A welcome boost for Plymouth University Lacrosse
Founded in 2008, The University of Plymouth Lacrosse Club has grown rapidly and after fifteen years boasts five teams – a Men’s and Women’s First and Second, and a Women’s Development Team – which cater to all levels of ability.
With 150 members, the club required funding in order to expand and develop the sport, so the University applied to the Lacrosse Foundation for a grant in August 2023 which we awarded in September 2023 to provide the club with the following:
• 6 x helmets
• 6 x pairs gloves
• 1 x goalie kit comprising stick, helmet with throat guard, gloves, chest pad and padded shorts
• £750 towards pitch hire for training of development players
The new equipment enabled the club to significantly accelerate the development of freshers and beginner players, allowing them to participate in multiple games alongside experienced teammates, an opportunity that was rare for first-year players in previous years. The grant has also resulted in the club developing the men’s teams.
As Ellie Cherrington, Club President, said:
“The development, particularly among our male players, has been remarkable. For the first time, we have a full Men's second team that can engage in dedicated friendlies, fostering player confidence and ensuring strong retention in subsequent years, a notable improvement from past difficulties in retaining male players.”
The club’s growth over the years, and especially in the last year, is proof that the sport is gaining popularity. According to one player:
“Lacrosse has made the biggest impact for my university journey. Going in as a complete beginner was scary but is 100% worth it. It is such a niche sport which makes it so much better and more enjoyable. I hope the work that the university club has done, helps to promote the sport in the southwest.”
Another club member said:
“I’d never seen lacrosse before going to university. Since joining the club, I have made a family at Uni and have grown to love a new sport. The hard work of the club really promotes the sport which shows with the crowds that attend our Varsity games. I'm so glad I have picked up a stick.”
So what does the future hold for the University’s lacrosse club?
With The Lacrosse Foundation’s grant, the club hopes to champion the growth of lacrosse in the South West. By providing Plymouth University’s Lacrosse Club with the funds, it enables them to train at more suitable facilities, and provides equipment which will benefit all members of the club.
Club President Ellie Cherrington concluded:
“Our project will make the club more accessible to all different levels of players and will help promote the game across the student community. Once graduated, these students will hopefully join club teams and continue to play the sport, helping to support TLF’s mission of growth and development across the UK.”