CLL Plans Return to Poland in 2027

The Canadian Lacrosse League (CLL), in coordination with the Poland Lacrosse Foundation, is in the preliminary stages of planing a return to Poland for the spring of 2027; expanding on the CLL's commitment to international box lacrosse development. 

Play for Poland

Building a Clear Player Pathway

Under the proposed structure, Canadian players with Polish heritage who represent Poland at the 2026 IIJL World Junior Lacrosse Championship will become eligible and invited to participate with the CLL Canada Development Team (CANDT) to tour and compete in Poland the following spring. 

[PHOTO: Canadian Lacrosse League faces-off against Panthers Wrocław in Poland.]

This approach is intended to create a defined pathway that benefits both programs; strengthening Poland’s junior and heritage rosters, providing CLL players with international playing and cultural opportunities, expanding box lacrosse development in Europe at the junior level, and creating long-term cooperation between the CLL and Polish lacrosse leadership. 

Rather than relying on open calls for players, the partnership focuses on identifying athletes with verified Polish heritage who are committed to contributing to the growth of the sport internationally in Poland.

Play for Poland

Continuing International Box Lacrosse Development

The revamped return to Poland in 2027 trip mirrors the same structure used with other international partners, where cooperation at the IIJL World Junior Lacrosse Championship leads to long-term development exchanges, namely the IIJL Commonwealth Cup in partnership with Australian Box Lacrosse, and future event in Japan with Lacrosse Nation. 

[PHOTO: Canada vs Poland at the 2023 IIJL World Junior Lacrosse Championship in Saskatoon, SK.]

The proposed tour will build on the CLL’s 2025 visit to Wrocław, Poland, where players competed in exhibition games against Panthers Wrocław, LC Cieszyn, and hosted youth clinics designed to introduce more European athletes to the lacrosse. The goal is to expand programming with a focus on Junior (U22) competition and additional youth development activities. 

Further details on the 2027 CLL European Tour to Poland will be announced as dates and details are finalized. Consideration for CLL CANDT will be open to Polish heritage players who participate with Poland at the 2026 IIJL World Junior Lacrosse Championship (Lethbridge, AB) and/or 2026 IIJL World U18 Lacrosse Championship (Brantford, ON). Polish heritage players are encourage to complete an Interest to Participate form on the IIJL website (click).