A sterling job for Stirling Lacrosse!

In September 2023 The Lacrosse Foundation (TLF) approved a grant of £5,718 to Stirling Council to help develop the game within central Scotland.

TLF’s grant funded 23 pop lacrosse sets comprising 12 sticks and 12 balls, 10 pairs of pop lacrosse goals and 10 sets of balls.

Lacrosse was not particularly well known in schools, as Stirling Council pointed out:

“The fact that many pupils had limited pre-existing knowledge or experience in lacrosse meant that it was an even field to begin with and this encouraged lots of pupils to come forward and take part [in the sport].”

The grant meant that lacrosse could be delivered in clubs and schools throughout Stirling, which previously was a challenge due to old, damaged equipment or kit with pieces missing.

The project was spearheaded by PE teacher and lacrosse coach Amanda McKie, whose aim was to introduce, grow, and develop pop lacrosse in approximately 10 primary schools and reach around 1,330 children. At the same time, the intention was to develop coaches knowledge and understanding of the game and how to lead and run sessions to ensure continued development.

The children who participated were aged between 5-12 years old and came from approximately 10 primary schools within central Scotland - Balfron, Callander, Crianlarich, Deanston, Doune, Drymen, Killearn, Killin, Riverside and Strathyre.

Stirling Council provided training, coaching resources and equipment for teachers, coaches and high school pupils. The hope was that the impact of this would be the growth and development of the sport through participation, local and national competition.

What has TLF’s grant meant for Stirling?

The new equipment TLF’s grant provided was successful in stimulating interest in lacrosse with children regularly attending a weekly lacrosse club, and leading and coaching during lacrosse P.E. lessons really well. This encouraged and helped other team members with their spacing and technique and gave the children, “a real buzz.”

The club finished the term with a lacrosse team tournament in school, which the pupils loved and the children’s interest in pop lacrosse grew to the point where they were attending interschool competitions.

Teachers also loved the sport, with one of them running an after-school club for 16 children and two teams competing locally and nationally. Due to the success of these teams, and the commitment and enthusiasm of the children, Sterling Council reported that:

“…the profile of the sport has been massively raised within our community. This has created a legacy where younger children look forward to joining the team when they are old enough and the older children go to secondary school looking for development opportunities. A club now runs at the secondary school.”

Killearn went on to become Scottish pop lacrosse champions, much like Strathblane in 2023, and to play at the English Nationals on the 26th June 2024 in Birmingham.

But this was not a straightforward road as funding was needed for the children’s trip because schools in Stirling are small community establishments.

The kids rose to the challenge by organising a bake sale which raised money for their trip and to support the sport within the community. It was also good fun and exciting, especially travelling to competitions and staying overnight in hotels.

How did they fare?

Killearn’s passion for, and skill in, lacrosse resulted in them taking third place in the Plate competition!

Overall, Stirling Council reported that:

“This project has been a huge success with many pupils taking up and demonstrating their love of lacrosse.”

So what does the future hold for lacrosse in Stirling?

Stirling Council has successfully conquered the schools, and is now setting its sights on promoting lacrosse to universities and clubs too. Who knows, we may be seeing more Scottish champions roaring across the lacrosse fields south of the border!