Lacrosse teammates don’t share blood – although it can be spilled on the field – but they share a strong bond.
Written by Anna Taylor
Peterborough, ON (June 11, 2019) – This summer, Peterborough is not only welcoming 23 international teams to the U19 World Lacrosse championships. We are welcoming families.
A team can grow into a family and several players will be traveling to these games with their families. Lacrosse teammates don’t share blood – although it can be spilled on the field – but they share a strong bond. They fight for one another and work towards a common goal.
Hannah Thurston, of Team England, says when someone says ‘lacrosse’ her first thought is family. – Courtesy of World Lacrosse U19 Championships
One of the greatest aspects of team sports is the kinship and loyalty that is developed during training, traveling and playing. Every player would agree: their teammates are like family and they’ll be fighting for a gold medal together this Aug. 1 through 10 when Peterborough hosts the games at Trent University and Fleming College.
Team Canada is the defending champion. Find out more at 2019u19wclax.wordpress.com.
“I have evolved into a better teammate through our program,” says Emily LaRiviere of Team China. “I’ve learned what it means to play for each other.”
LaRiviere also says that lacrosse turned her into a leader on and off the field.
“It’s more than just a game. It has helped shaped me as a person; to be more compassionate, understanding and supportive. It has opened doors to travel, new friends and high levels of competition.”
For LaRiviere, Team China’s evolution to family took some time, but for others, lacrosse means an instant bond.
“When someone says ‘lacrosse,’ family is the first thing that comes to mind,” says Hannah Thurston of Team England. “Lacrosse has given me a family beyond my home, beyond my roots and far beyond my borders. My fondest memories of playing lacrosse are my earliest; the first time I picked up a stick as a nervous 11-year-old and learned to catch with girls that I will be friends with for life.”
Team Belgium united through their training sessions, says player Katrien de Leye.
“It is amazing how our coaches help us become better players but also how much we have grown by trusting and believing in one another,” she explains. “Our coaches really try to use this and never fail to remind us that we never lose: we either win or we learn. We fight for each other on and off the field. Canada, we are ready for you and cannot wait!”
Anna Taylor is a media associate for the World Lacrosse U19 Championships and a graduate certificate in public relations from Sheridan College.
