This story appears in the February 2020 edition of US Lacrosse Magazine. Don't get the mag? Head to USLacrosse.org to subscribe.

Five years ago, Laura Gump accidentally hit her daughter in the head with a lacrosse ball while playing catch. And then it hit her — an idea, that is, to develop a soft training ball that’s the same weight and size as regulation balls. Kids could develop the necessary skills unafraid of getting plunked in the noggin.

Gump founded Swax Lax, now an official training partner of US Lacrosse.

Swax Lax balls don’t bounce or roll (great for indoor play) and help instill confidence in young players. They have become so popular that this year, the company is supplying 5,000 balls that will be provided as giveaways at select US Lacrosse TryLax clinic sites starting in March.

“Swax Lax is very excited to dip deeply into our involvement in 2020 with TryLax clinics around the country,” said Bill Kemp, head of marketing for Swax Lax.

TryLax is an exciting, effective way for programs to recruit new players into the sport and their organization. US Lacrosse provides grants to member organizations that want to introduce the sport for the first time to boys and girls ages 6-14. This opens an affordable path for parents to allow their children to discover if they enjoy lacrosse before paying the full registration fee for a program or season.

US Lacrosse supplies resources to provide a safe and fun introductory lacrosse experience. TryLax grants include up to 100 sticks (for 50 boys and 50 girls), up to 10 dozen balls (Swax Lax at select sites), a curriculum for coaches and more benefits.

US Lacrosse orchestrated 80-plus clinics last year, and the demand for grants has only grown. With a full slate already for the first half of 2020, US Lacrosse will reopen applications (uslacrosse.org/trylax)  for member organizations that are interested in receiving a grant in quarters three and four of this fiscal year.

“It’s a great opportunity to reach young players new to the game and help them kick off what we hope is a lifelong love affair with lacrosse,” said Gump, who played on the very first girls’ lacrosse team at Summit High School in New Jersey. “The TryLax clinics are spreading across the U.S. into new areas, introducing the game and fueling fantastic growth.”