Lacrosse teams are starting to sprout up throughout southern Minnesota and Albert Lea is joining the bandwagon.

While its far from becoming a high school sport in Albert Lea, the Albert Lea Parks and Recreation Department, along with Ed Pomerson are hosting three clinics on the sport and holding a four-week league.

Lacrosse is one of the oldest sports in North America and involves a lot of quick movements, intricate passes and shots for goals. The game is popular on the East coast, but has gained traction in the Midwest in recent years.

“It’s a pretty good crossover from hockey basketball and soccer,” Pomerson said.

It’s not the first time Pomerson has volunteered his time to put on a clinic. He did so a few years ago and has been interested in the sport for the past 2 1/2 years. He passed his certification tests to become a lacrosse coach and will begin the clinics Monday at the City Arena. The clinics will be every Monday at 6 p.m. at the City Arena.

The clinics will run for three weeks and are open to anyone, kids or adults, interested in learning the game. After the first three weeks are completed, Pomerson said if there is enough interest a four-week league will be started for $10 per participant.

The Parks and Rec Department will provide sticks and balls, participants are asked to bring their own helmet.

Some high schools like Owatonna, Rochester Century, Rochester Mayo, and Rochester John Marshall already field high school lacrosse teams. Mankato has had a club team since 1994.

The Minnesota State High School League has sanctioned both boys’ and girls’ lacrosse since 2007.