National Lacrosse Committee update: shaping the future of school engagement

The National Lacrosse Committee (NLC) recently held a dedicated discussion on the future of school engagement, bringing together committee members and England Lacrosse staff to explore how the sport can build stronger relationships with schools, develop sustainable participation and create clearer pathways into lacrosse.

The conversation focused on creating a strategic, data-led approach that will help target resources where they can have the greatest impact while ensuring schools across the country receive consistent support and opportunities to grow the game.

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.

School Engagement Framework and strategic prioritisation

A key area of discussion was the development of a new School Engagement Framework, designed to help England Lacrosse focus its resources where they will make the biggest difference.

The proposed framework categorises schools and local areas into three groups: Hotspots, where strong school, club, and volunteer networks already exist; Warm Spots, where activity is emerging and requires additional support; and Organic Growth areas, where opportunities remain but long-term investment is currently limited by available capacity.

The NLC agreed that this strategic approach provides a strong foundation for future planning. Further work will now define the characteristics, performance measures, and support available within each category, ensuring schools receive a consistent experience while recognising the differing needs of communities across England.

A recurring theme throughout the discussion was the importance of clearly communicating England Lacrosse's role, whether that is connecting schools into existing local networks or providing more direct support where the sport is still developing.

School data collection and engagement dashboard

High-quality data was recognised as being essential to making informed decisions about where and how to invest resources.

Members discussed the challenges of relying on inconsistent school contact information, local knowledge, and activity delivered by external providers, all of which can make it difficult to understand the true picture of participation across the country.

To strengthen this, England Lacrosse is progressing plans to introduce a free state school membership and affiliation programme from September. The initiative aims to create direct relationships with schools while improving data collection and providing access to learning resources and support.

Alongside this, work is underway to develop a comprehensive school engagement dashboard that will provide greater visibility of teacher engagement, curriculum delivery, extracurricular activity, competitions, club connections, and participation trends. The dashboard will also help identify schools that may require additional support before engagement begins to decline.

Creating a consistent school offer

The NLC recognised the importance of creating a clear and consistent offer for every school engaging with lacrosse.

Future support packages are expected to include professional development opportunities for teachers, teaching resources, competition opportunities, school-to-club pathways, and recognition programmes.

While maintaining a consistent national approach, the offer will remain flexible enough to respond to the different needs of schools, volunteers, and local delivery partners across the country.

Recognition, incentives and school ownership

Members explored how recognition and incentives could encourage more schools and teachers to engage with lacrosse over the long term.

Ideas discussed included accreditation schemes, achievement awards, feeder school recognition, and leadership opportunities for teachers and schools. Providing priority access to equipment, funding opportunities, and additional support was also identified as a way of recognising sustained engagement.

The committee agreed that celebrating and rewarding schools should become an integral part of the wider school engagement strategy across both the state and independent sectors.

Workforce capacity and sustainable delivery models

Ensuring the workforce can support future growth was another major topic of discussion.

Members acknowledged the challenges created by limited workforce capacity, financial pressures, and the reliance on local volunteers to deliver activity. Rather than expanding through centrally delivered programmes alone, there was strong agreement that sustainable growth must be built around thriving local networks.

The proposed framework reflects this approach by encouraging self-sustaining delivery in established areas while targeting direct support where it is needed most. Aligning resources with realistic delivery capacity will help ensure long-term success.

Independent school network development

Alongside the wider school engagement strategy, the NLC explored opportunities to further strengthen independent school networks.

The proposed model centres on working with Directors of Sport and established schools to create regional hubs capable of hosting training events, festivals, and continuing professional development opportunities. By building on existing relationships and encouraging schools to support one another, the model aims to increase participation while reducing reliance on central delivery.

The discussion also highlighted the value of experienced individuals within the school game and the importance of continuing to draw upon their expertise to support future development.

Looking ahead, there is also ambition to strengthen links between independent and state school networks wherever local circumstances allow, creating a more connected school lacrosse community.

Use of adaptive formats

The short sided (Sixes) format was identified as an exciting opportunity to introduce more young people to the sport. With fewer players required, simplified rules, and reduced facility and equipment demands, Sixes offers an accessible format that is well suited to school environments and one which follows on from 5-a-side POP lacrosse.

Members agreed that placing emphasis on Sixes within future school programmes could help lower barriers to participation while supporting wider player development.

As preparations continue for the sport's Olympic future, Sixes is expected to play an increasingly important role in school engagement activity.

University development tournament update

The NLC also received an update on plans for a new university development tournament aimed at students who are not currently involved in British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) squads.

Positive feedback from universities has helped shape the initiative, with a dedicated working group now established ahead of a planned launch in September. The tournament is intended to complement existing university competition by creating additional playing opportunities and encouraging greater participation and retention within the student game.

Governance, transparency and stakeholder engagement

The meeting concluded with a discussion around governance and communication, reinforcing the importance of transparency and collaboration across the sport.

Members reviewed ongoing governance work, highlighting the need to share updates from subcommittees more regularly, seek feedback from stakeholders, and continue refining governance structures following recent consultation.

Strengthening communication and maintaining an open, accountable approach will remain key priorities as England Lacrosse continues to develop its strategic programmes.

Summary

The discussion demonstrated strong collective support for a strategic, evidence-led approach to school engagement. By improving data collection, creating a consistent national offer, investing in sustainable workforce models, and strengthening partnerships with both state and independent schools, England Lacrosse is laying the foundations for long-term growth and ensuring more young people can discover and enjoy the sport.

The next National Lacrosse Committee meeting will take place on Monday 17 August 2026.

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