LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON - Balls were flying through the air in the Fort Simpson arena on July 14 as a group of youth learned how to handle lacrosse sticks.

Fort Simpson was one of seven communities in the territory to receive an introductory lacrosse clinic from the Canadian Lacrosse Association.

Rhonda Norwegian of Jean Marie River prepares to throw a ball with a lacrosse stick during an introductory clinic on the sport held in Fort Simpson. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

The association is using the clinics to spread the game of lacrosse, said Kyle Miller, the clinic's instructor.

Even though it is Canada's national sport, lacrosse is only popular in specific areas in the country, including southwestern Ontario and B.C. The association hopes to change that.

During the two-hour clinic, 10 youths learned the basics of throwing and catching a ball with a lacrosse stick. The sticks have a loose pocket of netting on one end that's designed to hold the ball.

To practice the skills the youth played a number of games and relay races and tried to pass the ball to each other before making a shot on the net.

"It's amazing how quickly they pick the sport up," Miller said.

After learning the right technique, youth are well on their way to playing the lacrosse, he said.

"It's fun," said Harley Betsedea, after taking a turn trying to deflect balls from the net.

She said she had learned how to hold the lacrosse stick and catch and shoot the ball.

Alisha Norwegian from Jean Marie River agreed that the game was a lot of fun and said she'd like to play it some more.

During his visits to NWT communities, Miller has also taught recreation staff how to play lacrosse so they can continue the sport. In Fort Simpson, recreation director Nathan McPherson said he'll be offering lacrosse as soon as his order of equipment arrives.

The recreation centre has purchased 20 sticks, two sets of goalie gear and two nets. McPherson said it would be nice to build the sport in the village to the point where there could be a league.

"They say it's the fastest game on two feet," Miller said of lacrosse.

The action-filled sport combines the speed and physicality of hockey and the offensive strategy of basketball.

It also includes a lot of scoring which makes for an exciting game, Miller said.