England Lacrosse is deeply saddened to hear of the death of former CEO of the organisation and pioneer in the sport David Shuttleworth on Sunday 1 November 2026 following a brief illness.
David was a much loved and dedicated member of the lacrosse community who, as CEO of the English Lacrosse Union looking after the men’s game, was instrumental in the forming of a single governing body for the sport in England in the 1990s.
David then became the first ever England Lacrosse, or English Lacrosse Association as it was then known, CEO and turbo-charged the game, introducing the Lacrosse Development Officer (LDO) programme that saw overseas players grow the game in clubs and schools across the country and POP Lacrosse as a new, cost-effective format of the game for young people.
With a passion for growing the game especially among young people, David helped to instate the inaugural World Lacrosse U19 Championship, laying the groundwork for a pathway of development to full international honours for players all over the world.
His passion and persuasiveness gained thousands of pounds in revenue through sponsorships of the Northern Flags Festival and the leagues in the north and helped bring the whole world to Bury in 1994 for that year’s World Championship.
As a player, David was a stalwart at Timperley Lacrosse Club and represented England at the first ever World Championship in Toronto, Canada 59 years ago in 1967.
David’s family has selected to have a direct cremation with no funeral ceremony to attend; the plan is to hold a celebration of David’s life at his beloved Timperley Lacrosse Club early in 2027.
England Lacrosse’s thoughts and sympathy are with David’s family and friends during this very difficult and sad time.