COLORADO SPRINGS — World Lacrosse today welcomed Uruguay to its global community of members, increasing its total of National Federations to 78.  

Uruguay joins World Lacrosse as the 21st member of the Pan-American Lacrosse Association and the sixth member from South America, along with Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. 

The addition of Uruguay continues the worldwide growth of the sport’s international governing body, which has now welcomed eight new members in the last year and 35 members in the last decade. 

World Lacrosse CEO Jim Scherr said: “I am delighted to welcome Uruguay to the World Lacrosse community. South America is rapidly becoming another hotbed of lacrosse and I am thankful for the Pan-American Lacrosse Association’s continued efforts to grow the game within its region.” 

Uruguay Lacrosse Association President Rodrigo Sosa said: "As an emerging lacrosse nation, we are really excited to be part of World Lacrosse. This will open many doors for the growth and expansion of this beautiful sport, which has been received in Uruguay with great excitement. We have enjoyed each encounter with the game so far and seeing lacrosse bring so much joy to everyone who plays it has compelled our journey to membership.” 

Uruguay’s inclusion in World Lacrosse demonstrates the global reach of the sport alongside the seven newest members in the last year. Nigeria and Rwanda were confirmed in June, and Cambodia and Nicaragua were added in February. Indonesia, India and Vietnam became member federations in November of 2021, marking a decade of over 80 percent growth in World Lacrosse’s total membership. 

The Pan-American Lacrosse Association was formed in 2018, and before Uruguay and Nicaragua, it most recently added the U.S. Virgin Islands and Dominican Republic.