Beyond comfort zone and loving it
THE next generation of America’s professional lacrosse players tried their luck with an oval-shaped ball while in the Far North yesterday.
Beyond Sports have started their inaugural Australia Lacrosse Program, including stops in Sydney, Cairns and Melbourne, with 39 students representing different univer- sities across the United States.
While the group, made up of NCAA student athletes, played against local teams in Sydney and Melbourne, they did some cross-code training at Cazalys Stadium.
“They brought the right attitude as most of the girls had never even heard of Australian rules football,” Beyond Sports program director Grant Leslie said. “They love it and a few of them have played soccer so they well.
“They had a blast learning a different sport and experiencing that part of Australian culture.”
The trip is designed to use sport as a vehicle for exploring different countries and facilitating meaningful cross-cultural interactions.
Many of the girls on the tour will step into the US Women’s National Team once could kick reasonably they have finished their college experience.
“We have brought players from all over the United States who were selected on their performance from last season,” Leslie said.
“We have a good diversity of different universities from all over the country.
“There are a few girls on this trip that could go on to play in our semi-pro league – they are that calibre.”