2022 calendar opener set to feature athletes from 15 countries playing the sport’s supercharged discipline
Eighteen games to be broadcast live globally via YouTube
VILA REAL DE SANTO ANTÓNIO, Portugal – Sixteen men’s and women’s teams from all over Europe will feature in the inaugural EuroLax Sixes Cup, which will take place this weekend in Vila Real de Santo António, Portugal. Setting the stage as the first international World Lacrosse Sixes tournament of the year, the EuroLax Sixes Cup will include athletes from 15 countries playing 40 games from February 25-27.
The historic event will serve as the first international Sixes tournament in Portugal and mark the international competition debut for a Portuguese national lacrosse team.
Organized by Portugal Lacrosse and the European Lacrosse Federation with support from World Lacrosse, the three-day event will be staged at the Vila Real de Santo António Sports Complex, and will feature parallel men’s and women’s tournaments. The format is the same for both genders, with the teams split into two groups for round-robin play and the top-four teams on each side advancing to the playoff round, with finals set for Sunday afternoon.
Participating teams in the men’s tournament include Belgium, Europe, Germany, Great Britain (Red & White), Portugal, Switzerland and Ukraine. The women’s side features Belgium, England U23, Europe, Germany, Great Britain (Red & Blue), Spain and Ukraine. The European men’s team includes athletes from England, Hungary, Italy, Scotland, Serbia, Spain and Wales, while the women’s team is comprised of European players from England, Italy, Netherlands and Portugal, with additional athletes from New Zealand and the United States.
A total of 18 games (all taking place on Field 1) – including at least one for each of the 16 teams – will be broadcast live via YouTube, with select matchups featuring expert commentary from Tari Kandemiri and Georgie Heath.
Over the course of the week, World Lacrosse is also delivering a series of free clinics for primary and secondary students from three schools: Escola Básica de Monte Gordo; Escola Básica 2, 3 D. José I; and Escola Secundária VRSA. Approximately 140 students will have the opportunity to experience lacrosse for the first time, learn essential skills and enjoy friendly competition. The clinics mark the beginning of Portugal Lacrosse’s initiative to bring the sport to a region previously unfamiliar with the game.
In addition, local physical education teachers will be among attendees at a World Lacrosse-led Sixes coaching clinic on Friday to learn more about developing a new lacrosse program. All clinic participants will have the opportunity to attend the EuroLax Sixes Cup.
Portugal Lacrosse GM Pedro Machado said: “The EuroLax Sixes Cup will truly be a showcase of our sport, with athletes representing 15 countries coming together for an incredible weekend of competition and a common goal of growing the game. World Lacrosse Sixes is opening the door for new nations to host and compete, and this event will not only help fast-track development, but will spread even more passion for lacrosse in this country and beyond.”
More information on the event can be found at EuroLaxSixesCup.com.
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