Building Stronger Clubs, Growing Lacrosse Together

Practical support, tools and inspiration to help your club thrive.

Great clubs don't all look the same. Every club has its own ambitions, challenges and opportunities. However, the most successful clubs share seven common characteristics that help them attract, retain and develop people while creating positive experiences for their communities.

  • Lacrosse should fit around people's lives.

    People want different experiences at different stages of their journey. Great clubs offer opportunities that meet a range of needs and motivations.

    Great clubs:

    • Offer opportunities for beginners and experienced players

    • Support junior, adult and masters participation

    • Explore new formats and flexible playing opportunities

    • Help players transition between different stages of the game

    • Reduce barriers to participation

    • Respond to local demand

    Key Question

    Are we providing opportunities that meet the needs of our community?

  • Everyone should feel welcome, valued and included.

    A positive club culture helps people stay involved, build friendships and develop a lifelong connection to lacrosse.

    Great clubs:

    • Create safe and inclusive environments

    • Welcome new players and families

    • Celebrate diversity and difference

    • Listen to feedback and continuously improve

    • Foster strong social connections

    • Make everyone feel part of the club

    Key Question

    Would someone joining today feel they belong here?

  • Strong leadership creates strong clubs.

    Great clubs have leaders who provide direction, make informed decisions and create a positive culture where everyone can thrive.

    Great clubs:

    • Have a clear vision and purpose

    • Plan for the future as well as the present

    • Operate with strong governance and financial oversight

    • Put welfare, safety and inclusion first

    • Listen to and engage with their members

    • Recruit and develop future leaders

    Key Question

    Do we have the leadership and vision to achieve our ambitions?

  • People are the heart of every club.

    From volunteers and coaches to officials and committee members, great clubs invest in the people who make lacrosse happen.

    Great clubs:

    • Recruit and retain volunteers

    • Recognise and celebrate contributions

    • Support learning and development

    • Create opportunities for people to get involved

    • Match people to roles that suit their skills and interests

    • Build capacity for long-term success

    Key Question

    Do we have the people and skills needed to thrive?

  • Strong clubs are connected clubs.

    The more visible and relevant a club is within its community, the more likely it is to grow and succeed.

    Great clubs:

    • Build relationships with schools and universities

    • Work with local partners and organisations

    • Promote lacrosse within their community

    • Engage local supporters and sponsors

    • Create opportunities for community involvement

    • Demonstrate positive local impact

    Key Question

    How well connected are we to our local community?

  • Sustainable clubs think long term.

    Facilities, finances and resources provide the foundations that enable clubs to grow and prosper.

    Great clubs:

    • Have access to suitable facilities

    • Manage finances responsibly

    • Plan for future investment

    • Understand risks and opportunities

    • Make effective use of resources

    • Build resilience for future challenges

    Key Question

    Are we creating the foundations for long-term success?

  • Everyone's journey is different.

    Great clubs support players, coaches, officials and volunteers to learn, improve and achieve their goals.

    Great clubs:

    • Encourage personal development

    • Support player progression pathways

    • Develop coaches and officials

    • Provide mentoring and learning opportunities

    • Celebrate achievement

    • Help individuals fulfil their potential

    Key Question

    How do we help people grow and achieve their ambitions?