OUR PURPOSE
To grow, promote, and support New Jersey Lacrosse!
The Garden State Lacrosse Cup was started with the mission to showcase New Jersey lacrosse and to provide a unique, competitive platform for players and coaches to represent their state at the highest level.
While this event was reignited in 2022, its history dates back to the original Garden State Games and Garden State Challenge Games from the 1980s-2000s. We have been honored to revive a great tradition for New Jersey lacrosse!
NEW IN 2027
YOUTH REGIONAL GAMES
REP YOUR REGION.
The Youth Regional Games will continue the same great tradition of our 4 Regions battling it out for the Cup. Based on participant and coach feedback we are making the following adjustments for 2027:
ADDITIONAL TRYOUT OPPORTUNITIES
We will maintain our Mid-June tryout window as we have in the past but will also open “Early Look” tryout opportunities regionally around the NJ prior to the June tryouts.
All tryouts will be filmed to ensure a fair and balanced evaluation process.
VERIFIED AGE GROUPS
For the Youth Divisions, we will be moving away from a High School Graduation Class system and instead will be forming Divisions by Age with the following Divisions:
14U*
(Formerly Middle School Division)
Must be 14 or younger on August 31st 2027
12U
(Formerly Next Gen Division)
Must be 12 or younger on August 31st 2027
10U
(Formerly Future Stars Division)
Must be 10 or younger on August 31st 2027
*Any player entering High School in Fall 2027 must compete in the High School Showcase Divisions
EVENT SCHEDULE
In the past we have operated with 3 Pool Play Games on Day 1. Followed by 2 Playoff Games on Day 2.
We want to ensure we meet the growing demand for Team Practice time. With varying Summer schedules, an additional practice date ahead of time is not always possible.
In 2027, ALL teams will have dedicated 60-90 minute practice blocks to start the event. We have also adjusted the event to take place over one evening, and one full day, rather than two full days. This was done to in part to better meet the needs for working parents, while also maintaining our 5 game format, plus a practice session. The new event schedule will be as follows:
Day 1 *EVENING ONLY*
Team Practice + 1 Pool Play Game + Opening Ceremonies
Day 2
2 Pool Play Games + 2 Playoff Games
HIGH SCHOOL SHOWCASE
THE BEST OF THE BEST.
The High School Divisions will no longer utilize the 4 Regions. We want to showcase the best 88 players in each division regardless of geographical location. We will now have 4 Teams in each Division made up of the BEST players from around the State of New Jersey, regardless of location. Each team will be made up of 22 players selected from our new selection process.
Age groups will be:
Underclass Boys
(Entering 9th and 10th Grade in Fall 2027)
Underclass Girls
(Entering 9th and 10th Grade in Fall 2027)
Upperclass Boys
(Entering 11th and 12th Grade in Fall 2027)
Upperclass Girls
(Entering 11th and 12th Grade in Fall 2027)
SELECTION PROCESS
At the High School level, we will use the following selection process to select the best players:
STEP 1
Players will submit an OFFICIAL APPLICATION to the Garden State Cup
STEP 2
The Top 120 players in each age group will be invited to the "GSC Training Camp" in June (NCAA Coaches On-Site)
STEP 3
From Training Camp, coaches will draft 4 Teams of 22 players each (Top 88)
COACHES
Teams will be led by a Head Coach and an Assistant Coach. These coaches will be NCAA Coaches, notable NCAA Alumni, current and former pro players, and notable NJ lacrosse figures.
Coaches will draft their teams exclusively from the GSC Training Camp to compete at the Garden State Cup.
EVENT SCHEDULE
At the High School level, the Garden State Cup will be a ONE DAY EVENT, one week later than in the past to avoid club team conflicts.
The One Day Event will consist of:
1 Team Practice Session
3 Pool Play Games
2 Playoff Games
YOUTH REGIONAL GAMES
REP YOUR REGION.
CLICK ON YOUR REGION TO GET STARTED
PLAYERS FROM
*Bergen County
Morris County
Passaic County
Sussex County
Warren County
*Players from Bergen County can choose between North & East based on tryout location convenience
PLAYERS FROM
Hunterdon County
Mercer County
Middlesex County
*Monmouth County
Somerset County
*Players from Monmouth County can choose between Central & South based on tryout location convenience
PLAYERS FROM
*Bergen County
Essex County
Hudson County
Union County
*Players from Bergen County can choose between North & East based on tryout location convenience
PLAYERS FROM
Atlantic County
Burlington County
Camden County
Cape May County
Cumberland County
Gloucester County
*Monmouth County
Ocean County
Salem County
*Players from Monmouth County can choose between Central & South based on tryout location convenience
YOUTH REGIONAL GAME DETAILS
The Garden State Lacrosse Cup brings together the best youth lacrosse players from around the state of New Jersey to battle it out to prove which Region is the best! Compete for your region. Represent your school, your town, your team, and showcase your skills.
TOURNAMENT DATES & TIMES
Tuesday July 13th
4:00pm - 8:00pm
Uniform Pick Up + Team Practice + 1 Pool Play Game + Opening Ceremonies
Wednesday July 14th
8:00am-4:00pm
2 Pool Play Games + 2 Playoff Games
LOCATION
Iron Peak Sports & Events
Hillsborough, NJ
VERIFIED AGE GROUPS
14U*
(Formerly Middle School Division)
Must be 14 or younger on August 31st 2027
12U
(Formerly Next Gen Division)
Must be 12 or younger on August 31st 2027
10U
(Formerly Future Stars Division)
Must be 10 or younger on August 31st 2027
*Any player entering High School in Fall 2027 must compete in the High School Showcase Divisions
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Cost $295 includes 5 Games, 1 Practice, Custom Regional Team Apparel Pack, Coaching, Profile Picture, A Championship Experience
HIGH SCHOOL SHOWCASE
UNDERCLASS GIRLS
FOR GIRLS PLAYERS ENTERING
9th AND 10th GRADES IN FALL 2027
HIGH SCHOOL SHOWCASE DETAILS
The Garden State Lacrosse Cup brings together the best high school lacrosse players from around the state of New Jersey to battle it out to win the Garden State Cup! Anyone can apply. Top 120 Players invited to "Training Camp". Top 88 players get drafted. Represent your school, your town, your team, and showcase your skills.
DATES & TIMES
Training Camp (For Invited Players)
Monday June 14th
Time TBD (evening)
Top 120 Players Invited to Tryout to be Drafted
Championship Tournament
Wednesday July 21st
8:00am-5:00pm
Team Practice + 3 Pool Play Games + 2 Playoff Games
LOCATION
Iron Peak Sports & Events
Hillsborough, NJ
SELECTION PROCESS
At the High School level, we will use the following selection process to select the best players:
STEP 1
Players will submit an OFFICIAL APPLICATION to the Garden State Cup
STEP 2
The Top 120 players in each age group will be invited to the "GSC Training Camp" in June (NCAA Coaches On-Site)
STEP 3
From Training Camp, coaches will draft 4 Teams of 22 players each (Top 88)
DIVISIONS
UNDERCLASS GIRLS (2030/2031s)
Entering 9th & 10th Grades in Fall 2027
UNDERCLASS BOYS (2030/2031s)
Entering 9th & 10th Grades in Fall 2027
UPPERCLASS GIRLS (2028/2029s)
Entering 11th & 12th Grades in Fall 2027
UPPERCLASS BOYS (2028/2029s)
Entering 11th & 12th Grades in Fall 2027
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Cost $349 includes 5 Games, 1 Practice, Custom Regional Team Apparel Pack, Coaching, College Coaches, Profile Picture, A Championship Experience
PARTNERS & SPONSORS
908 MEDIA
