University is often where players pick up a lacrosse stick for the first time. At UoN Men’s Lacrosse Club, a huge influx of beginners this year has brought new energy to the club, helping it build three thriving teams with plenty of ambition for the season ahead.
It all started during Freshers’ Week, when over 120 people attended the club’s taster sessions having never played lacrosse before. That enthusiasm has created an amazing culture within the club, with new players learning together and supporting each other as they get to grips with the sport.
For the beginners, a milestone came with their first-ever lacrosse match against Birmingham 1s. They kept a clean sheet in the third quarter and drew 1–1 in the fourth — encouraging signs for players taking their first steps into competitive lacrosse.
The influx of players has allowed the club to build thriving second and third teams alongside its first team, giving both new and experienced players opportunities to develop and compete.
The first team is looking to pick up where it left off and win the league again, with its sights set on Big BUCS Wednesday and the chance to finally win the National Championship.
Meanwhile, a good mix of players across all years gives the second team strong leadership from experienced older players alongside plenty of skill coming through from younger members. Together, they are looking to challenge for the league title this year and for many years to come.
The third team consists entirely of players who had never played lacrosse before university. Already showing signs of great promise, they are keen to improve throughout the year and challenge for places in the second team.
From learning the basics together to competing for league titles, there is plenty to look forward to at UoN this season. We love seeing that initial Freshers’ Week enthusiasm develop into opportunities to play, progress and become part of a club, a reminder of the role university lacrosse can play in bringing new people into the sport.