CountriesTUR

Lacrosse in Turkey

Turkey’s lacrosse programme was founded in 2009 by Patrick Dougherty. Turkey holds a historic distinction: the first predominantly Muslim-majority nation to join both FIL and ELF.

The Turkey Lacrosse Scene

Turkey’s lacrosse programme was founded in 2009 by Patrick Dougherty — known as the “Father of Turkish Lacrosse” — who built the national programme from zero. Turkey holds a historic distinction: it was the first predominantly Muslim-majority nation to join both the Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL) and the European Lacrosse Federation.

The national team debuted at the 2014 World Championship, finishing 22nd. A women’s national team is in formation (2024–2025), and Turkey is involved in Balkans League development alongside Bulgaria and Serbia, aiming to create a structured regional competition network.

TLA

Key facts

Founded 2009 by Patrick Dougherty (“Father of Turkish Lacrosse”)

First Muslim-majority nation in both FIL and ELF

2014 World Championship debut — 22nd place

Clubs & Structure

Turkey’s club structure is in development, with the TLA building national infrastructure since 2009.

National clubs

TLA developing structure

Field · Sixes

Emerging clubs

Regional development

Emerging

Turkey on the World Stage

Men’s · 2014 WC debut

Men’s National Team

Debuted at the 2014 World Championship (22nd place) — a historic participation as the first Muslim-majority nation on the international lacrosse stage.

Women · Formation 2024–2025

Women’s Programme

Women’s national team formation underway in 2024–2025. Turkey is also coordinating Balkans League development with Bulgaria and Serbia.

2026 results

European Sixes Championships, men
Salou
Pool A, with Great Britain, Latvia, Poland and Spain. First game on 10 November against Great Britain.
Source: World Lacrosse schedule

Why Follow Turkey?

Historic milestone — first Muslim-majority nation in international lacrosse

Turkey’s entry into FIL and ELF as the first Muslim-majority nation is a landmark in the global expansion of lacrosse, built from scratch by Patrick Dougherty since 2009.

Balkans regional development catalyst

Turkey is a central player in Balkans League planning alongside Bulgaria and Serbia — a coalition that could reshape the Eastern European lacrosse landscape.

Explore Related Scenes

Other national scenes connected to Turkey lacrosse by format, geography or history.

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