Richmond to enter SEMLA leagues for first time

Richmond Lacrosse Club will take part in South of England Men’s Lacrosse Association (SEMLA) league and cup competitions as an independent club from next season after its application to compete was approved last week.

Following a successful pilot season in 2024/2025 where Richmond ran a joint team with Hillcroft under the moniker Richcroft, Richmond will now compete across the SEMLA senior men’s leagues and cup competitions independently for the first time which is crucial development for the club, providing a clear pathway for their junior boys to transition into the senior game.

Founded in 2021 to introduce lacrosse to youngsters in West London, Richmond have been hugely successful as a junior club, running under-8, under-10 (both mixed), under-12, under-14 boys, and under-13 girls teams.

After growing expontentially in just three years, Richmond teamed up with nearby Hillcroft last season to put together a senior team to compete in the SEMLA leagues.

This team was hugely successful going unbeaten throughout the season, winning seven out of seven games with 22 players representing them, which ultimately led to the application to SEMLA for Richmond to become an independent club.

Richmond Lacrosse Club’s Captain Matt Blom said:

“We’re so excited to be recognised as an independent club for the 2025/2026 SEMLA season and we can’t wait to get stuck in after getting a taste of things with Richcroft last year.

“We’re on the look out for players in the West London area right now so if you fancy joining us on this journey, feel free to get in touch!”

To find out more about Richmond and how to join their senior team for next season, head to their website HERE or send them a message directly on [email protected].

Richmond Lacrosse Club launches senior programme

Richmond Lacrosse Club, known for its successful junior programme, has launched a brand new senior men’s programme for the 2024/25 season.

Teaming up with London neighbours Hillcroft, Richmond has entered a senior men’s team into the South of England Men’s Lacrosse Association (SEMLA) local leagues under the name Richcroft, featuring players from both clubs; an opening day 13-7 victory over Spencer 4s has put them top of their league.

As their senior men’s programme grows over the next few months, Richmond hopes to enter a team full of their own players into the league next season.

Richmond has been targeting students at the local St Mary’s University, ex-players, and parents of their juniors to join the new programme and there is now over 30 interested players.

Add this number to the 30-40 juniors they have across several age groups and Richmond has almost 100 players involved in lacrosse. Not bad for a club that was only founded in 2021!

By teaming up with their London neighbours, Richmond has been able to share Hillcroft’s King’s House Sports Ground, Chiswick as well as host several guest coaching sessions featuring some of their coaches to help their new players get match ready ahead of the 2024/25 season.

Richmond is hoping to continue to nurture relationships with Hillcroft as time goes by but, in the meantime, Richmond is inviting anyone and everyone to register their interest in playing for their senior men’s team whether they’ve played international lacrosse or are completely new to the sport.

Co-founder of Richmond Rob Arnott sees the introduction of a senior programme as vital to the future of the club.

“The senior programme is a big step towards us growing out and becoming a fully fledged lacrosse club. We want to have a place for our juniors to play once they turn 16, and by providing a team for their parents and some of our coaches, it has immediately helped to emphasise the community sports club focus of Richmond! 

“We'd love to add a women's programme to the club too and are on the hunt for anyone who wants to work with us to lead that project.”

Over the next few months, Richmond is hoping to host some training sessions and social events and anyone interested in getting involved should send an email to [email protected] to be added to the WhatsApp group.