Aspire FAQS

1.     Aspire is a re brand of the Academy programme.

If you are a current athlete on the Academy programme you will automatically be a part of Aspire. You do not have to re trial.

2. What is the purpose of the Aspire?

The England Lacrosse Aspire Programme is a vital part of improving the standard of competitive lacrosse played in England and will help us towards our ultimate goal of becoming World and European Lacrosse Champions across all levels.
Aspire provides athletes with a unique, individualised, performance training environment. Athletes will specifically learn, train and prepare for the next level of the Pathway and for a future career as an England player.
Obviously not all will make future England teams, but the skills learnt will help them in lacrosse and with many life skills as well.

 3.     How does an athlete progress through the Aspire Programme?
England Lacrosse run assessments, with specific criteria outlining the expected standards from the initial nomination process into the Aspire Regional through to the Aspire National.
In practice, coaches are tasked to identify athletes who are working to the expectations. Part of the identification process, coaches will rank players in their group and use feedback and the criteria to nominate individuals to be assessed at the National Academy.   

 4.     What training and support will the athlete receive?

 The Aspire Programme has a long-term objective to provide athletic decision makers who can perform under pressure the opportunity to learn how to maximise their potential in a sportive environment.
The programme will focus on individuals learning to perform under pressure in game-based practices, scenarios and constraints to explore understanding and improvement after reflection.
Practices will require all athletes to play attack and defence and work hard through transition; tactically these are fundamental component of the 10 a-side version of the game. Technical components will focus on the refinement when in 1 v 1 situations, 4 v 4 practices and positional workshops. To increase the pressure, individuals will play in small sided games

5.     Is the tournament for identification and nomination to the Aspire National

To make sure the Pathway works, individuals are nominated to be assessed for National Academy assessment throughout the year and at the tournament. National Academy coaches attend the tournament to moderate nominated athletes at the end of the season. Anyone invited to the National Academy will be assessed over two consecutive days. 
The Regional tournament provides a competitive end to the academy season. For the girls invited they can showcase their talents in a competitive environment aligned to the technical and tactical components explored in the academy. As a programme we use the tournament to challenge our own delivery, what areas need to be improved, what can be evolved and changed

6.     What happens if the athlete cannot attend a training session or is injured?

In the first instance, please contact aspire@englandlacrosse.co.uk or call England Lacrosse head office 0161 974 7757. Please provide your athlete’s name, region and brief explanation why the athlete is not available to attend.
You will be offered the opportunity to attend an alternative region for that specific training block. If you are not able to attend either session, unfortunately you will fore-go the cost of the training weekend.

7.     Who should we contact the athlete is late or ill over night?

Each centre’s head coach has been provided with a mobile phone, to allow parents to call the academy centres over the training weekends. The contact telephone numbers will only be switched on during the training weekend and will act as the immediate point of contact. Contact numbers will be provided to you in the relevant information packs for the training weekends.

8.     Can the athlete swap regions?

For your athlete’s benefit, it is preferred that athletes remain at one centre. Only in extenuating circumstances will it be possible to switch regionsindividuals to attend a different centre. That said, athletes will only be allowed to attend seven (7) training sessions.

9.     What happens if the athlete is ‘released’ from Aspire?

The Aspire Programme has a revolving door; athletes can move up and down the Pathway. Those who are unfortunately not meeting the standards, will be asked to leave the academy. Being unsuccessful is part of performance sport, it is how you respond, showing resilience etc., that counts.

Individuals will receive a personal development plan. It is important to understand that everyone differs from biological, emotional, chronical maturity. This has an impact on how individuals cope with the emotional and physical demands of performance sport. It is also worth noting, that athletes in team sports reach their peak at around 28 years old.

10.     Can we pay pro-rata?

There is no pro-rata option for missed academy sessions.

11.  What clothing is the athlete expected to wear?

England Lacrosse would like you to feel part of the England Academy Team so, whilst not compulsory, we will be giving you the opportunity to purchase Official Aspire England Training Kit.