Grow the Game®

How Does England Lacrosse Grow The Game?
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How Does England Lacrosse Grow The Game?

As the World Indoor Lacrosse Championship 2015 moves even closer, we ask each nation exactly how they Grow The Game on home soil. These interviews reveal how each of the WILC nations work to not only grow the strengths of their national team, but how they are working to grow lacrosse throughout their country.

Now lets look at the growth of England lacrosse. We spoke with defenseman and organizer Joe Darkins about the changing landscape of lacrosse in England and what can be done to boost the game’s growth!

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LAS: How would you describe the lacrosse scene and the growth of the game in your country?

Darkins: The growth of box lacrosse in England is frustratingly slow. This is because of limited access to facilities. However, there are a number of box lacrosse teams appearing and there is a hunger for the game.

We see players hooked on the game as soon as they play for the first time and see the intensity. Hopefully within the next few years the first box lacrosse facilities will start to appear.

USA vs England 20-1 6.14.14

Recently, growth on the field lacrosse side was also stunted by the Home Office as they put a stop on visas for non-European coaches. You can learn more about #SOSLacrosse by checking out the previous LaxAllStars.com coverage of the situation.

What are some steps that those of us outside of England can take to better understand the lacrosse culture?

The English lacrosse culture is most probably like any other non-professional league in other similar countries. Players play for the true love of the sport and there is a strong social side to the game.

As you approach the national team stages, players take it more seriously but as mentioned below this is usually while juggling jobs and families.

What steps are being taken to grow the game locally in England for the short-term and long-term?

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The English Lacrosse Association is constantly trying to improve the standard and growth of lacrosse in England. This is through all levels from junior through to the national team in both women’s and men’s lacrosse.

From a box lacrosse perspective, at this stage it is about giving players access to facilities to play the game. Really in the UK there are only roller hockey arenas that allow any version of the game to be played.

London

The short-term goal is to bring to life these playing opportunities with a long-term goal of building a box lacrosse arena in England so that players can start experiencing why it is such a popular sport in North America.

Are there any opportunities for foreign volunteers to get involved with the growth of the game in England? If so, where can one find more information?

There is a Lacrosse Development Officer position for North American players to take advantage of with field lacrosse clubs.

More information can be found on the recruitment page fn the English Lacrosse website!

What steps is England taking to elevate the overall national talent pool?

ENGLAND WILC 2015

The English lacrosse teams are working hard to give all players access to the game. Elevating the talent pool comes from access to facilities, coaching, refereeing and most importantly letting players enjoy the game.

For the box teams at the moment, getting access to better opposition requires travel through Europe, so many of the box teams in the UK are seeking out tournaments and attracting players.

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Learn more about English lacrosse by checking out all of the other great LaxAllStars.com content from England.

If your interested in growing the game in England, visit the English Lacrosse website for more information.