Why Lacrosse is the best sport to do at university

Compared to other sports societies, most people haven’t played it before

Don’t know what cradling is? Neither did we a year ago. Sussex Lacrosse was only founded in 2013 so the society itself is relatively new. Usually less than 50 per cent of those who come to taster sessions have played lacrosse previously.

Cheering on the boys

Due to this, when a newbie starts, we remember how it felt to come to our first session, or fifth

No judgement is passed…only balls. Although freshers look a little embarrassed when they don’t catch the ball for the third time in a row, no-one laughs or makes a negative comment. Lacrosse players are, on the whole, polite so expect support because we sucked too when we started.

All for one, one for all

It’s actually not that hard to pass, catch and cradle

The thought of playing hockey in the air is enough to put anyone off trying the sport, but practice makes perfect. You will look back and wonder how on earth you got to a professional standard in a month.

We all train and socialise together, rather than in ranks

There is no A, B or Z team with us. As a lot of students have not played lacrosse before, the captains understand everyone needs to learn. Therefore Sussex Lacrosse lets everyone who is available to play to have a go in matches. This builds a strong team spirit and destroys any nastiness between teams as there is only one.

You get to go to other universities for matches

It reminds you how lovely your university is. Plus the trips are fantastic bonding experiences. Remember those exciting school trips where you would go on a coach or a train with all your friends? Away matches are pretty much the same.

The stereotypes are wrong – we didn’t all go to private school

Wild Child certainly did not help with this one. Saying this, we are all guilty of hosting film nights and studying how we can get to movie standard.

Your team-mates will become your best friends

Lacrosse players are a very social bunch

If it’s drinks after training, casual chuck around in the sun or even food shopping, you can count on your teammates to keep you company.

You are immediately welcomed into a family

As we only have one men’s and one women’s team, everyone knows each other. Not a lot of people in other universities play lacrosse either in comparison to other sports so when you meet someone who does, an instant friendship is formed. You’ll end up talking to fellow lacrossians as if they were your siblings.

Once the season is over and the sun is out, we welcome BBQs, day drinking practices and trips out

The temptation to leave the library for alcohol and absorbing the sun can be a constant struggle. However, it is procrastination at its finest

It’s a great talking point

What is the stick called? How do you even run with it? The questions are endless but you don’t mind. You feel a sense of pride talking about your sport and having people genuinely interested.

You miss your team mates the most once you go home for the summer

They are always the ones I am most excited to see. Constant group chats to keep up with everything is the only way to survive.

So many innuendos at your disposal

Heaven forbid you enter the crease illegally. Make sure you always hold the shaft correctly.

There is a Men’s and Women’s team

We play the odd mixed match too. We mix all the time socially so that club nights don’t turn into a year 8 disco.

It’s not just for girls

One word: Varsity

Sussex Lacrosse Team entered BUCS this year, which meant we were able to play Varsity for the first time this year!

Getting close and personal with your team-mates

Dressing up for socials is the highlight of the week

You can have themes ranging from cool hats to bright and tight. Whether you love or hate Pryzm, dressing up and going as a team adds a whole new level to the experience.

If you fancy picking up a stick and joining Sussex Lacrosse, join the Facebook group ‘University of Sussex Lacrosse Club’