The Ivory Coast is hosting its first-ever National Lacrosse Cup on December 21 with six clubs from across the country.
The nation become an associate member of World Lacrosse in 2023 and is one of 15 members in the Africa Association of Lacrosse under the governing body Federation Ivoirienne de Lacrosse.
The goal of the first-ever national competition is to develop lacrosse with a national platform, raise awareness for the sport and strengthen each of the local clubs.
“The 2024 National Lacrosse Cup aims to promote sporting excellence while strengthening bonds within the lacrosse communities in Côte d’Ivoire,” said Oule Julie Noelle, the president of the FIVL. “It embodies our vision to unite and inspire youth through this sport.”
Ivory Coast has participated multiple times in the Wildfire Festival, held in Ghana with nations across the AAL to share information development best practices and provide a platform for competition. In 2024, Ivory Coast placed second with just one loss to Ghana in a sixes event at the festival.
Governing bodies in the AAL are working towards more regional competition and full membership, which allows participation in qualifiers for World Lacrosse championships.
“The excitement is tangible among clubs and players for this tournament,” said Noelle. “This tournament is an opportunity to showcase local talent and celebrate the progress made since lacrosse was introduced in Côte d’Ivoire.”
