Background:

Over the past five years, Heaton Mersey Lacrosse Club has been working hard to revive its junior programme. By engaging local primary schools, delivering good-quality coaching, and running weekly sessions, the club has gone from fewer than 20 junior boys to 120 boys and girls across a range of ages.

The Application:

However, such rapid growth comes with its challenges. For the boys in particular, who each need a junior-sized helmet and other protective equipment, playing kit can quickly become sparse. With the U12 programme using most of the kit, there’s simply not enough to go around.

Heaton Mersey approached The Lacrosse Foundation seeking a medium-sized application to help tackle this issue. Their plan laid out an approach to help retain enthusiastic young players, who without access to suitable equipment might be tempted by other sports.

Coupled with their own fundraising efforts, the grant would ensure a steady stream of junior boys into the club over the next five years.

The Result:

The Foundation awarded the club £3,600 to help provide playing equipment for 20 junior U10 boys. With the new kit the boys will be able to practice properly and, most importantly, play competitive full-field games against other local clubs.

Junior Head Coach at Heaton Mersey Lacrosse Club, Richard Smith says “The Lacrosse Foundation has been fantastic in its support of our junior development at the club. We share a passion and determination to grow the game and without their support this would most certainly have been held back or even lost.

“They have given an opportunity for us to give a great and enthusiastic group of under 10 boys the opportunity to play field lacrosse in full kit. You should have seen their faces when they saw it!

“We owe a huge debt of gratitude to TLF. Thank you!”