Thinking out of the box

Northern Box Lacrosse was started in 2017 using outdoor facilities in Disley, near Stockport to give an opportunity to introduce existing field players to the Box format of the game.  This was the introduction to the game for a number of the players (and coaches) who went on to represent England in the 2019 World Championships and 2022 European and World Indoor Lacrosse Championships.

In 2022, Northern Box Lacrosse and its coach Andy Downing initiated a junior development programme in the nearby Macclesfield area at a number of local secondary schools.  The ultimate aim is to set up a new junior lacrosse club based at the Macclesfield Rugby Club, who are keen to accommodate lacrosse and to act as a central hub for the children from these schools.  

In May 2022, TLF approved a grant of £9.7k to provide sticks, goals, and goalie equipment, as well as funding to support the coaching in the schools.   This year, the game has been introduced to over 400 youngsters in Years 6-8 at four schools: Macclesfield Academy, Fallibroome Academy, Tytherington School and All Hallows Catholic College.  The next phase (in 2023) is to then extend this to include a number of primary schools (Years 4 & 5) in the local area, whilst also continuing the coaching in the four secondary schools.  

The Macclesfield area is well-situated as it is within a 20 minute drive away from established lacrosse clubs at Poynton & Wilmslow, and so offers the opportunity to expand the game incrementally.

Head coach Andy Downing told us:
“2022 has been a great year for our Macclesfield program in partnership with The Lacrosse Foundation and has seen an unprecedented level of growth providing an avenue for more people to get involved with the sport.  The KS3 students enjoyed a change of pace from their normal routine, learning the basics of lacrosse in an enjoyable and safe environment, while using the game as a way to teach team-building and other life lessons that can help these children develop as young people. In addition to the secondary school sessions, the Macclesfield program will partner with local primary schools in 2023, introducing lacrosse to more than 200 children, and we can’t wait”.

The new students of the game will have the opportunity to practice their skills in the same dedicated, supportive atmosphere at the new lacrosse facility based at Macclesfield Rugby Club. We aim to provide the community with an alternative opportunity in a different sport than the norm, and we couldn’t achieve this without the support and guidance of The Lacrosse Foundation”.