Kalli Coburn | University Aspire Programme spotlight
With the third year of the England Lacrosse University Aspire Programme due to begin with four assessment days in November and December, we’ve spoken to some of the players who took part in last year’s Programme.
Kalli Coburn hasn’t been playing lacrosse for very long after first picking up a stick two years ago when she began studying at university and wanted to experience a new sport and learn the new skills that come with an unfamiliar discipline.
“I transitioned to lacrosse from other sports, including athletics and gymnastics. Although these are very different sports, I’m grateful I made the change, as it allowed me to discover a passion for lacrosse.”
After establishing herself as a steady player in her university team, Kalli wanted to gain a higher level of experience and saw the England Lacrosse University Aspire Programme as a way of doing this.
“I applied to the University Aspire Programme to challenge myself by training alongside experienced teammates and skilled competitors.
“I wanted to learn from elite coaches, receive feedback to improve my performance, and continue developing my skills.”
After attending the training sessions throughout the year, Kalli was delighted to be selected as part of the squad to compete at the Lisboa Cup in Lisbon, Portugal in July.
“The chance to represent England in Lisbon was a great opportunity and my favourite part of the experience was our first win at the Lisboa Cup. We all ran onto the pitch to celebrate together, and it was a truly special moment for the whole team.”
Being a part of the University Aspire Programme has been an unforgettable experience for Kalli and she’s got a simple message for anyone thinking of applying for the 2025/26 season.
“Honestly, just go for it!
“Some moments can be challenging, but the experiences and skills you gain make it completely worthwhile. You grow so much as a player throughout the Programme and meet some great people along the way.
“It’s an experience I am so grateful for and I’d highly recommend to anyone considering applying.”
The England Lacrosse University Aspire Programme aims to identify athletes who are not currently a part of any England Lacrosse programmes but have the potential to progress into the England Lacrosse Perform Programme.
To identify possible 2025/26 University Aspire Programme athletes, England Lacrosse is hosting four assessment days in the north and south of the country.
Each assessment day will include men’s and women’s sessions lasting approximately three hours each with lacrosse coaching from experienced coaches from within the England Perform Programme.
2025/26 University Aspire Programme Assessment Days
Session 1
Loughborough University | 9 November
Women’s | 8am – 11am
Mens | 12pm – 3pm
UWE (Lockleaze Sports Centre) | 16 November
Women’s | 10am – 1pm
Men’s | 2pm – 5pm
Session 2
Loughborough University | 7 December
Men’s | 9am – 12pm.
Women’s | 1pm – 4pm
UWE (Lockleaze Sports Centre) | 14 December
Men’s | 10am – 1pm
Women’s | 2pm – 5pm