Sport of the Month London Lacrosse In London

What is lacrosse?

Lacrosse is a physical and strength-intensive team sport that involves two main pieces of equipment: a solid rubber ball and the lacrosse stick, a long stick with a metal netting attached to the end. The offensive game is played by using the stick to pass, catch and transport the ball with the objective of tossing the ball into the opposing team’s net for a score. Defensively, players are intended to prevent the opposing team from scoring using body contact, positioning and checking.

Originating in North America as a game played among Native American tribes, lacrosse is highly popular in New England and across the East Coast of the United States. It is increasing in popularity throughout Europe, but especially in London.

Two main types of lacrosse exist: field lacrosse and box lacrosse. Field lacrosse is the traditional game played outdoors with teams of ten: three attackers, three midfielders, three defenders and one goalkeeper. It is the most common type of lacrosse played internationally.

Box lacrosse is played indoors, usually on a hockey rink where the ice is removed and replaced by turf. Teams of six play this version of lacrosse, and it is quicker and more physical game than the traditional field lacrosse.

To be successful in the sport of lacrosse, the game requires superb physical fitness, endurance, strength and hand-eye coordination. Lacrosse offers many cardiovascular benefits and muscle development through the physicality of the sport, but lacrosse is also a sport of finesse when executed with proper coordination.

How do I get started?

While lacrosse is most popular on the East Coast of the United States of America, especially at universities, it is growing in popularity in the United Kingdom. London offers many club teams that operate through local leisure centres and independently with leagues, teams and lessons.

Prior to playing, obtaining proper equipment, especially protective gear, is imperative. In addition to the lacrosse stick, lacrosse requires substantial protective gear, including a helmet, shin guards, elbow and shoulder pads, and gloves. Lacrosse goalies are also required to wear chest pads.

To find the club nearest you, simply use Totally Sporty’s sport club directory: http://www.totallysporty.com/sport_club_venue/index.php

Two top lacrosse clubs in London are Spencer Club and Hampstead Lacrosse Club because of their active involvement in the lacrosse community, opportunities for growth and development, successful coaching and central location.

Spencer Club

Spencer Club is a large, friendly sports club in Earlsfield with excellent facilities for tennis, hockey, cricket, squash, racketball and lacrosse. Lacrosse is one of the club’s most active sports with three senior men’s teams competing in the English Southern League. Spencer Club has one of the top junior lacrosse clubs in the entire United Kingdom.

In addition to competing in UK-based lacrosse leagues, the lacrosse teams at Spencer League regularly play in individually hosted tournaments nationally and internationally.

For more information, visit http://www.spencerlax.com/

Hampstead Lacrosse Club

Hampstead Lacrosse Club is based in London, England, and has enjoyed a great deal of success over its long and proud history as one of England's oldest lacrosse clubs, established in 1882. A member of the South of England Men’s Lacrosse Association (SEMLA), the club currently fields one team in the South of England Premiership.

Hampstead is one of the most competitive lacrosse clubs in the United Kingdom, with a roster composed of English National team Players and previous national team competitors from the United, Canada, Australia and Japan. The club is a regular SEMLA Premiership champion, winning the trophy in 2008-2009 and in 2007-2008, an undefeated season.

Hampstead Lacrosse Club is based out of the Westway Sports Centre.

For more information, visit http://www.londonlax.com

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