The Try Lacrosse program was done through an initiative sent out by Sport Canada. The community sport for all grant allowed us to create this try lacrosse program in some of our smaller MA's. Our CSIA program implementation allowed us to connect with our Member Associations who are responsible for grassroots programming and outreach to under-represented communities in every province. We were able to bring try lacrosse programs to six of our small MA’s who delivered them to girls, indigenous communities, BIPOC girls, and newcomers to Canada. These programs supported equipment for future program development in these communities. It allowed our facilitators to work with youth to bring basic skills of lacrosse to them in a fun and welcoming atmosphere. We shared our love of our sport with them and their engagement with the sessions inspired those whose delivered them. Often, this participant group are from low-income situations and by providing transportation support to come to the venues, we took those barriers away. Those who attended the sessions where very appreciative and the smiles on their faces illustrated the value of sharing sport with those who often do not have access. This funding helped us to create legacy pieces to help develop and deliver future programming. We are thankful for having this funding opportunity to ‘grow our game’ and share its indigenous origin as ‘the Creator’s game’.
This initiative allowed our smaller member associations to provide programs that they would otherwise not be able to afford. For sports like lacrosse who traditionally male dominated, we were able to reach underserved populations of girls, indigenous youth, newcomers to Canada, BIPOC girls to help us become a more inclusive and diverse. The programs helped us to create awareness around EDIA opportunities, made the try lacrosse programs affordable.
With this program we were able to reach approximately 350 new female athletes over 12 different locations. Our focus was on girls programs as we continue to make strides in the women's game. We also included coed newcomers, BIPOC programming and programs in indigenous communities. This type of program is what ties lacrosse communities together by learning from each other about their cultures, background, and supporting each other through language barriers, etc. In some cases, participants have joined some of the lacrosse in-season programs being offered. We believe that the grass roots are the foundation for lacrosse in our country, and this program has allowed us to grow the game in places where they may not have had the opportunity before hand.
Along with the program itself, we were also able to create Try Lacrosse video, that goes over the basic skills used in lacrosse. This video can be used to show the different diverse communities what our national summer sport is about, and opens a gateway for them into our sport. The video also includes all of the contacts for our member associations so they have a direct path to play their sport in their respective province.
Below you can find our first ever Try Lacrosse video along with some beginner drills for players just starting to play and a process on how we can remove barriers in lacrosse. If you have any more questions about this program please reach out to admin@lacrosse.ca
HUGE thank you to Carolyn Toll and Cheryl McNeil for helping coach the new players and help us create this video.
Video shot by Neville Madill