England Lacrosse Non-Executive Director, John Neal, has left his role on the Board following the conclusion of the 2022 England Lacrosse Annual General Meeting.
John joined the organisation in October 2016, appointed as England Lacrosse’s first Independent Board Chair and holding the position until 2019, then moving into an Independent Non-Executive Director role through to the end of his three-year term.
During John’s tenure as Board Chair, he oversaw the successful hosting of the 2017 Women’s World Championship in Guildford, and the growing modernisation of the sport including the consolidation of the England Lacrosse brand under its single current identity.
John has extensive experience working as a psychologist, coach and advisor to numerous organisations and bodies across a range of sports and this experience has assisted England Lacrosse in developing its strategic direction for the game and modernising our structures.
Shortly after taking up the Board Chair role, John was also appointed Head of Coach Development at the England and Wales Cricket Board, a position that in turn provided invaluable knowledge and support in enhancing our education and performance programmes.
John has also been influential in assisting with the recent creation and launch of The Fly, along with the development of a coach mentoring programme within the competition.
Mark Coups, England Lacrosse CEO, said: “John’s appointment was a significant step for the modernisation of Lacrosse in appointing an independent Chair and John brought a fresh, outside perspective to the organisation while adding extensive expertise from considerable experience in sport.
“Working with John as Chief Executive, he has proven a strong sounding board both personally and for the organisation and his knowledge and input will be sorely missed.
“John has continued to give his time on the Board after his term as Chair and I would like to wholeheartedly thank him for being a key part of England Lacrosse success during the last six years and wish him well for the future.”
Hannah Bowe, England Lacrosse Board Chair, said: “I would like to give my thanks to John on behalf of the Board and the whole lacrosse community for all the work he has done.
“John has warmly welcomed me since my appointment to the Board firstly as a Director and then provided great support as I transitioned into the role of Board Chair following his tenure.
“Thank you for all your hard work for the organisation and I wish you all the best going forward.”