Mike Bartlett steps down as England Coach
England Senior Men’s Team Coach Mike Bartlett has announced he is stepping down from his role after over six years on the sidelines.
Bartlett’s tenure has taken in two major international tournaments: the 2023 World Lacrosse Men’s Championship in San Diego, USA where England finished sixth and the 2025 Men’s European Lacrosse Championship in Wrocław, Poland where England came third and won the bronze medal.
The past six years have seen the England team face challenges such as a global pandemic, the postponement and cancellation of tournaments, and major staff changes, but Bartlett leaves the England set-up in a healthy position as they look towards next year’s 2027 World Lacrosse Men’s Championship in Japan.
Bartlett was initially brought into the England coaching team in 2019 as an Offensive Co-ordinator by then Head Coach Steve Lydon who was preparing for the ill-fated 2020 Euros and has since held a variety of coaching roles within the team.
Bartlett took on the England coaching role alongside duties as Head Coach of the Spain national side where he had already gained experience of the 2018 World Lacrosse Men’s Championship, leading his team to 31st in the rankings.
Domestically, he had also coached with the England Lacrosse Academy as part of the U15 and U17 Talent Pathways, as well as the Cheshire County Team.
He is a long-standing coach at Poynton Lacrosse Club where he has won numerous Flag Championships, league titles, and European Club Championship trophies.
We thank Mike for his hard-work, dedication, and enthusiasm during his tenure and we wish him all the best as he once again takes up the Head Coach role with the Spain Senior Men’s Team.
In a statement on social media, Bartlett said:
“After dedicating the past six-plus years to the premier program in European lacrosse, I have made the hugely difficult decision to step away from the Team England sideline.
“During my time with England, we experienced significant change, unique challenges, and moments that tested everyone involved including COVID, tournament cancellations, and multiple staffing changes along the way. While the journey wasn’t always smooth, I leave knowing I gave my very best to the players and remained resolute in my commitment to the boys through some incredibly demanding periods.
“While it would have been easier (and probably self-serving) to walk away after the 2023 worlds, sticking by and standing with the group through the recent rebuilding proved to be one of the most rewarding parts of my coaching career. Supporting the players as they re-established pride in wearing the England shirt has been both an honour and a privilege.
“Although the colour of the medal last summer wasn’t what we all hoped for, I am immensely proud of the attitudes, effort, and togetherness shown at the European Championship. Those experiences both on and off the field will remain lasting memories for me going forward.
“While I will no longer be coaching the boys from the sideline, I will remain their biggest supporter and look forward to following their progress and growth as they build towards the World Championship in 2027.
“To all the players (selected & otherwise), coaches, staff, and the wider community who have supported along the way - thank you. I am truly grateful to have been given the chance to live the dream of coaching my country with pride.
“Tean England, it’s been an honour.
“Up The Lions.”