Belgium Lacrosse Road to EC16
24 nations, 10 days, 8 games and one overall champion.
This summer the Belgian men's National Team will take part in the European Lacrosse Championships to face Europe's finest and defend Belgium's colours. The tournament will take place in Budapest, Hungary from July 28 - August 6.
For their second ever participation in this tournament, the Belgian Beasts are hoping to improve on their previous result and grow as a team with the World Cup in sight. The Beasts are bringing a young and dynamic team composed of veterans and new and upcoming young players.
What does Belgium lacrosse consist of?
The Belgian Lacrosse Federation was founded in 2009 and is the official national governing body for lacrosse in Belgium, recognized by the BOIC (Belgian Olympic and Interfederal Committee), the FIL (Federation of International Lacrosse) and the ELF (European Lacrosse Federation). It is the organizer of the Belgian Men's Lacrosse League and Belgian Women's Lacrosse League. Our members are 14 clubs and around 400 lacrosse players. We are also responsible for the national teams. Belgium was represented at the EC2012 (Men), WC2014 (Men), and EC15 (Women).
What is lacrosse?
Lacrosse, also called "the medicine game" or "the little brother of war" by the Native Americans who first started playing centuries ago, is the fastest sport on two legs. Often described as a mix of ice-hockey intensity and basketball tactics played on a football field. Lacrosse is a very dynamic, intense and addictive sport. Due to these attributes, lacrosse is the fastest growing sport in America and around the world. In Europe, 29 countries have already picked up the sport.
In lacrosse terms, Belgium is one of the new kids on the block. 6 years ago, a small group of players started the insane project of "growing the game". Today, Belgium Lacrosse counts 450 members divided in 10 men's teams, 8 women's teams and 4 youth programs.
With half the players on the national team coming from the youth programs the future looks bright for lacrosse in Belgium.
On the road to Budapest for EC2016
After a positive World Cup in 2014, the Belgian Beasts were looking to (re)build and prepare for EC 2016.
In August, try-outs were held during which 70 players fought for one of the 30 spots on the National Team's preselection. Six months of sweat, tears and blood later, these 30 were cut down to 23. The final group is resolutely geared towards the future and the growth of the sport in Belgium.
Why fund us?
- Be part of a new Belgian success story.
- Invest in something new, original and different.
- Support Belgian pride and colours.
- Support a young team eager to show their worth.
- Participate in the growth of a new and exciting sport.
- Help out a young and dynamic federation.
How will donations be used?
All donations will be used to fund the team's trip to Budapest at the end of July. Each player and coach is currently responsible for paying their own travel and tournament fees (including housing and food during the tournament). Funds raised with this campaign will help to offset some of those costs and help grow Belgium lacrosse.
Thanks for taking the time to read our story! We appreciate every donation and "share" very much, as it helps get the word out!
