By Mary O’KEEFE

Los Angeles County Park and Recreation is offering free lacrosse clinics for girls age 12 and under. The coaches/teachers will be from USA Lacrosse.

“USA Lacrosse unites the community of players, coaches, officials, parents and program leaders. Working together, we inspire participation, enrich the athlete experience and support the growth of the sport,” according to usalacross.com.

The organization was established in 1998 as U.S. Lacrosse following the merger of eight national lacrosse organizations, mostly volunteer run, to help bring more resources to the sport, according to its website.

Al Evans, LA County regional recreation director assistant, said he knows the popularity of lacrosse and these clinics are a way to introduce girls to the sport without incurring high fees.

“This is a free clinic that will introduce girls how to play lacrosse,” he said.

He is hoping this will inspire enough girls so LA County Parks can offer lacrosse leagues at an Altadena park and at Crescenta Valley Park.

There are two clinics in the north LA County Parks and Rec area; they are at El Cariso in Sylmar and Antelope Valley’s George Lane Park in Quartz Hill. El Cariso Park is located at 13100 Hubbard St. in Sylmar. To contact and register, call (818) 367-5043. The clinic is on Aug. 12 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

George Lane Park is located at 5520 W. Avenue L8, Quartz Hill. To register or contact call (661) 722-7780. The clinic is on Aug. 6 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Registration at both parks can also be made online by going to reservations.lacounty.gov.

Space is limited.