Not Just A Posh Girls Sport – The Remarkable Reinvention Of Lacrosse

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Lacrosse, a sport once associated with elite private schools, is undergoing a remarkable reinvention. According to Alex Russell, a British lacrosse international and state-school-educated IT accounts manager, the sport is no longer just for the wealthy and privileged. In fact, the majority of lacrosse players in England are now from state schools, with 32% of male players coming from community clubs. This shift is significant, as it challenges the long-held perception that lacrosse is a posh girls' sport.

In the southeast of England, where lacrosse has historically been more prevalent, there is still a common misconception about the sport. When Russell travels south, he is often met with the assumption that lacrosse is exclusively for women. However, in the north, particularly around south Manchester, there is a greater understanding of the sport's male component. Here, Russell is part of a growing group of male lacrosse players who have emerged from community clubs.

The reinvention of lacrosse is not limited to the gender dynamics of the sport. The sport itself is evolving, with new rules and equipment being introduced [+]

T here tends to be a stark geographical divide behind people's responses when star player Alex Russell describes himself as a British lacrosse international. The further south he goes – around London and the southeast of England – Russell is accustomed to a familiar refrain: "Lacrosse? Isn't that a posh girls' sport?"

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