UK Sport announce historic funding award for Lacrosse ahead of LA28 Olympics

UK Sport has announced an historic funding award for Lacrosse as part of UK Sport’s major investment programme for Olympic and Paralympic sports for the 2028 LA Olympic Games cycle.

British Lacrosse will receive £700,000 of funding from UK Sport as a newly funded sport to support our aspirations of Olympic success at the LA28 Games.

UK Sport has revealed its greatest investment to date with £330m in Government and National Lottery funding set to benefit more than 50 sports as they embark on the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games cycle.

Today’s funding announcement marks another exciting chapter for our sport as we prepare for the LA28 Olympics.

Mark Coups, British Lacrosse COO & England Lacrosse CEO, said: “On behalf of the lacrosse community, we welcome today’s funding announcement from UK Sport, which holds our sport’s leading players in good stead as we push forward on our journey towards LA28.

“This funding recognises the potential of our top athletes to succeed and lends support to our emerging stars as they strive to become the first British Lacrosse Olympians for 80 years.

“Lacrosse as a sport is now receiving an unprecedented level of funding from our sporting bodies and this continued investment signifies an endorsement of the work being done by everyone involved in our sport.

“This also represents success for all the Home Nations as this gives us all the opportunity to further elevate the sport’s profile, provide new opportunities for growth, and inspire future generations of players across Great Britain.

“We thank UK Sport for their support and are delighted to be a part of the UK Sport family as we build a relationship with an organisation that promotes world-class sporting excellence; a relationship that can only help to improve British Lacrosse.

“This award is an investment in our athletes and coaches, allowing us to enhance our performance programme, improve overall support structures, and provide new opportunities that will benefit all levels of the sport.

“The dedication and enthusiasm of our lacrosse community has been the backbone of our journey to this point and as we now move forward, we are determined to continue this progress and see our teams represent you all on the world’s biggest stage.”

Leslie Rance, British Lacrosse Chair, said: “Today’s funding announcement from UK Sport marks a significant moment for British Lacrosse as we prepare for the historic return of our sport to the Olympics, this time in a new format, sixes, come LA28.  We welcome UK Sport’s investment, which recognises lacrosse as a dynamic, exciting and fast-evolving sport with the potential to make a significant impact at the Games.

This funding will empower our teams to continue to deliver world-class performances and fulfil their potential, and we are committed to maximising the impact of this investment through prudent stewardship, innovation and collaboration.

We thank UK Sport for recognising our vision and are proud to be a part of this ecosystem of high-performing sports striving for excellence on the world stage.  We look forward to collaborating with UK Sport and other sports to share insights, foster learning, and collectively drive British success at the next Olympics.” 

The funding announcement from UK Sport can be read in full HERE

Triple Arrow Camps welcomes new host school for 2025

Triple Arrow Camps has announced Haberdashers’ School, Elstree will be a brand new host school for its 2025 schedule, hosting two camps during the Easter and summer school holidays next year.

This takes the number of schools hosting the 16 2025 camps to eight with a mixture of two-day and longer four-day camps with a residential option available on the latter.

Two two-day camps will be hosted by Haberdashers’ School with the first in Easter on Wednesday 9 and Thursday 10 April and the second in summer on Tuesday 29 and Wednesday 30 July.

Haberdashers’ School is a private day school in Elstree, Hertfordshire founded in 1875 that boasts a range of high-quality sporting facilities perfect for Triple Arrow Camps.

Six grass lacrosse pitches, a modern sports hall, gym, and fitness suite and an indoor swimming pool all creates the perfect environment for the newest Triple Arrow Camp venue.

Previous students at Haberdashers’ include Member of Parliament for Liverpool Wavertree Luciana Berger, TV personality and radio broadcaster Vanessa Feltz, and actor Laura Aikman.

Haberdashers’ School has a rich lacrosse history, famously winning the National Schools Lacrosse Championships four years in a row from 1994 to 1997 as Haberdashers’ Aske’s Girls’ School.

Aske’s was dropped from the name of the school in September 2021 after the school’s governing body undertook a review of the legacy of their founder Robert Aske, including his ties to slavery.

For more information about our two camps at Haberdashers’ School or any of our other 14 2025 Triple Arrow Camps, click HERE.

Hornets score early season win over Knights at SBL's Winter Box League

Hornets got one over on reigning champions Knights on the opening day of the Southern Box Lacrosse (SBL) Winter Box League on Sunday after winning 2-0 on penalties following a tight but exciting 8-8 draw at the Oxford Academy 3G Dome.

Ollie Allsop and Ryan Martin converted penalties for Hornets either side of a Ben Collins miss while Knights failed to score either of their two penalties as Jacob Brindle in goal came up trumps against captain Tom Roche and Will Walker.

Early on, Knights took control of the game storming into a 3-1 lead heading into the second half but Hornets halted their progression in the third quarter, going in level at 6-6 with 15 minutes to go.

A close 2-2 fourth quarter saw the game finish 8-8 with penalties to decide who would take home the win.

And it was Hornets who showed their early title credentials by taking the victory on opening day.

In the second and final men’s game of the day, Steelheads defeated Capitals 2-1 in another penalty shoot-out after an enthralling 12-12 draw in regular time.

Ben Buchanan, who had missed an earlier penalty shot within the game, stepped up to score first for Steelheads before Jamie Powell levelled up for Capitals.

Paul Milner (Steelheads) and Cameron Major (Capitals) both missed before Thom Gillbrook put his Steelheads team 2-1 ahead. Connor MacDougall then missed Capitals final penalty to leave them bottom of the table after one round of fixtures.

In regular time, it was a game of two halves with Steelheads edging the first half, taking an 8-5 lead into the second period but Capitals rallied, helped in no small part by Major who bagged six goals, to take the second half 7-4 and see the game out at 12-12.

Over in the women’s competition, Ravens won two out of two as they blew away the competition on opening day with Torz Anderson, new to box lacrosse this year, scoring six goals.

A narrow 9-7 victory over reigning champions Blaze started the day with Anderson proving a good lacrosse player can play any format of the game as she hit four goals for her team.

An enviable attacking line of Emma Savage, Issy Keane, and Minty Loxton huffed and puffed for Blaze scoring five between them but it was Ravens who would come away with the points.

Ravens’ second game of the day saw them take on newcomers Jaguars who feature England’s star of the 2024 World Lacrosse Box Championships Alex Drewe.

But Jaguars never really got going in the game and, despite a brace from Drewe, were unable to pose a real threat to a determined Ravens side who came away with a 5-2 win.

The third game in the women’s competition saw Blaze play Jaguars with Drewe really taking it to the opposition in this one, scoring three goals and two assists.

A hat-trick from Amy Bolton also helped as Jaguars edged an 8-6 victory over Blaze who’ll be looking to be much improved heading into the second round of fixtures this Sunday.

For more information about SBL and the Winter Box League, click HERE.

To watch every second from the Winter Box League, head to Lacrosse Live UK’s YouTube channel HERE.

Game Day 1 | Sunday 8 December

Knights 8:8 Hornets (2:1, 1:0, 3:5, 2:2, Hornets win 2-0 on penalties)

Knights scorers | Nathan Edwards (2G, 2A), Albert Whitehead (1G, 2A), Will Walker (2G), Kyle MacQueen (1G), Juliusz Bokiej (1G), Tyler Rodberg (1G). Penalties | Tom Roche x, Will Walker x

Hornets scorers | Ben Collins (3G, 1A), Ollie Allsop (2G), Ryan Martin (1G, 1A), Will Allsop (1G), Toby Deans (1G), Taylor Harrison (1A). Penalties | Ollie Allsop, Ben Collins x, Ryan Martin

Capitals 12:12 Steelheads (3:4, 2:4, 4:3, 3:1, Steelheads win 2-1 on penalties)

Capitals scorers | Cam Major (6G), Jamie Powell (2G, 1A), Jack O'Mahoney (2G), Travis Payne (1G, 1A), Andrew Leggett (1G). Penalties | Jamie Powell, Cameron Major x, Connor MacDougall x

Steelheads scorers | Ben Buchanan (4G), Andy Thomas (2G, 2A), Thom Gilbrook (1G, 2A), Patrick Kearney (2G), Paul Milner (1G, 1A), Billy Rawlins (2G), Dale Haxton (1A). Penalties | Ben Buchanan, Paul Milner x, Thom Gilbrook

Ravens 9:7 Blaze (4:3, 5:4)

Ravens scorers | Torz Anderson (4G), Georgie Greenwood (2G), Anna Neville (1G, 1A), Alice Gallagher Boyden (1G), Sophie Morrill (1G), Katie Greenwood (1A).

Blaze scorers | Emma Savage (2G), Issy Keane (2G, 1A), Lucy Ford (1G), Minty Loxton (1G), Frances Parshall (1G), Harriet Brooks (1A).

Blaze 6:8 Jaguars (4:3, 2:5)

Blaze scorers | Davina Emetulu (2G), Lucy Ford (2G), Issy Keane (2G), Emma Savage (2A), Minty Loxton (1A).

Jaguars scorers | Alex Drewe (3G, 2A), Amy Bolton (3G), Darcey Bance (1G), Rosie Bathurst (1G), Jane Lee (1A), Lucy Wright (1A).

Jaguars 2:5 Ravens (1:2, 1:3)

Jaguars scorers | Alex Drewe (2G), Lucy Wright (1A)

Ravens scorers | Torz Anderson (2G), Laura Beaman (2G), Katie Greenwood (1G), Lucy Mayers (1A)

Game Day 2 | Sunday 15 December

11:30 Hornets (H) v Capitals (A)

13:30 Jaguars (H) v Ravens (A)

14:15 Blaze (H) v Ravens (A)

15:00 Blaze (H) v Jaguars (A)

16:00 Steelheads (H) v Knights (A)

Winter Box League Top Scorers (after round 1)

1. Alex Drewe | Jaguars | 7 (5G, 2A)

2. Torz Anderson | Ravens | 6 (6G)

3. Cam Major | Capitals | 6 (6G)

4. Issy Keane | Blaze | 5 (4G, 1A)

5. Ben Buchanan | Steelheads | 4 (4G)

6. Ben Collins | Hornets | 4 (3G, 1A)

7. Nathan Edwards | Knights | 4 (2G, 2A)

8. Emma Savage | Blaze | 4 (2G, 2A)

9. Andy Thomas | Steelheads | 4 (2G, 2A)

10. Amy Bolton | Jaguars | 3 (3G)

11. Lucy Ford | Blaze | 3 (3G)

12. Thom Gilbrook | Steelheads | 3 (1G, 2A)

13. Jamie Powell | Capitals | 3 (2G, 1A)

14. Albert Whitehead | Knights | 3 (1G, 2A)

15. Ollie Allsop | Hornets | 2 (2G)

16. Laura Beaman | Ravens | 2 (2G)

17. Davina Emetulu | Blaze | 2 (2G)

18. Georgie Greenwood | Ravens | 2 (2G)

19. Katie Greenwood | Ravens | 2 (1G, 1A)

20. Patrick Kearney | Steelheads | 2 (2G)

21. Minty Loxton | Blaze | 2 (1G, 1A)

22. Ryan Martin | Hornets | 2 (1G, 1A)

23. Paul Milner | Steelheads | 2 (1G, 1A)

24. Anna Neville | Ravens | 2 (1G, 1A)

25. Jack O'Mahoney | Capitals | 2 (2G)

26. Travis Payne | Capitals | 2 (1G, 1A)

27. Billy Rawlins | Steelheads | 2 (2G)

28. Will Walker | Knights | 2 (2G)

29. Will Allsop | Hornets | 1 (1G)

30. Darcey Bance | Jaguars | 1 (1G)

31. Rosie Bathurst | Jaguars | 1 (1G)

32. Juliusz Bokiej | Knights | 1 (1G)

33. Alice Gallagher Boyden | Ravens | 1 (1G)

34. Harriet Brooks | Blaze | 1 (1A)

35. Toby Deans | Hornets | 1 (1G)

36. Taylor Harrison | Hornets | 1 (1A)

37. Dale Haxton | Steelheads | 1 (1A)

38. Jane Lee | Jaguars | 1 (1A)

39. Andrew Leggett | Capitals | 1 (1G)

40. Kyle MacQueen | Knights | 1 (1G)

41. Sophie Morrill | Ravens | 1 (1G)

42. Frances Parshall | Blaze | 1 (1G)

43. Tyler Rodberg | Knights | 1 (1G)

44. Lucy Wright | Jaguars | 1 (1A)

Officiate at 2025 National Schools Lacrosse Championships

England Lacrosse is looking to recruit umpires for the 2025 National Schools Lacrosse Championships set to take place at Aldershot Garrison Sports Centre, Aldershot from 8-11 March next year.

Over the four days of the Championships, England Lacrosse employ a team of over 50 officials of different ages and abilities offering a great opportunity for umpires to connect, network, and learn from each other.

Those Level 1 officials looking to make the step up to Level 2 will also have the potential to be assessed while working at National Schools.

If you’re interested in taking part and officiating at the 2025 National Schools Lacrosse Championships, please click the button below and fill in the Expression of Interest form.

If you have any questions, please get in touch with Helen Amos at h.amos@englandlacrosse.co.uk.

Wendy Reynolds appointed England Lacrosse Officiating Lead

England Lacrosse is delighted to announce the appointment of Wendy Reynolds as Officiating Lead, working in a freelance capacity alongside newly appointed Officiating Administrator Brin Kenyon.

Wendy will work with Brin to manage England’s officiating workforce as well as national and domestic rules and committees.

Bringing over 20 years of officiating experience to the role, Wendy will also co-ordinate England Lacrosse’s international relationships with World Lacrosse and the European Lacrosse Federation.

Finally, she will co-ordinate and implement the deployment of England’s officials at a national and international level.

Assistant Head at Heathfield School, Ascot, Wendy began playing lacrosse in 1978 as a goal-keeper and represented England for 14 years picking up a World Cup silver medal (1993) and bronze medal (1997) in the process.

After retiring from playing, Wendy had a desire to remain involved in lacrosse at a high level and eventually moved into umpiring, representing England once again at every U19 and senior World Championship between 2003 and 2013 and being a part of the umpiring teams in two gold medal games.

Since 2014, Wendy has been a member of the World Lacrosse Officiating Committee and a World Championship Lead Mentor/Assessor and in 2017, she was awarded the World Lacrosse Emeritus Award for Women’s Officiating.

To contact Wendy directly, email umpireadvisory@englandlacrosse.co.uk.

Match Focus | Rochdale v Timperley A | NWLA Championship

Rock bottom Timperley A travel north to table toppers Rochdale on Saturday in the North West Lacrosse Association (NWLA) Championship looking to kick start their season in the run-up to Christmas.

Timperley A have struggled to get going so far this season with seven defeats from their seven games leaving them in ninth place with 0 points.

Despite what the table shows, however, Timperley A haven’t been a million miles off in games, losing three of their seven matches by just two points.

Timperley A represents Timperley’s second men’s team with their first team currently sitting third in the Premiership and boasting players such as England U20 players Jim Hartley and Jack Dearden.

Rochdale have played fewer games than four teams in the Championship and find themselves top of the table and in prime position for a return to the Premiership after six wins in six at the start of the 2024/25 season.

Last time out, they overcame stiff competition from current second placed team Cheadle A, winning 8-6 to extend their lead at the top.

72 goals scored and just 40 conceded sees them with 12 points and a superior goal difference over everyone else in the league.

Having been founded over 100 years ago in 1888, Rochdale’s current talent pool includes England’s Daniel Madeley and Josh Clegg.

Rochdale take on Timperley A at Rochdale Sports Club on Saturday 7 December with the face-off at 2pm.

NWLA Fixtures (all 7 December)

Championship

Heaton Mersey A v Boardman & Eccles | 2pm
Rochdale v Timperley A | 2pm
Stockport A v Wacsbury | 2pm

Division 1

Brooklands A v Heaton Mersey B | 2pm
Cheadle B v Poynton A | 2pm
Cheadle Hulme v Wilmslow A | 2pm

Division 2

Boardman & Eccles A v Rochdale A | 2pm
Stockport B v Wacsbury B | 2pm
Wilmslow B v Brooklands ExA | 2pm

SBL's 2024/25 Winter Box League gets underway this weekend

Reigning men’s champions Knights take on Hornets in a repeat of last year’s final as Southern Box Lacrosse’s (SBL) 2024/25 Winter Box League gets underway on Sunday.

England’s Tom Roche continues his long-term association with Knights in a player-coach capacity for the first time as he teams up with old friend and joint-Head Coach Johnny Goodfellow looking to mastermind a third consecutive title.

Hornets, who finished bottom two years ago and second last year, are looking to go one step further and lift the trophy for the first time in 2024/25.

They’ve brought in ex-England player Cai Jefferies and current England Assistant Coach Jane Lee to the coaching team looking to get the best out of an incredible roster of players that includes four players who featured for England at this year’s 2024 World Lacrosse Box Championships.

In the other match in the men’s competition, Capitals and Steelheads battle it out as they both look to start with a win in a bid to lift their first Winter Box League titles.

Capitals are led by one of this year’s strongest coaching teams featuring England Head Coach Rob Clark, England star-man and all-time top-goalscorer Lyndon Bunio, and England Strength & Conditioning Coach Lyndon Stewart.

Fresh from Utica, USA helping England finish fourth at the 2024 World Lacrosse Box Championships, Jamie Powell looks to be their focal point in the attack this year.

Led by two hugely experienced Irish internationals in Sean Gibson and Conor Dockery, Steelheads have a wealth of talent in their ranks for 2024/25 including England’s Ben Buchanan, Billy Rawlins, George Bascom, and Tom Bracegirdle.

Over in the bumper three-team women’s tournament, inaugural winners Blaze play Ravens before taking on newcomers Jaguars in their opening two games.

Coached by England Coach Rob Ingham Clark alongside Lyndon Stewart, the Blaze team features no less than six England internationals, including Davina Emetulu, Frances Parshall, Georgie Rutter, Helena Prettyman, Lauren Lewis, and Lucy Ford.

As is a theme throughout the women’s rosters this year, England field internationals Minty Loxton and Emma Savage have made the switch to box lacrosse for the first time.

Last year’s runners up, Ravens, led by Iain Murray and former England goalie Eliot Pugh, are looking for their first Winter Box League title and they’ve pulled out all the stops to reach that goal with England captain Annabelle Akintoye in their ranks as well as Laura Beaman and code-switchers Anna Neville and Torz Anderson.

In the third women’s game on opening day, Jaguars come up against Ravens as they hope to prove they can compete with the best in their debut season.

They’ll be coached by England’s Albert Whitehead and Millie Geddes and have an enviable roster that includes the break-out star of the 2024 World Lacrosse Box Championships Alex Drewe.

Drewe is joined by England teammates Ellie Racle, Esme Breach, Laura Wright, Lauren Hurley, Rosie Bathurst, Rosie Jones, Tara Dempsey, and Zara Russell.

The opening day of SBL’s Winter Box League takes place at the Oxford Academy 3G Dome with spectators welcome. For those fans wanting to watch at home, Lacrosse Live UK will be streaming every game live on their YouTube channel HERE.

Opening Day Fixtures (all Sunday 8 December)

11:30 | Knights (H) v Hornets (A)
13:30 | Capitals (H) v Steelheads (A)
15:30 | Ravens (H) v Blaze (A)
16:15 | Blaze (H) v Jaguars (A)
17:30 | Jaguars (H) v Ravens (A)

Three English officials awarded World Lacrosse Level 1 status

England Lacrosse is delighted to announce three English officials have been awarded one of World Lacrosse’s highest officiating qualifications: the Level 1 Award.

Paul Jenkins, Annabel Campbell, and Helen Mavin were all awarded the qualification following their performances at the recent 2024 ELF Women’s Championship in Braga, Portugal.

England Lacrosse would like to congratulate Paul, Annabel, and Helen on this fantastic achievement as they continue to represent England at the highest level.

The Fly Sixes x British Lacrosse Partnership

The Fly Sixes Lacrosse has announced a partnership with British Lacrosse for the 2025 season to align the UK’s leading Sixes competition with the national coordinating body for elite level Sixes Lacrosse in the UK.

Announcement from The Fly website:

The Fly is delighted to be partnering with British Lacrosse for the 2025 season as we further the collaboration between the GB Elite Sixes Programme and the UK’s leading Sixes competition on the path to the LA28 Olympic Games. 

The strategic partnership with British Lacrosse spans high performance guidance, coach selection and development as well as player selection, and so we’re thrilled to announce that each team for The Fly 2025 will feature British Lacrosse representation with a mix of new and returning faces selected to join the squads.

As the premier domestic Sixes competition across the UK and Europe, The Fly continues to provide high level playing opportunities for British Lacrosse’s top athletes and gives a platform to those with high performance potential to develop and shine on the big stage alongside their experienced teammates.

We look forward to partnering with British Lacrosse in 2025 and beyond; keep a look out for the first player announcements coming next week!

Match Focus | Derby Hurricanes v City of Stoke | Midlands Local League

Derby Hurricanes host City of Stoke in the Midlands Local League on Saturday looking to pick up their first win of the season after eight consecutive defeats.

Despite their run of bad luck in the league so far this season, Derby have lost four of their games by three points or fewer showing their ability to compete in the Midlands Local League.

Founded just two years ago in 2022, Derby Hurricanes are based in the city of Derby, Derbyshire and now have men’s and women’s teams who take part in competitive leagues as well as friendlies throughout the year.

The 2024/25 season is Derby’s third season in the Midlands Local League after finishing eighth in 2022/23 and seventh in 2023/24.

City of Stoke come into the game after playing two games less than their opponents but with five wins from their six games and looking to continue their title charge away from home this weekend.

Their only defeat so far this season came away to reigning champions Nuneaton who are unbeaten in the league having won all five games they’ve played up to now.

City of Stoke have 10 years on Derby after being founded in 2012 as a way for students within the Stoke area to continue playing lacrosse after their studies.

12 years later and they now boast two men’s teams, a women’s team, and a mixed team who all compete in leagues throughout the season.

They’re the reigning SEMLA Minor Flags champions after defeating Exeter University 13-4 in the 2024 final and finished eighth in the league last year.

Midlands Local Leagues Fixtures (all 1 December)

City of Stoke 2 v Nottingham University | 2pm
City of Stoke 2 v Warwick University | 2pm
Nottingham University v Warwick University | 2pm
City of Stoke 1 v Leicester City 1 | 2pm
Derby Hurricanes v City of Stoke 1 | 2pm
Nuneaton 2 v Leicester City 2 | 2pm
Sheffield Tanger v Leicester City 2 | 2pm
Sheffield Tanger v Nuneaton 2 | 2pm

Players drafted for SBL's 2024/25 Winter Box League

154 players have been placed in the four men’s and three women’s teams for Southern Box Lacrosse’s (SBL) upcoming 2024/25 Winter Box League that begins on Sunday 8 December and runs until Sunday 12 January.

Knights, Hornets, Steelheads, and Capitals have been allocated 21 players each while Blaze, Ravens, and Jaguars have been given 23 each with a number of protected players from last year’s competition in the squads.

Almost 30 players across the teams took to the floor for England at the 2024 World Lacrosse Box Championships in Utica, USA where the men and women secured respective fourth and fifth placed finishes.

In the women’s competition, a number of traditional field lacrosse stars, who have had huge success in the sixes version of the sport in competitions like The Fly or for British Lacrosse, have made the leap over to box including England’s Minty Loxton, Emma Savage, Torz Anderson, and Anna Neville.

The 2024/25 Winter Box League season begins on Sunday 8 December at the Oxford Academy 3G Dome with five games across the men’s and women’s competitions.

Knights will be hunting for a third successive Winter Box League title in the men’s event while, in the women’s tournament, Blaze will be hopping to back up their inaugural win last year with another strong performance in 2024/25.

For more information about SBL and the Winter Box League, click HERE.

2024/25 Winter Box League Squads

Knights

Juliusz Bokiej
Oliver Dawson
Harry Edwards
Nathan Edwards (P)
Benjamin Goodfellow
Alex Graham
Joseph Hodgkins
Connor Macmillan
Kyle MacQueen (2)
Dan Martin
Sam Morten
Jack Nichols
Ben Page-Laycock (1)
Jim Parry
Sean Paton
Eliot Pugh (P, G)
Tom Roche (P)
Tyler Rodberg (3)
Daniel Tapec
Will Walker (P)
Albert Whitehead (P)

Coaches | Tom Roche, Johnny Goodfellow

Hornets

Ollie Allsop
Will Allsop (2)
Jacob Brindle (P, G)
Archie Carr
Ben Collins (P)
Toby Deans
Taylor Harrison (P)
Alfie Lee
Ollie Lee
Ryan Martin (1)
Stuart McGregor Dallas (G)
James McIlhagger (3)
Matthew Morgan
Vimal Raval
Thomas Riley
Kane Roderique-Walker
James Small
Pete Smith
James Stansbury
Ming Trinh
James Walker

Coaches | Car Jefferies, Jane Lee

Steelheads

Charlie Albuery (G)
George Bascom (P)
Ben Buchanan (P)
Tom Bracegirdle (1)
Jorel Doherty
Danny Fagan
Thom Gilbrook (3)
James Goldsmith
Seb Grant
Dale Haxton
Patrick Kearney
Jacob Lynch
Paul Milner
Daniel Milson
Iain Murray (P)
Billy Rawlins (2)
Peter Shepherd
Ben Stowe (P, G)
Andy Thomas (P)
Scott Wallace
Ben Young

Coaches | Sean Gibson, Conor Dockery

Capitals

Alex Cooper
Primal Andrew Fernando
Valts Grinsbergs
Dave Groves (G)
Noah Gurzenski (G)
Jan-Oscar Huges
Alan Keeley (P)
Alex Kelly
Andrew Leggett
Connor MacDougall (1)
Cameron Major (1)
Jacob Nichols Cook (3)
Jack O’Mahoney (2)
Anthony Onwuli
Travis Payne (P)
Jamie Powell (P)
Joe Robertson
Ciaran Sinclair
Lyndon Stewart
Thomas Vasquez (2)
Ben Wilson

Coaches | Rob Clark, Lyndon Stewart, Lyndon Bunio

Blaze

Catherine Brightwell-Gibbons
Harriet Brooks
Emily Ann Byrne
Sophie Cara
Emily Chong
Davina Emetulu
Lucy Ford
Isla Hutchinson
Meredith Ingham Clark
Millie Johnson
Issy Keane
Rachel Kewin
Lauren Lewis (2)
Alice Loughran (G)
Minty Loxton
Tiffany McIntire
Frances Parshall (3)
Helena Prettyman
Lilliana Rosales
Georgie Rutter
Emma Savage
Erin Tufnell
Lily Tyler
Jenny Wood

Coaches | Rob Ingham Clark, Lyndon Stewart

Ravens

Annabelle Akintoye
Torz Anderson
Laura Beaman (2)
Phoebe Blakeley-Crewe
Heather Cegla
Anna Farmer
Natasha Gage
Alice Gallagher Boyden
Hannah Gillings
Molly Goldsworthy
Georgie Greenwood
Katie Greenwood
Alys Johns
Claudia Lane
Harriet Mann
Lucy Mayers (G)
Maeve McKenny
Sophie Morrill (3)
Anna Neville
Lexi Reynard
Paige Rushton
Emily Georgia Watkins
Hannah Warren

Coaches | Iain Murray, Eliot Pugh

Jaguars

Alice Balchin
Darcey Bance
Corinne Batho-Newton
Rosie Bathurst
Amy Bolton
Esme Breach
Danielle Costello
Tara Dempsey
Alex Drewe (1)
Tilly Goldsworthy
Steph Grimes
Lauren Hurley
Rosie Jones
Jane Lee (2)
Bea Podger
Tabby Podger (G)
Ellie Racle (3)
Kate Russell
Zara Russell
Katya Smith
Laura Wright
Gabby Wroe
Emma Wu

Coaches | Millie Geddes, Albert Whitehead

Key | (P) = Protected Player, (G) = Goalie, (1) = 1st Round Draft Pick, (2) = 2nd Round Draft Pick, (3) = 3rd Round Draft Pick.

New Team Manager roles open at The Fly 2025

The Fly Sixes Lacrosse is now looking to recruit Team Managers for the first time, to be key members of the team franchises and be a part of helping to bring success to the squads for 2025.

If you’re an organised, proactive, and passionate individual, this is your chance to be a part of the groundbreaking league that’s setting the standard in Sixes Lacrosse.

As a Team Manager, you'll help to bring the franchises together, ensuring that players and coaches are equipped and ready to compete at the highest level. From coordinating logistics and managing communications to fostering team culture and supporting player well-being, you'll play a crucial role in creating a seamless, winning environment.

Main Responsibilities

• Act as point of contact between the coaching staff, players and The Fly organisers

• Manage logistical requirements including practice schedules, travel and accommodation arrangements

• Work with the coaching staff to handle the collection and distribution of any team-related documentation including medical records, player contracts and consent forms

• Assist in managing the budget made available to teams and players where appropriate

• Assist coaching staff and The Fly organisers with any reasonable requests within the scope of preparation and competition

A full job description can be found below, along with the link to the application form. Applicants from all backgrounds, inside and outside of the sport, are encouraged to apply and applications are open until Sunday 8 December.

Match Focus | Stockport v Cheadle | NWLA Premiership

Seventh-placed Cheadle make the short journey across Greater Manchester to third-placed Stockport on Saturday in the North West Lacrosse Association (NWLA) Premiership.

Stockport are looking to hit the ground running after the latest international break and grab a fourth win of the season and possibly move up to second in the league table.

In their final game before the break, Stockport saw off Heaton Mersey 14-9 to bounce back after a humbling 20-4 defeat to top of the table Poynton.

The 2024 Senior Northern Flags champions have an enviable wealth of talent in their squad, including England stars Mike Pomfret, Ryan Sweetman, Dave Groves, and Danny Hilditch.

Founded in 1876, Stockport are one of the oldest clubs in England and indeed the world, celebrating their 150th birthday in 2026!

Cheadle have had a difficult start to the 2024/25 season, picking up just one win against Mellor way back in September.

Three defeats have followed against Heaton Mersey, Timperley, and Brooklands and Cheadle will be desperate to get back to winning ways against Stockport after a couple of weeks off.

Having played two games fewer than Stockport, a win could see Cheadle jump three spaces in the table while a defeat could see them fall to rock bottom, depending on Sheffield’s result against Timperley.

Founded just three years after Stockport in 1879, Cheadle are also up there with some of the oldest clubs in the world and has been hugely successful over the years, winning the league in 2019.

Their first team squad this season features some of England’s brightest young stars, including Ellis Baythorpe, Leo Baythorpe, Joachim Ruby, and Will Shirt.

Stockport v Cheadle faces off at Stockport Lacrosse Club, Greater Manchester at 2pm on Saturday.

For more information about NWLA and their leagues, click HERE.

NWLA Fixtures (all 23 November)

Premiership

Timperley v Sheffield | 2pm
Stockport v Cheadle | 2pm
Mellor v Poynton | 2pm
Heaton Mersey v Brooklands | 2pm

Ladies League

Brooklands v Leeds | 2pm
Heaton Mersey v Timperley | 2pm
Liverpool v Mellor | 2pm
Wilmslow v Sheffield | 2pm

Championship

Boardman & Eccles v Wacsbury | 2pm
Cheadle A v Stockport A | 2pm
Mellor A v Rochdale | 2pm
Wilmslow v Timperley A | 2pm

Division 1

Brooklands A v Cheadle B | 2pm
Leeds v Cheadle Hulme | 2pm
Sheffield A v Heaton Mersey B | 2pm
Wacsbury A v Wilmslow A | 2pm

Division 2

Rochdale A v Cheadle C | 2pm
Stockport B v Mellor B | 2pm
Wacsbury B v Borders | 2pm
Wilmslow B v Boardman & Eccles A

57 players attend second University Aspire Programme assessment day

57 players attended the second of two assessment days for the 2024/25 University Aspire Programme at Nottingham Trent University on Sunday.

36 men’s and 21 women’s players took part in the assessment day, taking the total number of players assessed for the 2024/25 University Aspire Programme to 108.

During the day, each player was assessed by England Lacrosse’s team of experienced University Aspire Programme coaches with a view to building a squad that will train throughout the 2024/25 season.

The England Lacrosse University Aspire Programme aims to identify athletes who are not currently a part of any England Lacrosse programmes but have the potential to progress into the England Lacrosse Perform Programme.

Last year’s Programme ended with a tour to Portugal where the 2023/24 squad participated in the Lisboa Cup, finishing fourth.

Following the conclusion of last year’s Programme, several 2023/24 squad members were invited to an England senior men’s training session to be assessed by England Head Coach Sam Patterson and his coaching team.

Ahead of the 2024/25 season, England Lacrosse announced a women’s Programme would be added to provide a pathway for women’s athletes to learn, grown, and potentially reach the women’s Perform Pathway.

The next stage in the 2024/25 process will be to select a final squad of players by the end of the year before four training sessions with England Lacrosse coaches over January, February, March, and April, and a final end of season tour in April.

England Lacrosse would like to thank every player who attended the assessment days and if you missed out keep your eyes peeled for details about next year’s Programme!

Godolphin strike gold at 2024 School Challenge Cup

Godolphin School put 2024 National Schools Lacrosse Championships heartbreak behind them as they snatched a first School Challenge Cup title after a 9-5 final victory over hosts St Swithun’s School on Sunday.

An unbeaten day that saw them win all four competition games ensured Godolphin backed up their terrific performance at this year’s Nationals, where they came runners-up to Moreton Hall, to become just the fourth side to lift the School Challenge Cup trophy after Guildford High (3), St Catherine’s (1), and Berkhamsted (1).

Last year’s winners Guildford High, who were looking to win three School Challenge Cup titles in a row, had to make do with a fourth place finish after a 7-1 defeat to St Catherine’s in the bronze medal game followed a shock 6-4 semi-final defeat to St Swithun’s.

Likewise, 2021 School Challenge Cup winners St Catherine’s were knocked out at the semi-final stage after a 10-5 defeat to eventual winners Godolphin; they went on to claim third place in that bronze medal game versus Guildford High.

Westonbirt finished in fifth place after a close 11-7 win against Queen Anne’s in the fifth place game and were involved in undoubtedly the game of the competition in their quarter-final match against St Catherine’s that went to two periods of sudden-death overtime before St Catherine’s clinched the victory 6-5.

2024 National Schools Lacrosse Championships winners Moreton Hall started well with a 9-6 victory over St Catherine’s but ultimately had to settle for a seventh place finish after a big 7-1 win over Haberdashers’ in the seventh place game.

The National Schools Lacrosse Championships returns to Aldershot Garrison Sports Centre from 8-11 March 2025 with the 2025 School Challenge Cup to follow once again in November (details TBC).

2024 School Challenge Cup Final Standings

1. Godolphin

2. St Swithun’s

3. St Catherine’s

4. Guildford High

5. Westonbirt

6. Queen Anne’s

7. Moreton Hall

8. Haberdashers’

2024 School Challenge Cup Results

Final | Godolphin 9-5 St Swithun’s
3rd Place | Guildford High 1-7 St Catherine’s
5th Place | Westonbirt 11-7 Queen Anne’s
7th Place | Moreton Hall 7-1 Haberdashers’
SF1 | St Swithun’s 6-4 Guildford High
SF2 | Godolphin 10-5 St Catherine’s
Game 8 | Guildford High 8-7 Queen Anne’s
Game 7 | St Catherines 6-5 (OT) Westonbirt
Game 6 | Godolphin 6-3 Haberdashers’
Game 5 | Moreton Hall 7-8 St Swithun’s
Game 4 | St Swithun’s 3-7 Westonbirt
Game 3 | Queen Anne’s 8-6 Haberdashers’
Game 2 | Godolphin 7-6 Guildford High
Game 1 | Moreton Hall 9-6 St Catherine’s

England head to Amsterdam for Netherlands Lacrosse Invitational

The England senior men’s team travel to Amsterdam this weekend to take on Norway and Netherlands at the inaugural Netherlands Lacrosse Invitational.

Taking place at the Sportpark de Eendracht on the outskirts of the Dutch capital, England will play four games over Saturday and Sunday taking in two against Norway and two against hosts Netherlands.

The invitational competition comes less than a year after Netherlands travelled to Cardiff, Wales to take part in the Home Internationals Series against Scotland, Wales, England senior, and England U20.

At that competition, the England senior men’s team claimed a 14-4 victory against the Netherlands as they went unbeaten in their three competition games.

The Netherlands Lacrosse Invitational is a great opportunity for all three teams to experience a high level of European lacrosse with the next European Championship in Hungary less than a year away.

At the last European Championship in 2016, Norway finished 12th, Netherlands finished 7th, and England claimed their ninth title.

Spectators are welcome at all games during the Netherlands Lacrosse Invitational with free parking on site and a canteen with drinks and snacks available throughout.

Netherlands Lacrosse Invitational Schedule (all times UK)

Saturday 16 November

Norway v England | 9am
England v Netherlands | 12:30pm
Netherlands v Norway | 4:30pm

Sunday 17 November

Norway v Netherlands | 7:30am
England v Norway | 19:30am
Netherlands v England | 12:30pm

England Squad

Will Allsop
Cameron Baxter
William Baxter
Joe Baythorpe
Elliot Bickerton
Alex Davidson
Jack Ferdinand
Daniel Flisk
Kieran Garvey
Tom Hallam
Grady Jackson
Will Locker
Edward Loveland
Dan Madeley
David O’Callahan
Blair Pacherva
Cole Palmby
Jake Parker
Joshua Phillips
Joshua Poke
Nathan Wilkinson

Head Coach | Sam Patterson
Assistant Coach | Vince Cara
Assistant Coach | Mike Bartlett

Match Focus | Oxford University Blues v Bristol Bombers | EL Mixed Leagues

On Sunday, in the fifth round of fixtures in the England Lacrosse Mixed Lacrosse Leagues, second-placed Oxford University Blues host league leaders Bristol Bombers in the South West League with both sides looking to extend their unbeaten runs.

Coming into the game, Oxford University Blues have secured three wins and a draw from their four games, scoring 61 goals and conceding 20.

A 19-4 opening day victory over Southampton University was followed by a 12-3 away win over the University of Bristol which was then followed by an 8-8 draw against rivals Oxford City. Last week, a huge 22-5 win saw Oxford University Blues get back to winning ways.

Last season, Blues finished third in the league, eight points from top, after winning three, drawing one, and losing four of their eight games.

Bristol Bombers appear to be the early front-runners in the South East League after winning all four of their games so far, leaving them in top spot having scored 56 goals and shipping just 17.

The Bombers brushed aside the University of Bristol 17-2 in the Bristol derby on opening day before seeing off the University of Bath 15-3 in week two.

Week three saw them come out 14-3 winners over Southampton University before a narrow 10-9 victory over Oxford City last time out maintained their unbeaten run.

This is the Bombers first outing in the England Lacrosse Mixed Lacrosse Leagues but it’s clear they’ve got a penchant for mixed lacrosse and they head into Sunday’s game on the search for a fifth win in a row.

Oxford University Blues take on Bristol Bombers in Oxford at 1pm on Sunday 17 December.

EL Mixed Lacrosse Leagues (South West) Fixtures (all 17 November)

Oxford University Blues v Bristol Bombers | 1pm
University of Bristol v Oxford City | 1pm
University of Bath v Southampton University | 1pm

Registration opens for 2025 National Schools Lacrosse Championships

Registration is now open for the 2025 edition of the National Schools Lacrosse Championships, England Lacrosse’s premier school lacrosse competition.

The Championships, taking place once again at the Aldershot Garrison Sports Centre are back for 2025 and scheduled to take place between 8-11 March.

The tournament has several age categories across Under-19, Under-15, Under-14, and Under-13 age categories and sees schools from all around the country battle it out to be crowned National Schools Lacrosse champions with Moreton Hall taking the prestigious U19A championship in 2024 for the first time.

The Championships is the highlight of the school sporting season for thousands of young players and gives them the opportunity to display their skills on the biggest stage in a festival of lacrosse.

Competition Dates:
Saturday 8 & Sunday 9 March - U19A & U19B
Monday 10 March - U19C & U15A
Tuesday 11 March - U14 & U13

Schools are able to register for the competition until Wednesday 11 December and more information about the registration process and the National Schools Lacrosse Championships more generally can be found below.

Should schools have any questions about entry, simply contact Abigail Merrill via email at a.merrill@englandlacrosse.co.uk.

Relive last year’s competition and watch the 2024 U19A Championship final below:

British Lacrosse score friendly wins over Germany

British Lacrosse men secured three friendly wins over Germany in Manchester last weekend as they continue to build with the 2028 LA Olympic Games just under four years away.

Three separate 12-player British Lacrosse squads competed in the games, with a development team match on Friday at Hough End Leisure Centre ending in a narrow 24-23 win for British Lacrosse.

Thom Gillbrook was a stand-out performer in that one with five goals and one assist during the game. Josh Clegg and Drew Wilkinson also showed their talents with eight goals and three assists between them.

In the two senior games at Belle Vue Leisure Centre on Sunday, British Lacrosse completed a clean sweep of victories over Europe’s fifth best side after 24-10 and 22-19 wins.

The ever-dependable Ryan Hunns hit five goals and five assists in the second of the two senior games with Nick DeCaprio also scoring five.

In the first senior game, Will Prescott, Alex Russell, and Tom Roper blew Germany away with four, three, and four goals respectively and scoring almost half of British Lacrosse’s goals in that match.

For more information about British Lacrosse, click HERE.

Development Game | British Lacrosse 24-23 Germany

British Lacrosse scorers: Thom Gilbrook (5G, 1A), Josh Clegg (4G, 2A), Drew Wilkinson (4G, 1A), Will Brown (2G, 2A), Josh Poke (3G), Ben Jackson (2G, 1A), Jim Hartley (2G), Jack Dearden (2A), Daniel Flisk (1G).

Senior Game 1 | British Lacrosse 24-10 Germany

British Lacrosse scorers: Will Prescott (4G, 2A), Alex Russell (3G, 2A), Tom Roper (4G), Drew Bickerton (2G, 2A), Lyndon Bunio (2G, 1A), Ryan Sweetman (2G, 1A), Ben Page-Laycock (1G, 3A), Tommy Kirkland (2G), Mike Pomfret (2G), Will Shirt (1G).

Game 2 | British Lacrosse 22-19 Germany

British Lacrosse scorers: Ryan Hunns (5G, 5A), Nick DeCaprio (5G), Tom Roper (3G, 1A), Dan Watson (3G), Tomos Rosser (1G, 2A), Tim Collins (2G), Dan Hilditch (1G, 1A), Jamie Powell (1G, 1A), Josh Simpson-Pink (1A)

British Lacrosse Squads

Development Team

Will Brown
Josh Clegg
Jack Dearden
Dan Flisk
Will Greaves
Jim Hartley
Elliott Hurry
Ben Jackson
Jamie Mochan
Josh Poke
Joachim Ruby
Drew Wilkinson

Senior Team | Game 1

Hal Dwobeng
William Baxter
Drew Bickerton
Tom Bracegirdle
Lyndon Bunio
Tommy Kirkland
Ben Page-Laycock
Mike Pomfret
Will Prescott
Tom Roper
Alex Russell
Will Shirt

Senior Team | Game 2

Hal Dwobeng
William Baxter
Tim Collins
Nick DeCaprio
Danny Hilditch
Ryan Hunns
Jamie Powell
Tomos Rosser
Josh Simpson-Pink
Ryan Sweetman
Matt Tatton
Dan Watson