5 Shocking Takeaways From The PLL Junior Championships 2025: U12 & U14 National Champions Crowned In Boston

The 2025 PLL Junior Championships, which concluded in early August, cemented its status as the premier youth lacrosse tournament in North America, delivering high-stakes action and crowning two new national champions at the historic Harvard Stadium in Boston, MA. This year’s event, which took place on August 8-9, 2025, saw hundreds of the nation’s top young athletes (ages 10-14) compete under the banners of the eight professional Premier Lacrosse League teams, showcasing the incredible depth and future talent of the sport. The highly anticipated tournament was the culmination of a year-long development process, including nationwide training camps and a high-profile draft, making the final championship games a must-watch event for the entire lacrosse community, with the finals even airing on national platforms.

The intensity of the competition was palpable, with the U12 and U14 divisions producing two first-time winners, signaling a significant shift in the competitive landscape of the PLL Juniors program. As of this current date, December 2025, the focus now shifts to how these young champions will carry their momentum into the 2026 season and what the league learned from its most successful youth tournament to date.

The Road to Boston: PLL Junior Draft and Qualification Process

The PLL Junior Championships is not an open tournament; it is the final stage of the exclusive PLL Juniors development platform. This structure ensures that only the most dedicated and skilled players earn the right to compete for a national title, playing under the lights and in the official jerseys of their favorite professional clubs.

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The Nationwide Training Camps

The journey for the 2025 class began with a rigorous series of nationwide training camps held across the country, including major hubs like Orlando, FL, and Las Vegas, NV. These camps were crucial for player evaluation and development, offering participants a unique, professional-level experience. Over 700 youth players participated in these camps across the U12 and U14 age brackets, all vying for a spot in the elite Player Pool.

The PLL Junior Draft Presented by Whirlpool

The most unique aspect of the PLL Juniors experience is the annual draft. Following the training camp evaluations, 370 of the top athletes were selected to represent one of the eight PLL Junior teams. This televised event, the PLL Junior Draft presented by Whirlpool, mirrors the professional league’s College Draft, creating an electrifying experience for the young players and their families. Coaches from the professional PLL teams and their affiliated Junior programs meticulously select their rosters, ensuring each junior team is balanced and competitive.

The eight PLL Junior teams that competed in the 2025 Championships were branded after the Premier Lacrosse League’s professional clubs, which include:

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• Utah Archers (The eventual U12 Champions)
• California Redwoods (The eventual U14 Champions)
• Maryland Whipsnakes (U12 Finalists)
• Boston Cannons
• New York (U14 Finalists)
• Philadelphia Waterdogs
• Chrome Lacrosse Club
• Atlas Lacrosse Club
• Chaos Lacrosse Club

The 5 Biggest Takeaways from the 2025 Championships

The two-day event at Harvard Stadium was a showcase of future lacrosse stars, with thrilling games, dramatic upsets, and a professional atmosphere that sets the PLL Juniors program apart.

1. The Junior Archers Claim the U12 National Title

In a stunning performance, the Junior Archers secured the U12 National Championship, marking the Utah Archers’ first-ever Junior Championship title. Their victory came after a hard-fought final against the U12 Maryland Whipsnakes. The game was a highlight reel of clutch defensive stops and transition offense, with the Archers’ speed proving to be the difference-maker. The Archers' win is a testament to the growth of the sport in the Western region and the success of the PLL’s expansion into new markets like Utah.

2. Junior Redwoods Dominate the U14 Division

The U14 final was equally electric, with the Junior Redwoods—representing the California Redwoods—taking home the U14 National Championship. They defeated a strong New York junior team in a thrilling battle for the 2025 title. The Redwoods’ victory underscores the high level of talent emerging from the West Coast and solidifies their program as a major force in youth lacrosse. The U14 division, which features players closer to high school age, is often the most competitive and serves as a critical scouting ground for future collegiate stars.

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3. PLL Pros’ Coaching Influence Was Clear

A core pillar of the PLL Juniors program is the direct involvement of professional players. Throughout the training camps and the final tournament, current PLL pros served as positional coaches and mentors. This unique access provides the young athletes with unparalleled instruction on skills, strategy, and the mental game. The tactical maturity displayed by the championship teams, particularly in high-pressure situations, was a clear reflection of the professional-level coaching they received, demonstrating the value of the PLL Player Coaching initiative.

4. The Rise of Sixes Lacrosse in Youth Play

While the traditional field format was used, the influence of the fast-paced, Olympic-style Sixes Lacrosse format is increasingly evident in the PLL Juniors program. The league has actively promoted Sixes leagues nationwide, and the players drafted for the Championships showed exceptional conditioning, quick decision-making, and transition play—all hallmarks of the Sixes style. This focus ensures that the next generation of players is well-prepared for the evolving international landscape of the sport. The PLL’s commitment to this format is also seen in its professional Championship Series.

5. The Unforgettable Player Experience

Beyond the competition, the PLL Junior Championships is designed as a "once-in-a-lifetime lacrosse experience." Athletes received official PLL uniforms, played on a major professional field (Harvard Stadium), and participated in off-field activities like the PLL Round Table Experience. This feature allows the young players to interact with PLL executives and players in a Q&A setting, gaining insight into the professional world of lacrosse and fostering a deeper connection to the Premier Lacrosse League brand. This holistic approach to development is what makes the PLL Juniors program a premier destination for elite youth talent.

Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season

With the 2025 PLL Junior Championships now in the history books, the Premier Lacrosse League has already turned its attention to the 2026 season. The success of the Junior Archers and Junior Redwoods has set a high bar for the competition. The league is expected to continue its expansion of the PLL Juniors program, bringing more clinics, leagues, and training camps to new geographic regions, further growing the game across the country. The focus will remain on identifying and developing the next class of elite players who will compete for the coveted U12 and U14 National Championship titles in 2026. Interested players and parents should monitor the official PLL Juniors website for announcements on the next series of training camps and the 2026 PLL Junior Draft.