Cobham Lacrosse has a non-selective admission policy and a ‘Sport for All’ philosophy. Our aim is to provide lacrosse playing opportunities for girls of all standards, help them improve their game and thrive in the Club. We aim to develop a young player to the best of her individual potential.
In addition to training, we play in the South-East Women’s Lacrosse League (SEWLA) junior and senior leagues. Match selection for our SE Women’s Lacrosse league games is done primarily on a first come, first served basis. It is not done on an exclusive/selective basis, nor do we have nominated teams selected at the start of each season. Instead, details of matches are released to age-group members approximately a week in advance of matches. Cobham Team Managers then look at the application list, primarily in order of signing-up, but also taking account of reliability. A player who has previously pulled out at the last minute or not turned up for a fixture without notice may find this affects selection. If we have too many players applying, we keep a note of names, and those players not successful in the first instance get a place on the team for the next fixture.
SEWLA is part of England Lacrosse along with the other regional bodies. It is not a pathway directly to the England Lacrosse national teams, but offers occasional regional events at a higher level to Club lacrosse. SEWLA offers an annual opportunity for club players at U15 and U18 to trial for selection for the annual SEWLA Supercounties event, with U15 and U18 teams selected to play in the multi-regional 'Supercounties' events. Clubs nominate players for the selection rounds, but SEWLA then select the teams to take part in the Supercounties regional tournament. The trial process and then the actual Supercounties event afford players the opportunity to have their play evaluated by experienced senior players and officials, some of whom work for/play for the England Lacrosse Association/England Senior Women's Team. The tournament itself produces play at a high level.
Selection for the England Lacrosse Regional and National Academies is carried out as part of the England Lacrosse Talent Pathway. This identifies individuals who are currently in school year 8 and above and who have the potential to represent England at junior and senior international level. While most nominations to the Pathways come from lacrosse playing schools, clubs also may nominate and provide player pathway from their different pool. Our Club is approached annually by England Lacrosse to nominate players for these trials, and our coaches may put forward nominations at U13 and U15 levels.
For girls hoping to play for national teams other than England, our coaches can provide information direct to their selection boards. It should be noted that Scotland, Wales and Ireland hold open trials as opposed to a selection process.
