Lacrosse picking up steam in Torquay

A RETURNING six-week program in Torquay could mark the beginning of a lacrosse surge across the region, as the sport gathers interest in western Victoria and the possibility of a new league arises.

Hosted at Torquay Coast Primary School, the six-week program run by Lacrosse Victoria kicked off on October 18 and will run each Tuesday from 5.30-6.30pm until November 29 in collaboration with Leisure Networks in Geelong.

Leisure Networks program co-ordinator Greta Connell said buzz surrounding the sport is continuing to increase, so much so it approaches as one of the region’s fastest growing community sports.

“We’re seeing a growing interest in the sport, but no local opportunities,” Connell said before the program’s opening session.

“There are a lot of new people moving to the area with prior lacrosse experience and they don’t want to have to travel to Melbourne.

“It is definitely a sport the whole family can be involved in. That’s actually where we see the motivation coming from, it’s from parents who want to play in a senior competition and who want their children to get involved in a sport that they love.”

The ongoing six-week program caters to both junior and senior level play no matter one’s age, gender, skill level or ability.

“We had really good participation in our Term 4 program last year, as well as the first term of this year,” Connell said.

“Ultimately, we are hoping to build a regional competition across Barwon, Surf Coast and the Bellarine.”

The program’s other sponsors include TriBall Lacrosse, Quick Stix Lacrosse, Lacrosse Australia, School Sport Victoria and VicHealth.

Residents interested in taking on the remainder of the six-week program can do so by heading to bit.ly/torquay_t4_rego