Phoenix look ahead to first full season
NEWBURY’S newest sports club is looking forward to more successes as it prepares for its first full season.
In March 2022 Phoenix Lacrosse Club was launched to bring competitive lacrosse to girls across the district.
And in just its first half season the club has welcomed 53 permanent members, who have taken part in 309 training sessions, totalling more than 450 hours in just three months.
They have competed in 40 matches, including two tournaments, and have eight members training with the England Lacrosse Talent Pathway.
Also, 11 girls took part in Regional Academy Assessments in July.
Chair of the club, Alan Moon, said they had “enjoyed an amazing first half season”.
“From the first training session, to our first match and official club launch, the players, parents and committee have enjoyed every moment,” he said.
“In addition, we hope to start a women’s team next season to increase the revenues of the club and create an additional pool of coaches for the younger seniors and juniors.”
The club has also implemented a successful outreach programme.
Between May and July it held 19 sessions at seven state primary schools across West Berkshire and North Hampshire – from Burghclere and Woolton Hill, to Calcot and Cold Ash.
In total, the club reached 123 children, with sessions led by three coaches who were supported by 16 young volunteers from among its members.
Mr Moon added: “We have been successful in launching and building a club, which has started to carry lacrosse beyond the foundation of St Bart’s School and it is our hope in the longer term that local primary and secondary schools will teach and play lacrosse as part of their curriculum.”
More details on the club can be found on its website at www.phoenixlax.co.uk
This season has began just as successfully, with more than 20 young people attending the club’s taster sessions earlier this month.