Brin Kenyon appointed EL Officiating Administrator & Greater Manchester Development Officer

England Lacrosse is delighted to announce the appointment of Brin Kenyon as Officiating Administrator & Greater Manchester Development Officer.

Brin becomes England Lacrosse’s Officiating Administrator alongside his existing role as Greater Manchester Development Officer.

As Greater Manchester Development Officer, Brin has been tasked with co-ordinating and delivering a range of lacrosse participation programmes within the Greater Manchester area since October 2022.

The merging of the two roles into one job will now see Kenyon also administrate England Lacrosse’s officiating programmes at all levels, working with other England Lacrosse staff as well as the Officiating, Refereeing, and Umpiring Advisory Groups.

Having started his lacrosse career at the age of 10 at the now-defunct Ashton Lacrosse Club in Greater Manchester before a period away from the sport, Brin returned to Ashton in his late teens where he played in the senior team until 2018.

From there, Brin moved to Wilmslow where he still plays and has recently taken on the role of junior coordinator helping to rebuild their junior section with the experience he has gained from the Greater Manchester Development Officer role. 

Brin is also an accomplished coach having coached lacrosse at the University of Central Lancashire before transferring to football and Curzon Ashton women in the fifth tier of women’s football. He continues to keep his hand in the lacrosse coaching world with Lancaster University’s lacrosse team.

Speaking upon his appointment, Brin said:

"I'm excited to begin my new role as Officiating Administrator alongside my existing job as Greater Manchester Development Officer. I can't wait to get to grips with the role and begin to meet all the wonderful officials who help lacrosse run on a weekly basis as well as continuing to grow the sport within the Greater Manchester area."

51 attend University Aspire Programme assessment day

51 athletes attended the first of two England Lacrosse 2024/25 University Aspire Programme assessment days on Sunday.

40 men’s players and 11 women’s players took part in the assessment day that was held at Bath Lacrosse Club’s Odd Down Sports Field.

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 second of the two England Lacrosse 2024/25 University Aspire Programme assessment days will take place on Sunday 10 November at Nottingham Trent University with a men’s session (11am-1:30pm) and a women’s session (2:30pm-5pm) after which the 2024/25 squad will be put together..

Registration for the second assessment day remains open and can be completed below.

Match Focus | Stockport v Oxton | NWLA Ladies League

In the sixth round of fixtures in the North West Lacrosse Association (NWLA) Ladies League on Saturday, third-placed Oxton travel to Greater Manchester to take on fourth-placed Stockport with both teams looking to continue their hunt for top spot.

Both teams come into this game after a week off due to international call-ups and will also play games against Leeds in Stockport as part of this week’s triangular fixture.

Stockport head into the game with four wins from five (their only loss being an 8-3 defeat to Timperley) and as the league’s top goal scorers, having scored a massive 103 goals while conceding just 24.

The 2024 Senior Women’s Flags champions are looking for another good season and have international calibre in their ranks with England’s Charlie Bell, Chloe Chan, and Rosie Jones all in their first team.

Last year’s league champions, Oxton, who’ve played a game extra than Stockport, are unbeaten so far this season with five wins and a draw from their six games, leaving them just two points behind current league leaders Timperley, who’ve played seven.

Looking for back to back league titles, Oxton have a raft of experienced players in their midst including England’s Ella Dimbylow and India Chadwick.

Stockport v Oxton takes place at Stockport Lacrosse Club from 11am.

For more information about NWLA and its league, click HERE.

NWLA Ladies League Fixtures (all 2 November)

Hull v Heaton Mersey | Hull | Time TBC
Mellor v Liverpool | Mellor | Time TBC
Oxton v Leeds | Stockport | Time TBC
Sheffield v Brooklands | Timperley | Time TBC
Sheffield v Timperley | Timperley | Time TBC
Stockport v Leeds | Stockport | Time TBC
Stockport v Oxton | Stockport | Time TBC
Timperley v Brooklands | Timperley | Time TBC

Richmond Lacrosse Club launches senior programme

Richmond Lacrosse Club, known for its successful junior programme, has launched a brand new senior men’s programme for the 2024/25 season.

Teaming up with London neighbours Hillcroft, Richmond has entered a senior men’s team into the South of England Men’s Lacrosse Association (SEMLA) local leagues under the name Richcroft, featuring players from both clubs; an opening day 13-7 victory over Spencer 4s has put them top of their league.

As their senior men’s programme grows over the next few months, Richmond hopes to enter a team full of their own players into the league next season.

Richmond has been targeting students at the local St Mary’s University, ex-players, and parents of their juniors to join the new programme and there is now over 30 interested players.

Add this number to the 30-40 juniors they have across several age groups and Richmond has almost 100 players involved in lacrosse. Not bad for a club that was only founded in 2021!

By teaming up with their London neighbours, Richmond has been able to share Hillcroft’s King’s House Sports Ground, Chiswick as well as host several guest coaching sessions featuring some of their coaches to help their new players get match ready ahead of the 2024/25 season.

Richmond is hoping to continue to nurture relationships with Hillcroft as time goes by but, in the meantime, Richmond is inviting anyone and everyone to register their interest in playing for their senior men’s team whether they’ve played international lacrosse or are completely new to the sport.

Co-founder of Richmond Rob Arnott sees the introduction of a senior programme as vital to the future of the club.

“The senior programme is a big step towards us growing out and becoming a fully fledged lacrosse club. We want to have a place for our juniors to play once they turn 16, and by providing a team for their parents and some of our coaches, it has immediately helped to emphasise the community sports club focus of Richmond! 

“We'd love to add a women's programme to the club too and are on the hunt for anyone who wants to work with us to lead that project.”

Over the next few months, Richmond is hoping to host some training sessions and social events and anyone interested in getting involved should send an email to info@richmondlacrosselondon.com to be added to the WhatsApp group. 

Bristol University to host annual charity match in memory of Matt Ward

The University of Bristol is set to host its annual men’s charity match in memory of former Bristol player Matt Ward against the University of Exeter in the BUCS Men’s Premier South league on Wednesday 30 October.

Each year since 2018, Bristol has marked its men’s first team’s home league match against Exeter by raising money for charity and, after Matt’s death in 2020, the match has been dedicated to him and the charity chosen in conjunction with his family.

This year’s chosen charity is the Charlie Waller Trust who work to educate young people, as well as those with a responsibility towards them, about mental health and wellbeing. The Trust seeks to empower young people to talk more openly about the subject of mental health and make sure they are better equipped to support themselves and those around them.

The charity match has always been an exciting affair with Bristol coming out on top in the last three events - 9-8 in 2021, 9-4 in 2022, and 15-4 in 2023.

Taking place at the University of Bristol’s Coombe Dingle Sports Centre astro-turf pitch, the charity match will face-off at 7:30pm and spectators are welcome to watch the match for a suggested donation of £3 (cash and card will be accepted on the day and donations of any amount will be accepted).

The University of Bristol Lacrosse Club has also set up its own Just Giving page, allowing people to donate as much as they want and from anywhere in the world with all proceeds going to the Charlie Waller Trust.

Match Focus | Camden Capybaras v Hitchin | SEMLA Premiership

On Saturday, in the third week of fixtures in the South of England Men’s Lacrosse Association (SEMLA) Premiership, Hitchin travel across London to Camden Capybaras looking to claim a second win of the season.

In their previous outing two weeks ago, Hitchin picked up a first win with a tight 11-8 victory over bottom of the table Hillcroft after an opening day 14-9 defeat to European champions Hampstead.

Camden Capybaras head into this weekend’s clash looking to bounce back after a humbling 17-3 loss to early league leaders Spencer last Friday night, a defeat that came after a positive first game of the season that saw them come away 9-8 winners against Spencer 2.

Hitchin are currently fourth in the table with six points while Camden Capybaras sit in fifth on the same number of points but with an inferior goal difference (SEMLA awards four points for a win, three points for a draw, and two points for a loss) and, depending on other results on Saturday, a win for either team could see them up to as high as second in the table.

Dubbed ‘the friendliest club in the south-east’, Hitchin has both men’s and women’s teams with England box men’s George Bascom, fresh off the back of a fourth-placed finish at the 2024 World Lacrosse Box Championships, among their current crop of men’s players.

In 2007, they famously won their only Premiership title to date, finishing three points ahead of second placed Purley with 15 wins, one draw, and zero losses.

Relatively young club Camden Capybaras were founded in 2018 and have quickly gained a reputation for being humorous on social media as well as being the fastest growing club in the south of England.

Their rosters include England box men’s coach Rob Ingham Clark and England box women’s captain Annabelle Akintoye and their men’s first team has been in the Premiership since promotion from Division 1 in 2020.

Camden Capybaras v Hitchin faces off at Camden’s Middlesex University pitch at 11am.

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

SEMLA Premiership Week 3 Fixtures (all 26 October)

Camden Capybaras v Hitchin | Middlesex University | 11am
Hampstead v Hillcroft | Bacon's Community Sports Centre, London | 12pm
Spencer 2 v Spencer | The Spencer Club, London | 2pm

Notification of England Lacrosse Annual General Meeting

The English Lacrosse Association Ltd (England Lacrosse) has notified its affiliate members that the 2024 Annual General Meeting is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 13 November, commencing 6:00pm. The meeting will be held in a hybrid format both virtually on Microsoft Teams and at the Landmark Offices, 1 Kings Cross Bridge, London N1 9NW.

Details regarding nomination of representatives for AGM attendance and voting, along with all relevant AGM papers, are available below.

BUCS Lacrosse Sixes Championships sees Nottingham domination

University of Nottingham (UoN) scored major success at the 2024 BUCS Lacrosse 6s Championships, coming close to a clean sweep with three competition victories, but were denied in the Men’s Championship final by their city rivals Nottingham Trent.

UoN were victorious in the Women’s Championship and both Men’s and Women’s Trophy competitions with commanding performances from all their sides across a wet day in Surrey that saw the teams battle conditions as well as their opponents.

And after defeat in the last two Men’s 6s Championship finals, NTU finally turned the tables to take the 6s Championship and add it to the national title they won back in March at BUCS Big Wednesday, denying UoN a lockout at the top.

45 teams competed at Surrey Sports Park across the Championships with representation as far reaching as Glasgow, East Anglia, and Exeter.

In the Men’s Championship, both Nottingham sides were completely dominant through their pool stage matches, with UoN Men taking out Bristol and Loughborough in the knockouts to make the final, while NTU beat Surrey and Durham.

NTU led throughout the final, always maintaining a comfortable margin to run out 8-5 winners.

In the Women’s Championship, UoN Women once again asserted their Sixes dominance, with a squad brimming with international talent controlled the competition from start to finish.

Exeter made moves by making the Championship final, defeating last year’s finalists and current BUCS National Champions Durham in the semi-final, but in a competitive final, couldn’t get past a UoN Women’s team that has been near untouchable in the Sixes format since its introduction to BUCS competition.

UoN also had further success in the Trophy competition, with their Women’s 2 retaining their title from last year, defeating Durham 2 in the final, while the Men’s Trophy also went to UoN as their Men’s 2s came past Warwick University in the final.

Full Results

Men’s Championship

Winner: Nottingham Trent
Runner-up: University of Nottingham

Women’s Championship

Winner: University of Nottingham
Runner-up: Exeter

Men’s Trophy

Winner: University of Nottingham 2
Runner-up: Warwick

Women’s Trophy

Winner: University of Nottingham 2
Runner-up: Durham 2

Match Focus | Putney v Hawks | SEWLA Premiership

On Sunday, on week four in the South East Women’s Lacrosse Association (SEWLA) Premiership, unbeaten Hawks travel to Putney looking to continue their impressive start to the 2024/25 season.

Hawks finished second in the league last year with 52 points and have started in blistering form with three wins from three games so far this season, scoring 49 goals in the process and conceding just 20.

An opening day 10-6 win over New Stars was followed by a huge 20-6 victory over Clapham in week two before a third win of the season was secured with a 19-8 win against newly promoted West London last week.

Hawks boast a wealth of talent in their ranks this year, including England’s Ella Cohen and Zoe Lovibond and England development squad player Zimeng Wu; England women’s team manager Debs Owen will captain Hawks against Putney.

In 2024/25, Hawks celebrates its 76th birthday having entered the league structure in 1948 as Hatch End Ladies Lacrosse Club, playing their home games at Bedford College’s Headstone Lane.

Since then, the club has moved home no less than five times before landing at Tring Park Cricket Club in 2014 where it has remained for the last 10 years.

Putney, who finished in fifth-place in the Premiership last year, have also had an excellent start to the season, winning two out of their three games so far.

In week one, they claimed a 12-7 win away at Clapham which was followed up by a 10-5 home victory against West London.

Last week’s third match of the season saw them taste defeat for the first time in 2024/25 with a 14-1 loss to reigning league and National Club champions Blues.

Putney has a long history of producing international-level players with Wales goalie Harriet Brooks and Scotland’s Grace and Bella Penny in their current squad.

Putney v Hawks starts at Hawks’ Haydon’s Road Ground, London at 11am.

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

SEWLA Premiership Week 4 Fixtures (all 20 October)

New Stars v Blues | Haberdashers’ Girls’ School | 11am *POSTPONED*
Putney v Hawks | Haydon’s Road Ground | 11am
Clapham v Spencer | Haydon’s Road Ground | 11am
West London v Centaurs | Wormwood Scrubs | 11am

British Lacrosse teams take part in USA Lacrosse Experience and World Lacrosse Super Sixes

British Lacrosse teams took part in two overseas tournaments last weekend, taking on some of the best teams and players in the world, in the latest part of their journey towards the LA 2028 Olympic Games.

A British Lacrosse men’s and women’s team competed at the inaugural USA Lacrosse Experience in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA on 11 and 12 October, taking on Puerto Rico, Colombia, and the United States.

The British Lacrosse women’s team came away with two wins against Puerto Rico (17-3) and Colombia (32-1) alongside a 22-9 defeat to the USA as Phil Collier’s side took part in the first international sixes competition since the conclusion of the 2024 Olympics.

Liv Wimpenny and Torz Anderson were two of British Lacrosse’s stand-out performers scoring 21 points between them over the three games.

In the men’s competition, British Lacrosse left Indiana with one 21-18 win over Colombia and two defeats courtesy of Puerto Rico (16-14) and the USA (26-17).

Head Coach Tom Wenham will be pleased with his team’s efforts in the two defeats, however, despite a slow opening quarter against Puerto Rico proving to be the deciding factor in that loss; to stay within nine points of the USA in a game of Sixes Lacrosse is no mean feat.

Lyndon Bunio, fresh from becoming the all-time top points scorer for the England box team, continued his blistering points scoring run with 15 over the three games while Alex Russell and Drew Bickerton showed why they’re two of British Lacrosse’s and England’s brightest sparks scoring 12 and 11 points respectively.

Across the border in Coquitlam, Canada, British Lacrosse also sent a women’s team to compete in the 2024 World Lacrosse Super Sixes tournament.

They played matches against Haudenosaunee and Canada playing each team twice over 11, 12, and 13 October, proving they can compete against some of the best in world.

The round robin stage saw British Lacrosse claim two wins over Haudenosaunee as well as a famous 12-11 sudden-death over-time win over Canada; their other game against the hosts ended in defeat.

This set up a third match against Haudenosaunee in the semi-final which British Lacrosse were unable to get through, losing narrowly 11-9 and finishing the tournament in third place but with a great deal of optimism for the future.

For more information about the USA Lacrosse Experience, click HERE, and to watch every British Lacrosse game from the World Lacrosse Super Sixes event, click HERE.

USA Lacrosse Experience

Men

Puerto Rico 16-14 British Lacrosse (5-2, 4-3, 4-5, 3-4)

British Lacrosse scorers | Alex Russell (3G, 2A), Lyndon Bunio (3G, 1A), Drew Bickerton (2G, 2A), Ben Page-Laycock (3G), Dan Jones (2G, 1A), Ryan Hunns (2A), Will Prescott (1G).

British Lacrosse saves | William Baxter 8 (9 goals against), Hal Dwobeng 7 (7 goals against).

British Lacrosse 21-18 Colombia (7-4, 6-8, 3-4, 5-2)

British Lacrosse scorers | Drew Bickerton (3G, 3A), Ben Page-Laycock (4G, 1A), Ryan Hunns (3G, 1A), Lyndon Bunio (2G, 1A), Tommy Kirkland (2G), Mike Pomfret (2G), Daniel Jones (1G, 1A), Will Prescott (1G), Alex Russell (2G, 1A), Luke Mills-Doig (1G), Will Shirt (1A).

British Lacrosse saves | Hal Dwobeng 4 (12 goals against), William Baxter 12 (6 goals against).

United States 26-17 British Lacrosse (5-3, 6-3, 7-4, 8-7)

British Lacrosse scorers | Lyndon Bunio (6G, 2A), Daniel Jones (5G), Alex Russell (1G, 3A), William Shirt (2G), Ben Page-Laycock (1G, 1A), William Prescott (1G), Tomos Rosser (1G), Drew Bickerton (1A), Ryan Hunns (1A).

British Lacrosse saves | William Baxter 8 (11 goals against), Hal Dwoweng 4 (11 goals against).

Women

British Lacrosse 17-13 Puerto Rico (4-4, 3-3, 9-2, 1-3)

British Lacrosse scorers | Georgie Southorn (5G), Lottie Robertson (2G, 2A), Liv Wimpenny (2G, 2A), Torz Anderson (3G), Alice Ripper (1G, 2A), Anna Neville (1G), Emma Oakley (1G), Tilly Shires (1G), Sofia Wise (1G), Sienna Parekh (1A), Emma Savage (1A), Dylan Whittington (1A).

British Lacrosse saves | Sienna Parekh 9 (10 goals against), Dylan Whittington 3 (3 goals against).

British Lacrosse 32-1 Colombia (11-1, 4-0, 9-0, 8-0)

British Lacrosse scorers | Torz Anderson (3G, 4A), Liv Wimpenny (5G, 1A), Sofia Wise (4G, 2A), Tilly Shires (4G, 1A), Anna Neville (3G, 1A), Alice Ripper (3G, 1A), Lauren Hart (2G, 1A), Emma Oakley (2G, 1A), Emma Savage (2G, 1A), Lottie Robertson (2G), Georgie Southorn (2G), Sienna Parekh (1A).

British Lacrosse saves | Sienna Parekh 5 (1 goal against).

United States 22-9 British Lacrosse (3-2, 9-4, 4-2, 6-1)

British Lacrosse scorers | Anna Neville (3G), Sofia Wise (2G), Emma Oakley (1G), Alice Ripper (1G, 1A), Emma Savage (1G, 1A), Liv Wimpenny (1G), Lottie Robertson (1A).

British Lacrosse saves | Dylan Whittington 10 (13 goals against), Sienna Parekh 4 (9 goals against).

British Lacrosse Total Scoring (USA Lacrosse Experience)

1. Lyndon Bunio | 15 (11G, 4A)

2. Alex Russell | 12 (6G, 6A)

3. Liv Wimpenny | 11 (8G, 3A)

4. Drew Bickerton | 11 (5G, 6A)

5. Dan Jones | 10 (8G, 2A)

6. Ben Page-Laycock | 10 (8G, 2A)

7. Torz Anderson | 10 (6G, 4A)

8. Sofia Wise | 9 (7G, 2A)

9. Alice Ripper | 9 (5G, 4A)

10. Anna Neville | 8 (7G, 1A)

11. Georgie Southorn | 7 (7G)

12. Lottie Robertson | 7 (4G, 3A)

13. Ryan Hunns | 7 (3G, 4A)

14. Tilly Shires | 6 (5G, 1A)

15. Emma Savage | 6 (3G, 3A)

16. Emma Oakley | 5 (4G, 1A)

17. Will Prescott | 3 (3G)

18. Lauren Hart | 3 (2G, 1A)

19. Will Shirt | 3 (2G, 1A)

20. Tommy Kirkland | 2 (2G)

21. Mike Pomfret | 2 (2G)

22. Sienna Parekh | 2 (2A)

23. Luke Mills-Doig | 1 (1G)

24. Tomos Rosser | 1(1G)

25. Dylan Whittington | 1 (1A)

Canada Super Sixes

Women

British Lacrosse 11-8 Haudenosaunee (1-2; 7-1; 2-1; 2-4)
BL Scorers: Hannah Whiteley (2G, 1A), Chess Gray (2G), Minty Loxton (2G), Anna Saunter (2G), Emily Gray (1G, 1A), Julie Wise (1G, 1A), Cece Green (1G), Millie Hughes (1G), Lucy Devine (1A), Loulou Rowlands (1A)

British Lacrosse 13-14 Canada (5-3; 1-4; 5-5; 2-2)
BL Scorers: Loulou Rowlands (3G, 1A), Cece Green (2G, 1A), Minty Loxton (2G, 1A), Ella Cohen (2G), Millie Hughes (2G), Georgie Greenwood (1G), Hannah Whiteley (1G), Chess Gray (2A), Lucy Devine (1A)

British Lacrosse 12-11 Canada (OT) 2-3; 3-3; 5-1; 1-4; 1-0)
BL Scorers: Minty Loxton (3G, 3A), Anna Saunter (2G, 1A), Lucy Devine (1G, 2A), Ella Cohen (2G), Cece Green (2G), Loulou Rowlands (1G), Hannah Whiteley (1G), Chess Gray (1A), Emily Gray (1A)

British Lacrosse 12-5 Haudenosaunee (3-0; 2-0; 5-1; 2-4)
BL Scorers: Ella Cohen (3G, 1A), Minty Loxton (3G, 1A), Emily Gray (2G), Chess Gray (1G), Loulou Rowlands (1G), Anna Saunter (1G), Julie Wise (1G), Lucy Devine (2A), Emilie Chandler (1A), Georgie Greenwood (1A), Hannah Whiteley (1A)

British Lacrosse 9-11 Haudenosaunee | 2nd v 3rd (4-4; 3-2; 1-2; 1-3)
BL Scorers: Minty Loxton (2G, 2A), Lucy Devine (2G), Chess Gray (2G), Cece Green (2G), Hannah Whiteley (1G, 1A), Emily Gray (3A), Julie Wise (1A)

British Lacrosse Total Scoring (Canada Super Sixes)

1. Minty Loxton | 19 (12G, 7A)

2. Cece Green | 9 (7G, 2A)

3. Lucy Devine | 9 (3G, 6A)

4. Ella Cohen | 8 (7G, 1A)

5. Chess Gray | 8 (5G, 3A)

6. Hannah Whiteley | 8 (5G, 3A)

7. Emily Gray | 8 (3G, 5A)

8. Loulou Rowlands | 7 (5G, 2A)

9. Anna Saunter | 6 (5G, 1A)

10. Millie Hughes | 4 (3G, 1A)

11. Julie Wise | 4 (2G, 2A)

12. Georgie Greenwood | 2 (1G, 1A)

13. Emilie Chandler | 1 (1A)

University Aspire Programme | Carter Clothier

With the second year of the England Lacrosse University Aspire Programme due to begin with two assessment days in October and November, we’ve spoken to some of the players who took part in the inaugural year of the Programme.

Carter Clothier first started playing lacrosse when he began studying at university three years ago; it started off as a social activity but quickly became a little more serious as he played more and increased his skills on the field.

Prior to starting university, Carter had been an exceptional short distance sprinter, competing at international level in both the 60m and 100m, and he found the transition from athletics to lacrosse relatively easy.

“I found that a lot I had learned from running was transferred very easily into lacrosse. Obviously most importantly my speed but using speed and turning it into a useful lacrosse skill took some time, as well as the physicality aspect. And the reason I switched was because I just really enjoyed the team aspect as that’s something I never really had with running.” 

As Carter became more serious about playing lacrosse, the England Lacrosse University Aspire Programme was the perfect opportunity for him to test out his skills and improve with the help of the Programme’s coaches as well as other members of the squad.

“The University Aspire Programme has helped me improve in every aspect of my game. The assessment days, although daunting, gave valuable feedback to help for the training sessions that followed as well as things I could take home and work on at university level.

“Having access to international standard coaching is always a privilege and the Lisboa Cup was such a nice way to get to put all that we had been working towards into practice.

“The biggest things that the University Aspire Programme has helped me with are technique, when it comes to stick work like passing and shooting, but also has helped me to massively improve my lacrosse IQ.” 

With two assessment days for potential 2024/25 members of the England Lacrosse University Aspire Programme coming up later this month and in November, Carter wants to encourage as many people as possible to get involved.

“This is a very unique opportunity to have access to coaching at such a high level. The whole point of the Programme is to help every single person that attends to improve.

“Even if you don’t end up making the squad, you will coached by some of the best in the country and that alone is worth it. Everyone is so friendly and it’s not as scary as it might seem.” 

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.

To identify possible 2024/25 University Aspire Programme athletes, England Lacrosse is hosting two assessment days: the first at Bath University’s Odd Down Sports Ground on Sunday 27 October and the second at Nottingham Trent University on Sunday 10 November.

Each assessment day will include men’s and women’s sessions lasting approximately two and a half hours each with lacrosse coaching from experienced coaches from within the England Perform Programme.

Assessment Days

Sunday 27 October
Bath, Odd Down Sports Ground
Men's Assessment | 12:00pm - 2:30pm
Women's Assessment | 3:30pm - 6:00pm

Sunday 10 November
Nottingham Trent University
Men's Assessment | 11:00am - 1:30pm
Women’s Assessment | 3:30pm - 6:00pm

1974 England squad to host Q&A evening

The 1974 England men’s squad who finished second at that year’s World Championship and are the last England team to defeat USA are set to host a special question and answer evening on Saturday 9 November.

Taking place a Cheadle Lacrosse Club, Greater Manchester from 7:30pm, the evening will also include players from the ‘74 squad entertaining the crowd with tales from the 1974 World Championship cycle and their lacrosse careers as a whole.

Tickets are available to buy for £12.50 which includes a complimentary bacon sandwich.

All money raised will go towards the fundraising pot for the England senior team ahead of their trip to Hungary for the 2025 ELF Men’s Championship next summer.

England Lacrosse launches university lacrosse players survey

England Lacrosse is delighted to, once again, launch our bi-annual survey for all university lacrosse players designed to monitor and measure the personal well-being and social outcomes of lacrosse participants at university.

The survey will enable us to evidence the impact lacrosse participation has on students' well-being, mental health and future prospects.

The anonymous information provided will enable England Lacrosse to understand the impact participating in lacrosse has on an individual’s well-being and social outcomes in the university environment and how we can adapt and develop the lacrosse offer at university to better serve the university lacrosse community.

Volunteer at BUCS 6s Championship this weekend

England Lacrosse is looking for volunteers to support the 2024 British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) Lacrosse 6s Championship taking place on Sunday 20 October.

Taking place at Surrey Sports Park, Guildford, the annual competition, that showcases the six-a-side version of lacrosse that will be seen at the 2028 LA Olympic Games, sees some of the best university teams battle it out to be named the best in the country.

There are a number of volunteer roles available, including table officials, stewarding, general competition assistant.

BUCS Lacrosse Sixes is the largest university lacrosse competition playing the Olympic Sixes version of the sport with the 2023 tournament seeing over 45 teams take part.

At that 2023 competition, the University of Nottingham claimed both the men’s and women’s Championship titles after wins over Nottingham Trent University and Durham University respectively.

In the Trophy competition, Nottingham Trent University 2s secured the men’s title and University of Nottingham 2s claimed victory in the women’s final.

Play at The Fly 2025

The Fly Sixes Lacrosse is now seeking player applications for our 2025 competition taking place on 17/18 May and 31 May/1 June next year!

Once again, our four men’s and four women’s teams will be back and ready to compete for The Fly Championship with games being played at venues in the north and south of the country.

The Fly is committed to placing players at the heart of our event, showcasing the best and brightest talent in the UK and the world, while supporting our aspiring athletes to develop and achieve within a performance environment.

The Fly has provided the platform for international Sixes stars to shine at The World Games and World Lacrosse Super Sixes events, and now you’ve got the chance to take to the same field in 2025.

The best Sixes players in the UK and the world will be on display this summer delivering high-level, high-intensity, and high-drama lacrosse in front of big crowds.

Player applications will be assessed anonymously by a selection panel to identify the top athletes across each of the men’s and women’s game to progress into the selection pool, ensuring an appropriate standard of competition that gives opportunities to both established internationals, and the brightest young talent coming through to be the future of the sport.

The Fly would encourage players from all backgrounds and experiences to apply and we welcome applications from players all across the UK, as well as players from throughout the international lacrosse community.

Player applications are open until Sunday 10 November.

Play in SBL's 2024/25 Winter Box League

Southern Box Lacrosse (SBL) has opened the player draft ahead of the 2024/25 Winter Box League taking place across four competition days in December and January.

Prospective men’s and women’s players have until 6pm on Sunday 17 November to register for the draft by completing the registration form and paying the £10 draft entry fee that will be refunded if not successful in the draft.

If successful, each player will be required to buy a £20 game pass for each game day they are involved in with the total cost to play in Winter Box League the same as in 2023/24 at £90.

The minimum age for the men’s competition is 18 while the minimum age for the women’s tournament is 16 and all players must hold a valid England Lacrosse membership and not be serving any domestic competition suspension over the period of the Winter Box League season.

Once the registration period closes, the draft will take place during the week commencing Monday 18 November where players will be distributed between the four men’s and two women’s teams.

Player Draft and Team Selection Rules:

• Team coaches may draft up to 25 players per team.

• Team coaches may protect a number of players from their 2023/24 squad. Such players pay the entry fee but cannot be selected by another team. The number of protected players for this season will be agreed in consultation with the Team Coaches.

• A player may decline protection and enter the draft as a free agent. In this scenario, the Team Coach can choose a different player to protect.

• A Team Coach or Team Manager who was a player for a different team last season may be one of the protected players for the team they are coaching or managing this season.

• The competition draft shall use a sequential draft with the pick order as per last year’s results. 

• Players not drafted will receive a refund of their £10 entry fee.

• The maximum size of a game day squad is 18 runners and up to two goalies, as per World Lacrosse box lacrosse playing rules.

• Players selected to be dressed for a game day will be required to purchase a £20 game pass from the SBL online store before midday on the game day. Players who have not purchased a game pass will not be permitted to play in the game.

• The SBL executive reserves the right to consider exceptional circumstances to the above rules.

Please note, SBL will be following England Lacrosse safeguarding good practice guidance.

2024/25 Winter Box League game dates are 8 Dec, 15 Dec, 5 Jan & 12 Jan. Subject to final game scheduling, games will commence at 12:30, 14:30 and 16:30. 

Equipment Hire

SBL has a limited supply of box lacrosse equipment that they will endeavour to make available to players to hire. The player application form captures details of those who wish to hire equipment.

England Lacrosse to host umpire mentor sessions

England Lacrosse is delighted to announce a series of umpire mentor sessions over the next four months designed for those umpires looking to progress through the officiating pathway.

With two sessions in October and two in February 2025, the umpire mentor sessions are suitable for current Level 1 and Level 2 umpires wishing to gain additional knowledge and insight which will aid them in progressing through the officiating pathway.

The sessions will be led by England Lacrosse mentors/tutors who are qualified at Level 3+ and will offer guidance, advice and practical knowledge of how to manage game based situations.

Costing just £10 per session, the sessions will be held at Brooklands Lacrosse Club, Heathfield School, and Berkhamsted School.

To book your spot on one of the umpire mentor sessions, click HERE.

Dates and Venues:
Sunday 20 October 2024 | Brooklands Lacrosse Club | 10am-4pm
Saturday 26 October 2024 | Heathfield School | 10am-4pm
Sunday 16 February 2025 | Brooklands Lacrosse Club | 10am-4pm
Sunday 23 February 2025 | Berkhamsted School | 10am-4pm

Match Focus | Sheffield v Poynton | NWLA Premier 1

On Saturday, in the third week of fixtures in the North West Lacrosse Association (NWLA) Premier 1, early league leaders Poynton take on sixth-placed Sheffield Steelers in Sheffield looking for a third win to maintain their perfect start to the season.

Poynton, who finished fourth last season, have so far played two and won two in 2024/25, defeating Heaton Mersey 12-7 on opening day and Mellor 23-1 last week.

They currently have the best defence in the league, conceding just eight goals in their two games, and have also scored the most with 35 goals, 13 more than any other team.

Sheffield have only played one match so far this season, a narrow and respectable 12-8 defeat away to last year’s flags finals winners and league runners-up Stockport, and head into this second game looking to get their 2024/25 campaign up and running with a first win.

Sheffield and Poynton have a rich history as lacrosse clubs with both teams celebrating significant milestones in 2023: Poynton celebrating their 50th anniversary with Sheffield turning 40.

Despite celebrating 50 years as Poynton last year, there has been a lacrosse club in the area since 1889 (Offerton Lacrosse Club) which eventually became a part of Poynton Sports Club in 1973.

In recent years, Poynton has been hugely successful, winning major silverware such as the 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 Flags titles and the 2018 Ken Galluccio Cup.

Since their formation in 1983, Sheffield Steelers has won six Bath Eights titles and has produced many talented players throughout the years including current England players and Nottingham Trent University first team captains Nathan Wilkinson and Will Locker.

Sheffield Steelers v Poynton faces off at Hallam Sports Park, Sheffield at 2pm.

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

NWLA Premier 1 Week 3 Fixtures

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

Coaching applications open for SBL's Winter Box League

Applications are now open for Team Coaches for the 2024/25 Southern Box Lacrosse (SBL) Winter Box League season.

Taking place over four Sundays in December 2024 and January 2025, SBL’s Winter Box League is entering its third season and will follow a similar format to last year’s competition; two women’s teams (Ravens and Blaze) will take on each other in the women’s league and four men’s teams (Capitals, Knights, Steelheads, and Hornets) will take part in the men’s league.

Each Team Coach will be responsible for selecting and coaching players throughout the 2024/25 Winter Box League, including during the draft process and competition days, and setting the standard for commitment, professionalism, and integrity for their team.

The Team Coach is expected to be available for each game day and will receive a £40 match fee plus up to £25 in travel at 40p per mile for each game day attended; it is recommended that the Team Coach is not a player-coach.

Team Coaches are responsible for recruiting a Team Manager, who will also receive a £40 match fee plus up to £25 in travel at 40p per mile for each game day attended.

Supporting the Team Coaches, Team Managers will be the primary contact with the league management team and their squad, and ensure the Winter Box League and their team are promoted in a professional manner on social media. Team Managers will also be responsible for team equipment, such as playing jerseys. Although preferable, the Team Manager does not need to attend each game day.

Applicants must have a valid England Lacrosse membership, be over the age of 18 at the time of application, not currently serving any form of suspension issued by a regional association or England Lacrosse, and hold a valid coaching qualification recognised by England Lacrosse of at least Coaching Field Lacrosse (Level 2).

2024/25 Winter Box League competition days:

•  Sunday 8 December 2024

•  Sunday 15 December 2024

•  Sunday 5 January 2025

•  Sunday 12 January 2025

All games will be held at the Oxford Academy 3G Dome, OX4 6JZ. 

To apply, email robert.gooch@gmail.com with the following information:

• Full name.

• Contact email and telephone number.

• England Lacrosse membership number.

• Any previous affiliation or preference for a Winter Box League team, including if you have a preference to work with a men’s or women’s team.

Applications close at midnight on Sunday 3rd November 2024.

The SBL Winter Box League management team will review applications and contact applicants within five working days of applications closing.

For more information, visit the Southern Box Lacrosse website HERE.