Leslie Rance has been appointed the new Independent Chair of British Lacrosse, the national coordinating body for men’s and women’s elite lacrosse in Great Britain.
Rance, who takes up his new role with immediate effect, is currently a partner at the strategy consulting firm Mindofafox.
He brings 25 years of leadership experience from FTSE 100 firms along with some time spent as a sports anchor on African television.
British Lacrosse is responsible for the preparation, selection and performance of the Great Britain lacrosse squads, and for their participation in specific international tournaments.
Most recently, in the Summer of 2022 the Great Britain men's and women's teams competed at The World Games in Birmingham Alabama, and achieved fourth place finishes.
Rance, who takes over from outgoing Chair, Sallie Barker, said:“Firstly, I must thank Sallie for her outstanding leadership in the creation of British Lacrosse over the past few years.
“We have some strong foundations thanks to her, members of the Board, and other volunteers that were there from the outset in 2020.
“I'm both honoured and excited to be appointed to this role. While I might be new to lacrosse, I see the potential of the sport in this country, and for our role in it globally.”
Regarding the possible inclusion of lacrosse on the Olympic Games programme at Los Angeles 2028, he added:“This upcoming decision is a big moment in the sport's history and if it’s in the affirmative, Olympic participation would be a tremendous encouragement to the lacrosse community, an endorsement of the sport, and an opportunity to showcase it at the highest level of competition.
“I now look forward to immersing myself in the world of lacrosse and to meeting our stakeholders, particularly those who work, volunteer and support, play and officiate the game across Great Britain.”
Zimbabwean born Rance, who comes from South Africa and now lives in Scotland is a Fellow of the Aspen Institute's Global Leadership Network, the African Leadership Initiative, and the Material Change Institute.
For more information about British Lacrosse and the work they do, click HERE.