Australia's Next Generation of Box Lacrosse: The 2026 NEXT GEN SERIES

Australian box lacrosse is entering an exciting new era of growth and development with the debut of the 2026 Next Gen Series – a 16U Mixed Championship hosted at Alan Lewer Box Court in Altona North, Melbourne in conjunction with the 2026 IIJL Commonwealth Cup. This inaugural youth festival of box lacrosse isn’t just a tournament — it’s a cornerstone moment for the sport’s future in the southern hemisphere. 

Building Pathways for Youth and International Competition

The Next Gen Series brings together 16U players, boys and girls, in a three-game, mixed-team draft format designed to foster competition, inclusivity, and teamwork at a critical stage in young athletes’ development. By selecting players through a national draft and providing high-pressure match play alongside international events, Australia is creating a truly developmental platform that mirrors what elite athletes experience abroad. 

[PHOTO: Melbourn Storm's Henry Farkas (#60) alludes Canada's Colton Ebbett (#11) during round-robin play at the 2024 IIJL Commonwealth Cup.]

Importantly, the final game of this series serves as a curtain-raiser to the IIJL Commonwealth Cup, seamlessly linking grassroots growth with elite international competition. The IIJL Commonwealth Cup has become one of the most significant events on the international box lacrosse calendar, offering Australian athletes the opportunity to test themselves against teams from Canada, and now New Zealand, a proving ground that accelerates player development while raising the country’s competitive standards.

A Clear Line of Sight to the World Stage

Australia Box Lacrosse's Next Gen Series doesn’t just cultivate local talent — it strengthens the nation’s potential for inclusion in the IIJL World U18 Lacrosse Championships an IIJL World U16 Lacrosse Championship. By exposing young players to structured competition and international-style event environments early in their lacrosse journey, Australia is building depth, experience, and confidence in its next generation of box players. This type of early exposure is a key ingredient in closing the gap with traditional box lacrosse powerhouses and showcasing Australian talent on the world stage.

Honouring the Vision and Dedication of Ric Benedierks

None of this progress would be possible without the persistent efforts of Ric Benedierks, a legendary figure in Australian box lacrosse. As President of Australian Box Lacrosse and a lifelong builder of the sport, Ric has poured countless hours into growing box lacrosse in Australia — often independently and outside the traditional structures of the national governing body. His leadership has helped establish sustained pathways for junior development, supported international competition entries, and brought global lacrosse experiences to Australian players and coaches alike. 

[PHOTO: Ric Benedierks (centre) awarding the 2025 IIJL Commonwealth Cup to Canada Captain Koenn Mahar-Robins (left #12) and Brodyn Pladson (right #9).]

Ric’s relentless commitment has seen Australian teams participate in events like the IIJL World Junior Lacrosse Championship, where Australian athletes gain invaluable experience competing alongside and against the sport’s best, many of whom have gone on to represent Australia in World Lacrosse championships. His work continues to create opportunities that not only elevate the game domestically but also build bridges to international lacrosse communities.

The Future of Box Lacrosse in Australia

With the Next Gen Series now joining the Commonwealth Cup’s international showcase, Australia is signaling its intent to nurture homegrown talent and contribute meaningfully on the global stage. Events like these don’t just produce better players — they help cultivate passion, community, and a lasting culture of box lacrosse that reaches far beyond the field of play.

For aspiring young athletes and families across Australia, the message is clear: a vibrant, competitive future in box lacrosse is not just possible — it’s beginning right here, right now.