Rick Stubbins' run for 2024 Aus National Box Team

Hello, my name is Rick Stubbins, and I'm trying to train and be selected for the Australian National Men's Box Lacrosse Team.

I’m a Canadian, now living in Australia, and I grew up playing box lacrosse in Pelham, Ontario, Canada from the age of 5 until I was 18. After finishing Jr lacrosse at 18, I thought my days of playing were over. I was told I was “too small” to play pro, so, I gave up my dream. I didn’t really know about any other leagues at the time, started working full time, and I thought that I’d never play lacrosse again.

Then, after a trip home to Canada in 2012, I played a couple of pick up games of lacrosse with old teammates and everyone asked if I was playing in Australia. I told them I had not played since 1998 and they were taken back at how well I was still playing. I said, “they don’t play box lacrosse in Australia,” to which they replied with a resounding, “yes they do!”. So, I did some research.

They did have a new box lacrosse league in Melbourne, but training and games were an hour and a half drive away from home, and at the time, I had two children under five and full time work to think of. How could I be away two nights a week for six hours. Plus all the added costs of equipment, registration, and travel expenses on a young family.

I’m now a 43 year old single dad, my kids are teens, and I have a little more spare time in my life. I finally signed up this year to play in the Victorian Box Lacrosse league. I’ve been training and playing since September of this year, and I can’t explain how stoked I have been. Training was so hard on the body at first, but the high of getting to play lacrosse again has been so worth it. My team, a new 5th team in the league, the STING, are in first place. I’ve been having an absolute blast playing again. I’ve met some amazing new people. 

I now have the opportunity to represent Australia in the Men’s World Box Lacrosse Championships in Utica, NY in September of 2024. Unfortunately, there isn't much money for the support of Lacrosse here in Australia, and for Try Outs and Training with for the squad, for the 2024 Australian National Men's Box Lacrosse Team, ALL costs fall on the players including; jerseys, equipment, training expenses, including tryouts, gyms, training camps, travel, etc...and all training and training camps are a minimum of one and a half hours drive away, multiple times a week.

So, I’m appealing to you for help to follow my dream of representing my country play lacrosse. I would love to show my kids, and my students at school, that when you set your mind to something you can achieve your dreams!

This fund raiser will be 2 parts.

**This fund raiser is for Part 1.**Part 2 only begins if I am chosen for the squad**

Part 1; Registration (insurance), training and tryouts $2000

Part 2; $12,000

Tournament deposit, training, uniform and equipment $2000

Utica, NY; Men's World Box Lacrosse Championships; flights, accommodation, etc $10,000

This fundraiser $2000 will cover the cost of my registration for tryouts, training camps, insurance and travel to the camps.

If I make the team, I'll be playing in the Commonwealth Cup here in Australia in February 2024, and then flying to NY State to play in Utica, NY, 20-29 September 2024 for the men's world box lacrosse championships.

Being so close to Niagara, I'll hopefully be able to get home to Welland for a visit, and get to thank some people from Canada for their support in person!

I know this is a difficult time in the world with the cost of living, hence why I am reaching out for support. Anything you can offer would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much for you time and support,

Warm regards,

Rick Stubbins