National Lacrosse Committee (NLC) Update | June 2026

The National Lacrosse Committee (NLC) recently came together to review some of the key opportunities and challenges facing the game, with discussions centred around growing participation, supporting the workforce and ensuring the sport is well positioned for the future.

The meeting also marked a commitment to a more agile way of working, with members agreeing to meet monthly to drive progress on key priorities.

What is the NLC?

The NLC, chaired by an England Lacrosse Board member and comprised of appointed individuals recommended from the Regional Associations alongside identified individuals, who demonstrate specific knowledge or expertise to enable NLC to achieve its objectives, oversees and reports to the England Lacrosse Board on the implementation of the national initiatives, underpinned by safe, fair and equitable policies, which expand and develop the domestic recreational game for all and in all its forms. NLC is supported by the Regional Associations and Officiating Advisory Group.

Membership model review and data insights

A major focus of the meeting was the future of the membership model. Kerrie Worthington, supported by Paul Coups and Chair Natasha Dangerfield, led a discussion exploring how participation in lacrosse continues to evolve and how the current membership system can better reflect those changing patterns.

The NLC recognised that while membership data remains invaluable, there is an opportunity to improve how engagement across the sport is captured. By developing a more inclusive and flexible approach, the NLC hopes to gain a clearer picture of participation while ensuring the membership experience meets the needs of today's players, coaches, officials and volunteers.

School and university participation 

The NLC explored participation trends across universities, recognising the pressures many institutions and students continue to face. Financial challenges, changing student lifestyles and varying levels of engagement all present opportunities for new approaches to supporting the university game.

Alongside this, members reaffirmed the vital role that schools play in introducing young people to lacrosse. Strengthening school engagement remains a key priority, helping to create sustainable pathways into clubs, universities and lifelong participation.

Members received updates on several ongoing workstreams, including school engagement (including the work of the new Schools Forum Working Group), fixture support and relationships with university partners. The NLC also discussed continued efforts to expand coach education opportunities within schools, helping to develop both participation and the future coaching workforce.

School engagement will feature as a dedicated agenda item at the July NLC meeting, ensuring continued focus on this important area.

Workforce development and retention

Developing and retaining the volunteer workforce remains fundamental to the growth of lacrosse. The NLC reviewed current challenges around recruiting and retaining coaches and officials, acknowledging that attrition rates continue to impact the sport.

Discussions provided feedback and direction on existing development programmes as well as future initiatives designed to make training more accessible and improve long-term retention. Workforce development will be a focus of the August meeting. 

Action plan for membership and registration

To build on the discussion around membership, the NLC agreed to establish a dedicated working group to review the current membership and registration model. A working group, coordinated by Kerrie Worthington, will develop recommendations aimed at creating a more inclusive system while strengthening the quality of participation data collected across the game.

NLC operations and meeting structure

To improve momentum and decision-making, the NLC agreed to move to monthly one-hour meetings with focused agendas in July and August. This revised structure will allow members to concentrate on key priorities while encouraging greater collaboration between meetings through pre-submitted updates and discussion points.

The new format is designed to support faster progress and ensure the NLC can respond effectively to the evolving needs of the sport.

Any other business and NLC representation

The NLC also discussed opportunities to broaden representation by introducing a student representative. Bringing the student voice into the NLC’s discussions would provide valuable insight into the experiences of one of the sport's most important participation groups and help inform future decision-making.

Meeting Attendees

Chair: Natasha Dangerfield (England Lacrosse President), Alison Cara (North West), Mike Evans (Yorkshire, North East), Charlotte Williams (South West Women), Rob Ingham Clark (South East Women’s Lacrosse Association), Chris Wainer (Box), Olivia Hai (Independent), Sonya Dey (Independent). 

The next National Lacrosse Committee meeting will take place on Monday 20 July 2026.

If there are any questions about the NLC, please contact [email protected].