E News March 2011
DEVELOPMENT
East Anglia
Norwich LC is rising from the ashes of the East Coast team that played until the end of last season. Nick Spacey has linked Langley School were he helps out coaching, the University of East Anglia and a few locals to form a new club. Langley School received support from the Centurions last autumn so it's very pleasing to see them joining in this venture. The University plays on Wednesdays in the BUCS [British Universities, and Colleges Sports] league. Nick has recovered what is left of the East Coast kit and The Centurions, with SEMLA support, are supplementing this to help get the club going. And so a new nucleus is born.
Down in Colchester the new Colchester club prospers with links to the local universities. They have three schools lined up and eager to start playing our game. Currently, we are working with the ELA to evaluate how we can best help them move this forward.
South Coast
Bournemouth is the latest university to join the south coast expansion added to Brighton, Portsmouth, Southampton it builds depth in this region. Nick Roberts and Paddy Peacock have a large group of players attending practice. The Centurions, with the help of the South of England Lacrosse Educational Trust [the only lacrosse registered charity], have funded a set of kit. Next season they will be joining BUCS.
SPORT ENGLAND INVEST IN UNIVERSITY LACROSSE
The ELA has been awarded £300,000 Lottery funding by Sport England to develop university lacrosse. It's a great opportunity to continue the success of the game in universities and The Centurions are, of course, eager to help where we can. More details on the ELA website.
STAN SMITH AWARD 2011
This year's cheque for £100 goes to Tom Brunner. Tom is responsible for the lacrosse explosion in Plymouth. Each supported by The Centurions, the town club, MarJons university and now a schools league have all been driven by Tom's enthusiasm for the game. Still in his early 20's Tom is a worthy representative of the many youngsters now pushing the game forward.
CENTURION SEMLA SIXES
These will take place at The Blues Clockhouse ground in Woodmanstern SM7 3HU on 16th April starting at 11.00am. There will be a barbecue and bar and spectators are welcome. I still need some more help to CBO the games. Basically, that's just keeping the score and timing penalties. No experience needed so if anyone fancies coming along, enjoying the lacrosse and helping out do let me know.
NORTHERN UNIVERSITIES SIDE
The Northern Universities side is looking to spruce themselves with new kit. Centurion Peter Nadin is raising funds and reports:
“They have a great squad of players, I can vouch for this as I have ref'd them many times on Wednesday afternoons. The problem is that the squad look and feel like poor relations, particularly in the Regional Championships or playing against International Touring Teams, as their playing kit is, to say the least, well worn, shabby and not even all matching! It would be a real confidence boost if they at least looked the part.”
Peter would be very grateful for any support we can give and I'm happy to pass on funds for him.
COUNTY TOURNAMENT
Anyone in the Reading area may care to come along to the revived County Tournament to take place on 14th May at Reading's ground. President Mundy is finalising arrangements but expect a late morning face off.
AGM
The Centurions Annual General meeting will be on 10th May at The Market Porter Public House, Stoney Street, London SE1 in the evening. Papers will be sent out in due course. We'd like to consider a rise in subscriptions. These haven't risen for several years and there are an increasing number of opportunities to expand our game. If anyone has thoughts on this or fund raising in general do let me know.
All the Best!!