Lacrosse Takes the Win at Canterbury Christ Church University Sports Awards

Canterbury Christ University Lacrosse Club have witnessed a fantastic end to the season, catching five nominations at their University Sport Awards. The club were nominated in three categories: Team of the Year, Committee of the Year, and Most Improved Club of the Year; while two individuals also took nominations for Coach of the Year and Sports Person of the Year.

Canterbury’s Women’s Team took the trophy for Committee of the Year, fulfilling their aspirations since the start of September. Its committee set an internal goal to establish a welcoming club which integrated pre-existing players and students with no experience alike. The committee has collaborated on administrative work, creating and coaching enjoyable training sessions, supporting every player, and creating a safe space where every member feels included.

Lacrosse players also took various individual awards, including full colours for University Lacrosse Officer, Sarah Gourrege (Women’s Captain), Olivia Gill (Women's Captain and President) and Reece O'Connor (Men's President); in addition to half colours for JP Oulton, James Baits (Men's Captain and Social Secretary), Alice Barber (Women's Vice Captain), and Emily Milton.

Joseph Burnett was also recognised as Coach of the Year, after leading Canterbury Women’s and Men’s teams for the last 10 years. Sarah said “Joey has been an incredible coach, he has been coaching lacrosse since he left university, [and] spending time overseas doing outreach work while coaching less fortunate kids”.

Sarah Gourrege also left the evening with Sports Person of the Year award. Since getting into lacrosse only two years prior, she has become an invaluable addition to the club, saying she “absolutely loves lacrosse and pours her heart into every match”. Sarah has also taken a number of internal wins with the club, including a Varsity award and recognition as top goal scorer.

On the topic of Varsity, the club played its annual match against the University of Kent last month. It was a close game for Canterbury’s Women's Team and an unfortunate loss for their Men's team. Their Women’s Team also travelled to St Mary's, London on 29th April, for the BUCS Conference Cup Final. It was the furthest the club have ever made it in the competition before and, despite taking a defeat, Sarah explained everybody from the club were “still super impressed and proud”.