Last weekend marked the first Girls’ National Academy sessions since the country was put into lockdown due to coronavirus at the end of March.
Despite some players missing out due to the Government’s 14-day quarantine rules after returning from overseas, 58 girls were still able to enjoy a two-day COVID-secure session at Nottingham Trent University’s Clifton Campus.
With the usual residential side of the sessions being cancelled to reduce the risk of spreading the virus, many of the girls travelled from all over the country each day as they were so keen to get back on the lacrosse field!
Players were asked not to travel to the Academy sessions if they were feeling unwell and, upon arrival, they had their temperatures checked while their family members remained in their cars.
They were then placed into three discrete groups operating in their own ‘bubble’ and with their own coaches.
Further, clear protocols had been set up to help reduce the risk of transmitting the virus with numerous hand sanitising stations, regular breaks to sanitise equipment, and a strict no sharing of equipment policy.
After months being forced to improve their ‘wall ball’ skills in their own back gardens, the girls came to the sessions with enthusiasm and determination and were keen to impress after such a long time away.
One parent, whose daughter was taking part in the National Academy session, remarked how brilliant it was to see her daughter playing lacrosse again.
“My daughter returned home exhausted but full of enthusiasm - it was nice to see that again.
“During the past five months, she has been working for our care home business and we are super proud of her, but is was tough on a 16 year old, so it was great to see her fired up and enthusiastic again”!
England Lacrosse National Performance & Talent Development Manager, Jane Powell, hailed the first Academy session after lockdown a huge success.
“It was great to see the Talent Pathway restarting and the level of skill and ability that we have in the girls ‘ game has continued to develop in lockdown thanks to individual motivation but also a physical programme that was sent out and had obviously been followed by the majority of the girls”.
A number of the girls are now moving on to University and England U23 Team Assessments and we wish them well as they enter the next stage in their lives and continue to play lacrosse.