Last week, we officially announced Westonbirt School Headmistress and former England under-21 player, Natasha Dangerfield, as our new President.
She takes over from Sue Livock who has been the England Lacrosse President for almost six years!
Upon the announcement of Natasha as the new President, Sue reacted by saying she was really proud of what she had achieved during her tenure.
“During my time as President, I have truly enjoyed myself and hopefully I have helped to promote a positive image for the game and to be supportive of staff and volunteers.
“The role of President has changed over time and I do think I have a tendency to feel that I could always do better, however!
“One of the highlights for me was the Opening Ceremony of the FIL Rathbone’s Women’s World Cup in 2017 when I was able to welcome a record number of 25 teams to the event in Guildford.
“Also memorable was the medal ceremony at the end of the event which took place in a torrential downpour where we had to empty the rainwater out of the cup before presenting it!
“Overall, I have really enjoyed every moment of my time as President and I always tried to communicate with people in a positive way.”
Sue began her more than 40-year association with lacrosse when she started playing the game at Norwich High School aged 12.
Her love of the game continued as she moved into higher education, training as a P.E. teacher at Bedford College of Education, and then whilst playing for Barnet and Enfield club as she started her teaching career.
“I’m still in touch with my old Barnet team mates and we meet up regularly – once even for a game of walking lacrosse (as we are now nearly all into our retirement), which caused great interest and amusement in the local park!”
Sue also managed to play at county level for Anglia and then Hertfordshire as well as Territorial level in the East and she hopes she’s made a positive impact on the game.
“Hopefully I’ve passed on my love for the game to many of the pupils that I taught. In some way, I am a Jack of all trades having played, umpired, coached and organised events at various levels.
“In over 40 years of involvement in the game, I have held an extensive variety of Committee and organisational positions at local, national and international level; this includes being Chair of the All England Women’s Lacrosse Association Executive Committee from 1993-1996 when we went through the process of joining with the then men’s association to form the single governing body that exists today.”
More recent highlights for Sue have included being a member of the organising committees for both the Women’s World Cups hosted by England in 2001 and 2017 but what keeps Sue coming back for more is the community and the spirit of the people involved in lacrosse.
“Over the years, I have made so many very good friends through my involvement in lacrosse and that is what keeps me coming back.
“Thank you to all of you for making this journey so enjoyable and such fun.”
England Lacrosse would like to thank Sue for everything she has done over the past six years and we wish her all the best in whatever she chooses to do in the future and we’re sure this isn’t the last we’ve seen of her!
