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.
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?