In the summer of 2022, Limerick, Ireland, became the epicenter of the lacrosse world, hosting not only the U21 Men’s World Championship but also the vibrant World Lacrosse Festival. Designed to celebrate the game’s enduring spirit, the festival welcomed players of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels, creating a dynamic and festive atmosphere that extended far beyond competition.
The World Festival showcased the best of the sport’s community-driven culture — blending fierce matches with unforgettable social experiences. It proved that lacrosse is not just a game for the young or elite, but a lifelong passion that unites people around the world.
Festival Structure and Divisions
The World Lacrosse Festival 2022 catered to a wide range of participants, offering a welcoming environment for everyone — from teenagers to veteran players. The divisions included:
- U16 Boys and Girls: Youth players under 16, with flexibility for a few slightly older participants.
- U18 Boys and Girls: Competitive play for athletes under 18, following similar eligibility rules.
- 18+ Men and Women: Open division for adult players aged 18 and over.
- 35+ Masters Men: Celebrating experienced athletes who continue to love and live the game.
- 45+ GrandMasters Men: Honoring true legends of the sport with a division of their own.
By including these diverse divisions, the festival ensured that lacrosse remained accessible to all age groups, fostering multi-generational participation and building lifelong connections.
A Festival Beyond Competition
While the matches were highly competitive, the true focus of the festival was community, camaraderie, and fun — staying true to the social side for which the global lacrosse community is famous.
Participants enjoyed full access not only to their own games but also to the U21 World Championship matches. The vibrant Vendor Village, on-campus pubs, live music events, and social gatherings created an unforgettable experience where friendships were formed and the global lacrosse family grew even stronger.
The mix of Ireland’s famous “craic” (joyful atmosphere) with the competitive yet relaxed spirit of the festival made it a standout event on the international lacrosse calendar.
Festival Experience
The University of Limerick provided comfortable and flexible accommodation options for festival teams:
- Full Board, Bed & Breakfast, and Self-Catering packages on campus.
- Access to quality hotel options for teams seeking different styles of lodging.
- Dedicated festival staff who assisted participants with travel, accommodation, meals, and local tours.
Participants also received all-access passes to both the World Championship and Festival games, ensuring that they remained immersed in the entire celebration of the sport throughout their stay.
The careful planning and strong support from Ireland Lacrosse and Abbey Events ensured that every aspect of the participant experience — from booking to gameplay to sightseeing — was seamless and welcoming.
Join the Lacrosse Celebration
Inspired by the World Lacrosse Festival? Whether you’re a young player dreaming of international tournaments, an experienced athlete looking for your next adventure, or simply a fan of the game, lacrosse offers a lifetime of memories.
Stay tuned for future events, join local leagues, and keep the spirit of lacrosse alive — because festivals like these are just the beginning
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