England Lacrosse is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of European Lacrosse Federation (ELF) President and former England Lacrosse Board Member Ron Balls who passed away over the weekend at the age of 80.
A former secretary general of World Lacrosse, Ron’s lifelong commitment to lacrosse spanned decades and continents.
Having started playing the sport when introduced by a friend aged 20, Ron played his club lacrosse at Buckhurst Hill Lacrosse Club before going on to play at county and South of England level.
He was involved in the governance and administrative side of the game from early on in his career, helping to organise the competitive league structure in the South of England for 35 years from 1969 until 2004.
In 1997, Ron was elected to the England Lacrosse Board having already been a member on the Board at the English Lacrosse Union that oversaw the men’s game in England.
He was a huge advocate for and a vital part of the discussions around the merger of the men’s and women’s organisations into a single National Governing Body in the late 90s.
During his 19-year stint on the England Lacrosse Board, Ron oversaw a huge increase in participation in the sport, especially in the university sector, while also playing a fundamental role in England hosting six major tournaments between 1978 and 2010.
In 2006, Ron turned his attention to international affairs as he joined the International Federation of Women’s Lacrosse Associations/ILF Unification Board, which later became the Transition Board leading to the formation of the Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL), now World Lacrosse.
Two years later, he was elected as an FIL Board member responsible for finance and continued with a Men’s Competition Committee role.
Ron was a powerhouse in the lacrosse community and played an instrumental role in advancing lacrosse in England, across Europe, and around the world.
His leadership and steady presence undoubtedly helped shape the global lacrosse community we know today and, for that, we are forever indebted to him.
Former England Lacrosse Board Chair (2012-16), World Lacrosse President (2017-2024), and long-time friend to Ron said:
“Ron’s passion for, and knowledge of lacrosse and people in lacrosse, both in England and around the world, is legendary and he leaves an indelible footprint.
“He was tireless and immensely generous with his time encouraging individuals around the world, whilst keeping roots in England.
“Ron was a prime mover in the merging of men’s and women’s lacrosse in England and later internationally. Renowned for administration, his real enthusiasm was for lacrosse competition matters which he described as the ‘fun’ part.
“Ron was both a mentor and a friend to me for over 40 years and he will be greatly missed. Lacrosse had been a considerable part of his life and it is good to know that he was still influencing and discussing right to the end.”
England Lacrosse extends its heartfelt condolences to Ron’s family, friends, and the entire lacrosse community at this difficult time.
His impact, leadership and love for lacrosse will never be forgotten, and his spirit will remain part of the game he loved so deeply.