Round-up on Northampton Lacrosse
During the first term of 2018/2019 at the University of Northampton, recreational sessions were introduced by Chloe the University Lacrosse Officer (ULO). Five people had the opportunity to train as either a level one umpire, or coach, and the Women’s Lacrosse Team are back in BUCS!
Through England Lacrosse’s ULO Programme, a weekly recreational session has been introduced at the University of Northampton. Since the University only has a Women’s Lacrosse Team introducing a recreational session has been a fantastic opportunity to get more men back involved in playing the sport! It has also provided a great way for both male and female students to be able to stay active, meet new people and try a new sport without having to commit to joining a team and playing in BUCS. Jason a third year student who regularly attends the recreational sessions says “Having never played lacrosse before uni, attending the recreational sessions has been a fantastic experience where I’ve been able to learn a new sport and meet loads of amazing people in the process!”. Also, Amber the Treasurer of the Women’s Lacrosse Team has said that “It’s great that we have Thursday recreational sessions. We may be women’s lax but the men can get back involved and it’s all fun and games!”. So far, the recreational sessions have been a great success as the goal for number of participants for the end of the academic year has already been exceeded by the end of the first term.
Through the available workforce packages the ULO Programme has also allowed for four individuals to train up as a level one umpire and for one person to begin the training to become a level one coach. This has been fantastic for Northampton in developing lacrosse within the university as at the beginning of the academic year the university had no qualified umpires or coaches. Once the umpire courses were completed this led to the Women’s Lacrosse Team being able to arrange to have umpires at each of their games, meaning that none of their games following this have had to be re-arranged. It has also allowed for individuals to develop their personal skills; “I was also given the chance to train as an umpire which has been a great opportunity to develop my personal skills such as communication and team work!” – Jason.
The Women’s Lacrosse Team had taken a year out of playing in the BUCS League last academic year. However, this year they are back to playing competitively which has been great fun and has helped to develop skills and team work. The team’s Captain Eilis says “I love being back in BUCS, it gives our team a sense of purpose and achievement whether we win or lose and has put the game back in game day.”. Katie a newcomer to lacrosse has found being on the team to have positively impacted her university experience, “I joined the lacrosse team at the start of the academic year and I’ve loved every minute of it. Never playing it before, I was nervous when I got asked to play a game however, everyone in the team is so supportive and always pushes you to do your best! I could not meet a friendlier bunch of people who I now call close friends. Whether we’re playing a game, training or at our socials the lacrosse team know how to have a good time!”.
The University has had a very positive start to lacrosse for the year and everyone can’t wait to see this continue. If you’re interested in participating in lacrosse at Northampton University or have any queries, please contact Chloe at; Northampton@unilax.co.uk.