England Lacrosse is saddened to learn of the death of Mike Nicholls on Thursday 15 August at the age of 79.
Born in Mellor, Mike began his Lacrosse career as part of the junior scheme created by Charles Middleton; one of Mellor’s founding members. This beginning would undoubtedly inspire Mike’s lifelong love of Lacrosse and the tough, no-nonsense player he developed into.
Mike enjoyed a long playing career moving for a period to play on Urmston’s 1st team where he would narrowly miss out on winning the Senior Flags before returning to Mellor, to become the Vice and then Captain of the A Team between 1965-1978, winning the Junior Flags and the 2nd division in 76/77.
Possibly his biggest contribution to Lacrosse was off the pitch and 1981 saw Mike transition into what would be many successful years of coaching starting with Mellor juniors and his son, Rob. His coaching style, as his playing style, was designed to build resilience and strength with little patience for those not giving 100%.
With his playing years behind him but the desire to contribute strong, he would continue to find ways to serve Lacrosse, becoming Mellor’s President between 1989-1991, sitting on several committees over the years that would help shape our game and regularly refereeing all levels of Lacrosse.
His love of the sport was not limited to the Men’s side, and he coached the girl’s game, supporting his daughter, Alex at Stockport Lacrosse Club and also coaching Cheshire teams to success.
Mike (Right) during his coaching days
Finding his niche, he then progressed to enjoy a period coaching Stockport Metros in the 1990s and then onto the first of several roles with England as he became the Assistant Manager to the U19s for the 1992 World Championship and the Men’s Senior team in 1998. 2003 would find him back with the U19s, with his experience in this role invaluable to Manager and friend Ravi K. Sitlani.
He is remembered as a determined, dogged competitor on the field who would give everything to the final whistle, but off the pitch, a true champion of the sport and an example of what giving back to Lacrosse looks like.
Mike passed away peacefully on 15th August 2024 aged 79 years. Beloved husband of Sue and devoted Dad of Rob, Stasia and Alex. He will be sadly missed by all his family and friends.
A funeral service will take place on Friday 20 September 2024, 2.30pm, at Rowan Chapel, Stockport Crematorium. Family flowers only, donations if desired to Cancer Research UK.
Anyone looking to make contact can email Mrs Alex Anderson at alex@adaptandimprove.com
England Lacrosse sends our condolences to Mike’s family and friends at this time.