagues
Games where children meet new teams beyond their own school or club. Safety comes first, and play is matched to age and experience.
See eventsCoach development
We run the registered private qualification 'Youth Lacrosse Coach'. It covers lesson design and safety management as well as technique.
See coach educationInternational exchange
Overseas teams visiting Korea, Korean teams travelling abroad, friendly games and joint training. We are building ties with schools and clubs around the world.
See international exchange2026: our first year
In our founding year we held two youth events and registered a coaching qualification.
- 05.31 1st Youth Lacrosse FestivalA participation and exchange event where young players from schools and clubs met for the first time. Safe, entry-level games gave them their first tournament experience.
- 10.08 'Youth Lacrosse Coach' qualification registeredRegistration no. 2026-007637. A registered private qualification under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, with two grades: General and Master.
- 10.25 1st KYLA Youth Lacrosse ChampionshipSchool and club teams played in age divisions on two fields at the same time. The day also had awards, a photo zone and a rest area for players.
Connecting Young Athletes Beyond Borders.
We welcome friendly games, joint training, mutual visits, school and club partnerships, and jointly hosted youth lacrosse events with schools and clubs abroad. We can meet in Seoul, in Jeju, or in your city.
Find what you need
- Parents and playersCheck the schedule, notices and event photos, and enter events.
- Schools and teachersFind out about lacrosse for PE classes, after-school programs and school clubs.
- Clubs and coachesSee how to enter events and how the youth coach qualification works.
- Overseas schools and clubsFriendly games, joint training and mutual visits with Korean youth teams.
- Companies and institutionsPropose a sponsorship or partnership.
About KYLA
Korea Youth Lacrosse Association (KYLA)Founded in 2026 to spread and develop youth lacrosse in Korea.
A safe, enjoyable way into lacrosse for children
The Korea Youth Lacrosse Association (KYLA) works to create an environment where children and teenagers can experience lacrosse safely and enjoyably, and grow through sport. We run youth education with schools and clubs, hold tournaments and exchange games, train coaches, and promote youth sports exchange in Korea and abroad.
We do not believe the value of sport lies only in winning or in individual skill. Running with friends, taking on new challenges, finding your role in a team and respecting one another are, in themselves, what makes youth sport valuable.
Why a youth organization was needed
Lacrosse in Korea has grown around universities, adult clubs and the national teams. There were comparatively few places where children and teenagers could first meet the sport and keep playing. KYLA started from the view that the youth level needs four things.
- A competition structure matched to age and level
- Safety management centred on protecting players
- Coach education and quality control of games
- Transparent administration that parents can trust
Mission and vision
Mission
To create an environment where young people can experience lacrosse safely and enjoyably, grow through sport, and keep taking part.
Vision
To build a sustainable youth sports ecosystem that connects schools, clubs, coaches, players and parents.
Operating principles
- Safety first
- The physical and emotional safety of young players is the first criterion in every operating decision. We build field safety, protective equipment rules, emergency response and coach responsibility training into our systems.
- Education at the centre
- Youth games should be about growth more than results. Our guidelines set out a culture of sportsmanship, teamwork and respect.
- Transparent administration
- We manage every step openly, from team registration, game schedules and referee assignments to budgets and results reports.
Seven core values
- Safety
- Physical and emotional safetySafety equipment, non-contact entry-level games, on-site safety management
- Enjoyment
- Enjoyment and voluntary participationAn environment where children come to love lacrosse
- Growth
- Growth of individuals and teamsA sense of achievement, relationships and confidence that grow along with skills
- Inclusion
- Broad participationFrom first-time beginners to participants of every skill level
- Community
- Connecting schools, clubs and familiesFriendly games, team activities, parent involvement
- Education
- Quality of educationCoaching manuals, coach training, shared safety standards
- Global exchange
- International experienceFriendly games abroad, joint training, exchange visits
History
2026
- 10.251st KYLA Youth Lacrosse Championship held
- 10.08Youth Lacrosse Coach private qualification registered
- 05.311st Youth Lacrosse Festival held
- 03.09Tax identification certificate issued, operating base established
- 02Korea Youth Lacrosse Association founded
Our team
KYLA is run by former national team players and coaches together with teachers who have long taught PE in schools.
President, league director
Song Jong-cheol 송종철
- More than 20 years as a PE teacher
- School sports administration and program planning
- Youth sports education and safety management
Secretariat, head of administration
Kim Tae-hoon 김태훈
- Korea national lacrosse team player
- University lecturing and team coaching
- Playing in and running tournaments in Korea and abroad
Competition and Technical Committee
Ryu Eun-gyu 류은규
- Korea national lacrosse team player
- Coach, senior women's national team
- Coach, youth men's national team and high school team
Events and PR Committee
Han In-su 한인수
- Korea national lacrosse team player
- High school team coach
- Hosting and running a women's lacrosse league
External Relations Committee (domestic and international)
Park Jae-han 박재한
- Korea national lacrosse team player
- Coach, youth men's national team and high school
- Network for team exchange and cooperation in Korea and abroad
Education and Safety Committee
Kim Il-su 김일수
- More than 30 years in physical education
- Coaching several sports, including soccer and curling
- School sports safety instruction and student supervision
Education and Safety Committee
Lee Won-jun 이원준
- More than 10 years in physical education
- Running a range of sports programs
- Youth sports safety management and student guidance
Organization details
- Organization
- Korea Youth Lacrosse Association (KYLA)한국유소년라크로스협회
- Founded
- February 2026
- Tax ID number
- 501-82-75112Issued March 9, 2026. Representative named on the certificate: Lee Won-jun (이원준)
- President
- Song Jong-cheol 송종철
- Area of activity
- Based in Seoul; active in Seoul, Jeju and exchange locations in Korea and abroad
- Qualification managed
- Youth Lacrosse Coach (유소년라크로스지도자)Registered private qualification no. 2026-007637, under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism
Youth programs
Lacrosse that starts with fun and grows togetherPrograms matched to age and experience help children take on challenges for themselves, learn new skills and discover the joy of team sport.
What kind of sport is lacrosse?
Lacrosse is a team sport in which players use a stick with a net at the end to pass, carry and shoot a ball into the opposing goal. It has a long history that began in Indigenous communities of North America, and has spread around the world through schools, universities and clubs. It has been added to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic programme in the 'sixes' format, with six players a side.
Formats include field lacrosse, women's field lacrosse, sixes and box lacrosse, which is played indoors. At the youth entry level, games are played without contact and with modified rules.
What it shares with other sports
| Sport | Movements you meet in lacrosse |
|---|---|
| Soccer | Use of space, movement off the ball, team tactics |
| Basketball | Passes and cuts, screens, transitions between attack and defence |
| Ice hockey | Stick control, fast attacks, shooting |
| Baseball | Hand-eye coordination for catching and throwing accurately |
| Handball | Attacking the goal, building play with passes, shot selection |
What children experience
- Hand-eye coordination
- They repeatedly watch a moving ball and bring the stick to meet it.
- An eye for space
- They read where teammates and opponents are, find open space, and choose when to pass and move.
- Cooperation and communication
- They share roles, connect with teammates and respect opponents.
- Agility and body control
- They handle the stick while running, changing direction and keeping balance.
- The confidence to try for themselves
- They try, fail and adjust, learning to read the game for themselves.
- My place in the team
- They discover their own role and contribution within a team.
Four programs
Through school PE, school clubs, youth clubs, taster programs and tournaments, we help more children meet lacrosse.
| Programs | Details | For |
|---|---|---|
| School lacrosse | PE classes, school clubs, after-school programs | Students, schools |
| Club partnership | Regular training, team activities, friendly games | School and club players |
| Taster sessions and clinics | Fundamentals, getting used to the stick | Children starting out |
| Support for coaches | Coaching manuals, training, technique and safety guides | Teachers, coaches |
By age group
- U8·U9
- An introduction through play. Children enjoy handling the stick and learn simple rules and safety.
- U10
- Passing, catching, cradling and moving. Small-sided team games build positive experiences.
- U12
- Ground balls, basic shooting, defensive positioning and use of space. Players experience real games.
- U14
- Applying skills accurately, switching between attack and defence, basic tactics and decision-making.
- U16
- Position-specific roles, more complex tactics and games, exchange in Korea and abroad, and the next step.
Age groups are a guide for designing programs. The age and gender divisions of each tournament follow that tournament's guidelines.
From a first try to tournaments and exchange
- Taster lessonPick up a stick for the first time.
- Regular after-school program or school clubLearn steadily every week.
- Friendly games within and between schoolsMeet other teams.
- KYLA youth eventsPlay in the Festival and the Championship.
- Camps and international exchangeGo on to wider experiences.
Not every child needs to take the same path. We value playing for enjoyment over many years just as much as growing into a competitive player.
Safety and coaching philosophy
- Entry-level games are non-contact in principle, and use safe beginner sticks and protective equipment.
- We do not group players by age alone. An older child who has just started may be less skilled than a younger child with experience, so we also look at actual experience and skill level.
- We do not simply scale down adult rules. Games are run under our own rules designed for young players. Detailed rules are given in each tournament's guidelines.
- We step in immediately when behaviour is dangerous, and practise safe movements repeatedly.
A coach is not someone who pushes children to improve as fast as possible, but someone who sets the stage so that children enjoy sport and take part of their own accord.
Putting enjoyment first does not mean lessons without preparation. Coaches plan lessons in advance, set safety rules and standards of behaviour, and design activities that fit each level. As much as how fast children improve, we care about whether they want to come back to the field.Want to start at your school or club?
We take inquiries about PE classes, after-school programs, school clubs and taster lessons. We plan together around what suits your school or club.
Events
Games for sharing experience and growing togetherA KYLA tournament is not only about who wins. It is a day to take on new teams, work with teammates and feel your own growth.
Upcoming events
Only events with a confirmed date and venue are listed.
Past events
The year KYLA has in mind
We are planning a flow in which games and meetings continue through every season.
- Spring
- Festival
- Summer
- Clinics and camps
- Autumn
- Championship
- Winter
- Indoor league
This is at the planning stage. School, club and international exchange games are held as opportunities arise. Confirmed dates are posted under 'Upcoming events' above and in Notices.
Want to enter an event?
Entries are accepted from schools and clubs. When registration opens, you can submit an entry form on the Apply & contact page.
Coach education
Education that raises the expertise and practical ability of youth coaches'Youth Lacrosse Coach', managed by KYLA, is a registered private qualification under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. We are preparing the General grade first.
Qualification registration details
An outstanding playing career does not by itself guarantee the ability to teach young players well. This qualification was created to help coaches build skills in lesson planning, on-field communication and safety management on top of rules and technique.
- Qualification
- Youth Lacrosse Coach (유소년라크로스지도자)
- Type
- Registered private qualification
- Registration no.
- 2026-007637
- Managing body
- Korea Youth Lacrosse Association (KYLA)
- Competent ministry
- Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism
- Date of registration notice
- October 8, 2026
- Grades
- General, MasterThe General grade will run first.
Consumer notice
The qualification above is a private qualification registered under the Framework Act on Qualifications. It is not a qualification accredited by the state.
For details of the registration and accreditation system for private qualifications, see the 'About private qualifications' section of the Private Qualification Information Service (www.pqi.or.kr, in Korean).
Five written subjects for the General grade
The exam does not only ask about technique and rules. It also covers the ability to design lessons and coach children safely.
Lacrosse fundamentals
- Types and structure of sticks, grip, safe use
- Cradling, basic passing and catching, ground balls, shooting
- Ball control on the move, skill demonstration, error correction
Lacrosse rules
- Game formats and team size, timing, starts and restarts, scoring, substitutions
- Common fouls and penalties, modified youth rules
- Basic officiating and safety-related calls
Lacrosse tactics and game management
- Basic principles of attack and defence, passing and movement
- Occupying space, one-on-one attack and defence, transition situations
- Position roles, communication and decision-making during games
Designing youth training programs
- Approaches by developmental stage, lesson objectives
- Lesson structure, drills, games, feedback
- Running mixed-level sessions for beginners and experienced players, motivation
Sports safety and injury prevention
- Checking equipment and facilities, safe stick use
- Physical and emotional protection of young players, controlling risky behaviour
- Injury prevention and basic emergency response, the coach's duty of care
Practical assessment areas
We do not look at skill demonstration alone. We assess whether you can explain in a way children understand, structure a lesson and run a session safely.
- Basic passing and catching
- Shooting and ball control
- Tactical understanding and demonstration
- Running a training program and explaining as a coach
- Safety management and coaching manner
Detailed criteria such as course hours, number of questions and pass marks follow the registered management and operating rules. They will be announced with the call for applicants.
Course schedule
Want to hear about courses first?
Leave an inquiry and we will let you know when the schedule is confirmed.
International exchange
Connecting Young Athletes Beyond Borders.KYLA is a Seoul-based association growing youth lacrosse in Korea. We are looking for schools, clubs and coaches abroad to play, train and learn with.
About KYLA
The Korea Youth Lacrosse Association (KYLA) was founded in 2026 to give children and teenagers in Korea a safe and enjoyable way into lacrosse. We run youth lacrosse education with schools and clubs, organize youth tournaments, and train youth coaches.
In 2026 we held the 1st Youth Lacrosse Festival on May 31 and the 1st KYLA Youth Lacrosse Championship on October 25.
Based in Seoul, we link Seoul, Jeju and partners abroad, and want to create opportunities for schools, clubs and coaches in Korea and overseas to exchange and grow together through lacrosse.
Ways to work together
Our exchange opportunities are not limited to one tournament or a fixed schedule. Dates, length and format are agreed with each team.
- Visiting Korea
- Friendly games, joint training and cultural exchange with Korean youth teams in Seoul or Jeju.
- Hosting a Korean team
- Tournaments, games with local schools and clubs, and training visits in your country.
- Joint training
- Players and coaches from different countries training side by side.
- School and club matching
- We pair teams by level, age group and preferred season.
- International camps
- Age-group clinics and shared programs.
- Co-hosted events
- Friendship series or tournaments shaped by what both sides need.
- Coach exchange
- Sharing teaching methods, safety practice and culture.
Tell us about your team
A few details help us suggest a realistic plan. We reply by email.
Notices
Event registration, schedules and association news are posted here first.
Photos
Albums from events and training sessions. Photos are posted after guardian consent has been confirmed.
If you would like a posted photo taken down, let us know through the inquiry form. We will act as soon as we have checked.
Apply & contact
Enter an event, apply for coach education, or ask about programs and partnerships.
We will let you know when dates are set
Leave an inquiry and we will let you know when the General grade course schedule is confirmed.
Partners & sponsors
Help more children experience lacrosseWe welcome partnerships with schools, companies, public institutions and other organizations to spread youth sport and widen access to safe physical activity.
Ways to work together
It does not have to be a large sponsorship. You can start with the goods and services a tournament day actually needs.
| Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Supplies | Water, drinks, snacks, souvenirs |
| Equipment | Youth sticks, balls, protective gear |
| Awards | Trophies, medals, certificates |
| Operations | Tents, tables, safety and filming equipment |
| Venues | Use of fields and indoor facilities, help with venue hire |
| Publicity | Social media, press coverage, joint event content |
| Long-term projects | Regular tournaments, camps, education programs |
Propose a partnership
Tell us about your organization and the kind of partnership you have in mind, and we will get in touch.
Privacy policy
This is a draft. It will be published with an effective date once the association has confirmed retention periods, the privacy officer and contact details.
Information we collect and why
- Inquiries: name, organization, contact details and the content of the inquiry. Used to check and answer the inquiry.
- Event entries: team name, school or club, head coach's name and contact details, and players' names, birth years and jersey numbers. Used to confirm entries, form divisions, run the event and manage safety.
- International exchange inquiries: school or team name, country and city, contact person's name and contact details, and the exchange you have in mind. Used to discuss the exchange.
Retention period
Information is destroyed without delay once the purpose of collection has been fulfilled. Retention periods for each item will be listed here once the association has confirmed them.
Children under 14
Personal information of children under 14 is collected with the consent of their legal guardian. Event entries are submitted by the team's head coach after confirming the consent of each player's guardian.
Photos and video
Photos from events and training sessions are posted after guardian consent has been confirmed. If you would like a posted photo removed, let us know through the inquiry form.
Access, correction and deletion
You or your legal guardian may ask to view, correct or delete your personal information. Please make the request through the inquiry form.