Lilyella Hart | University Aspire Programme spotlight
With the third year of the England Lacrosse University Aspire Programme due to hold their second set of assessment days this weekend, we’ve spoken to some of the players who took part in last year’s Programme.
Lillyella Hart first began playing lacrosse five years ago in 2020 after she wanted to learn something new and unique when arriving at university.
A netballer since primary school, Lillyella also tried her hand at rugby at university before picking up a stick and joining the lacrosse team.
After realising lacrosse is a sport like no other, Lillyella joined the England Lacrosse University Aspire Programme as part of the 2024/25 cohort.
“I wanted to push myself, meet new people, and get a glimpse into what it’s like to be an England lacrosse player.
“My favourite part was the training sessions and seeing the progression, and seeing this all come together at the Lisboa Cup: seeing everyone’s individual improvements and us gelling as team.”
With some 2025/26 assessment days still able to be booked on to, Lillyella wants everyone to get involved.
“Anyone contemplating it, should go for it! It’s a great opportunity to improve your lacrosse skills, make new friends, and represent your university and country!”
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
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