ABOUT THE PELHAM RAIDERS
Our Story
The Pelham Raiders Minor Lacrosse Association (PRMLA) has been a cornerstone of youth sport in the Pelham, Welland, Dunnville, and Port Colborne communities since 1967. As a non-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing high-quality box and field lacrosse opportunities for athletes of all ages and skill levels. Our purpose is simple: to ensure every player has a place to participate, learn, and grow within a safe, structured, and inclusive environment.
At the heart of the Raiders program is our commitment to teaching the values that define Canada’s national summer sport. Sportsmanship, teamwork, respect, integrity, and fair play guide everything we do—from our youngest instructional players to our most competitive teams. These principles shape not only how we play, but how we carry ourselves beyond the floor, helping young athletes develop habits and character that last a lifetime.
Over the years, PRMLA has grown into a vibrant and supportive community driven by dedicated volunteers, passionate coaches, engaged families, and officials who share a love for the game. We believe youth sport is about more than competition; it’s about creating an environment where players build confidence, form meaningful friendships, and discover their own potential. Many of our athletes return season after season, growing as players and people while contributing to the strong Raider spirit that defines our club.
As a community-focused non-profit, every dollar raised is reinvested directly into our athletes. This includes improving equipment, enhancing training and development opportunities, supporting our coaching staff, and expanding access as the sport continues to grow across Niagara. In 2024, participation surged, with registrations nearly doubling from the previous year—proof of the excitement building around lacrosse in our region and the positive experience families find with the Raiders.
Today, the Pelham Raiders continue to play an important role in shaping youth development and strengthening local connections through sport. Whether joining us for the first time or continuing a long-standing lacrosse journey, athletes and their families will find PRMLA to be an organized, welcoming, and inspiring place to belong.
MISSION
Our mission is to grow the game of lacrosse by creating a safe, inclusive environment where every player can learn, compete, and thrive. We support athlete development at every level through strong coaching, volunteer leadership, and a commitment to the long-term growth of our community.
VISION
We envision a club where every athlete is empowered to reach their full potential—on and off the floor—through high-quality development, competitive excellence, and a culture built on respect and belonging. We strive to be a leading lacrosse organization recognized for safety, integrity, and positive community impact.
VALUES
Athlete Development We invest in skill building, coaching, and long-term player growth.
Inclusivity & Belonging Every athlete, family, and volunteer is welcomed and respected.
Safety First We prioritize physical, emotional, and psychological safety in all environments.
Competitive Excellence We compete with integrity, sportsmanship, and pride in the Raiders name.
Volunteer Leadership We empower volunteers to lead, mentor, and model positive behaviours.
Community Building We strengthen our club through connection, teamwork, and shared purpose.
Respect & Accountability We hold ourselves to consistent standards on and off the field/floor.
Land Acknowledgement
We acknowledge that the land on which we gather, play, and grow is the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee, the Anishinaabe, and the Attawandaron (Neutral) Peoples. This land is covered by the Upper Canada Treaties, including Treaty 3 (1792) and Treaty 381, and is within the lands protected by the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Agreement, a covenant to share and care for the resources of the Great Lakes region.
We recognize the enduring presence of Indigenous Peoples—past, present, and future—and we commit to learning, respecting, and honouring their histories, cultures, and contributions to the sport of lacrosse, a game gifted by the Haudenosaunee.
