Peterborough to Host Inaugural International Indoor Junior Lacrosse North America Cup
International Indoor Junior Lacrosse (IIJL) will hold the inaugural North America Cup Series in Peterborough August 7–9, 2026.
This first-time tournament serves as an opportunity for high-performance athletes to take part in the final selection process to be part of the 23-man final roster for the 2026 IIJL World U18 Lacrosse Championships.
The tournament will take place at the Peterborough Memorial Centre, the City’s flagship sport and event centre, where three games will be played between Canada, the United States, and the Haudenosaunee.
“The International Indoor Junior Lacrosse Inaugural North America Cup is an exciting opportunity to showcase top talent from across the continent, while reinforcing Peterborough’s reputation as a premier lacrosse destination,” shared Peterborough City Councillors Lesley Parnell and Alex Bierk, Community Services co-chairs. “With athletes, families, and fans coming together for this inaugural event, it’s a chance to highlight our facilities, celebrate Peterborough’s rich lacrosse culture, and create an unforgettable experience both on and off the floor.”
“We are very excited to introduce this new international event in the community of Peterborough, which has one of the richest lacrosse histories in Canada,” said Canadian Lacrosse League President & CEO Chris Fox. “The inaugural North America Cup Series will provide teams additional opportunities to work with players prior to the IIJL World U18 Lacrosse Championship, while also including younger players who did not make their respective IIJL World Junior Lacrosse Championship rosters—empowering teams to focus on player development and bringing exciting international lacrosse to fans in Peterborough.”
Highlighting Peterborough’s reputation as a leading host for cultural events, sports, and outdoor activities is a priority identified in the recently launched Discover Peterborough: Tourism Growth Strategy. The IIJL North America Cup provides an opportunity to showcase the community’s unique character, celebrate its strong lacrosse heritage, and generate positive impact on the community, including economic benefits through facility bookings, overnight stays, and increased exposure to a new audience of athletes, supporters, and spectators.
Ticketing details will be available through the Peterborough Memorial Centre box office. For details, visit memorialcentre.ca
About International Indoor Junior Lacrosse
International Indoor Junior Lacrosse (IIJL) was founded in 2016 by member nations Canada (Canadian Lacrosse League) and the United States (US Indoor Lacrosse). As an independent international organization, the IIJL administers the only international indoor lacrosse championships for players under 21 and younger.
About Peterborough
Peterborough is a vibrant mid-sized city known for its connection to nature, the waterway, and a strong tradition of sport and recreation. Located 90 minutes northeast of Toronto at the gateway to the Kawarthas, Peterborough is the largest urban centre along the historic 386-kilometre Trent-Severn Waterway, named one of The New York Times’ 52 places to visit in 2025.
Peterborough is situated on the Treaty 20 Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg territory and in the traditional lands of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Nations, known collectively as the Williams Treaties First Nations.