New sponsorship deal with Kukri
10th December, 2005
Wales National Lacrosse secures a lucrative sponsorship deal with major sportswear manufacturer Kukri.
Kukri, the Lancashire based sportswear company is partnering with the Wales National Women's Lacrosse Squad in a 4 year sponsorship package. The new Official Clothing Partner will supply the Elite Squad with an exclusive range of performance clothing.
Wales Performance Director, Gemma Morgan played a key role in negotiating the union. "We are delighted to announce our partnership between Kukri and Elite Wales Lacrosse. Their professionalism and innovative approach reflects our own World Class Development Program, building up to the World Cup in 2009."
The Kukri design team is ensuring the Cardiff based squad will train in high quality sportswear that is not only functional but has the professional look and feel that every sports person requires. Their distinctive made to measure range will ensure the squad makes a visual impact, whether they are training at the Welsh Institute of Sport or singing the national anthem on the World Stage.
Contact Details:
Kukri: 01772 338899
inspiresport
7th December, 2005
inspiresport has been appointed the 'Official Travel Programme Partner' of The Wales Women's National Lacrosse Team.
inspiresport will provide world-class warm-weather training bases and state-of-the-art facilities for Wales Women's Senior National Squad. The company's specialist team will also organise international travel programmes to support Wales' campaign for success in forthcoming championships.
inspiresport is the UK's leading authority in team sports travel development programmes and its exclusive partnerships with the national schools governing bodies of England, Scotland and Ireland are testimony to the quality of programmes and unrivalled level of service.
inspiresport creates flexible train and play programmes with some of lacrosse's finest coaching expertise at world-class venues such as Maryland University, The National Training Center, Florida, The Welsh Centre for Excellence and the superb warm-weather training resort, Oliva Nova, Spain.
The company's specialist lacrosse staff provides tailor-made programmes and itineraries to suit the needs of your team. Packages are available to all lacrosse teams, regardless of standard and age.
Check out inspiresport's website at www.inspiresport.com for more information on the unique programmes inspiresport can offer.
For all bookings, call inspiresport on 029 20 390759
Wales now recruiting
29th November, 2005
The Welsh International Lacrosse Team (Women) is commencing a 4 Year Development Program to World Cup 2009. The Management Team has been selected to include a Division 1 American Coach, Strength & Conditioning Coach, Sports Psychologist, Video Analyst and Physiotherapist.
This season will start with a series of 'Open' Training Squads to encourage maximum participation and to identify new talent. We would like to offer all players of Welsh eligibility the opportunity to attend the following squads:
- 15-16 October 2005 South Wales
- 26-27 November 2005 South Wales
- 17-18 December 2005 South Wales
- 21-22 January 2006 South Wales
To be eligible to play for Wales you must hold one of the following:
- Born in Wales
- Welsh Parents
- Welsh Grandparents
- Live in Wales (including University)
- Have played for Wales for 3 years
- Married a Welshman
If you would like to take this opportunity please contact our Performance Director, Gemma Morgan. We look forward to welcoming you at the next Welsh Squad.
Wales take Euro title
1st August, 2004
Wales claimed gold with a stunning 6-5 defeat of Scotland in the final of the women’s European Lacrosse Championships in Prague. The Welsh toppled the tournament favourites claiming revenge for a loss in the group phases earlier in the week.
Wales started the week strongly beating England comprehensively by 15 goals to 3. After conceding the first goal, the Welsh responded well, playing free flowing lacrosse and demonstrating clinical finishing. Midfielder, Gemma Morgan was Wales’ top scorer with a hat trick in seven minutes. Marie Martin and captain Catherine Coulthard contributed two goals each to round off a dominant display to which the English had no answer.
The next match proved to be a tough encounter against Germany with Wales edging it 6-4. A solid German defence was difficult to break down and the Welsh had to rely on dogged determination rather than flair to overcome their opponents. Two goals from Sarona Taylor in the first half gave Wales the perfect platform to progress and despite the close nature of the game, Wales never lost their lead.
Wales had picked up injuries to key players going into the group match against Scotland but in spite of that it was a disappointing performance. A poor start saw the Welsh trailing by three goals after only five minutes, a situation from which they never recovered. Even four goals from Ros Lloyd could not bring Wales back into contention. A full time score of 11-7 secured the Scots a place in the final and meant that Wales would have to beat the hosts, the Czech Republic in order to join them.
In the most bruising encounter of the tournament, Wales had to contend with a serious injury to star attacker Ros Lloyd, physical Czech play and some dubious umpiring decisions. Fighting back from a one goal deficit at half time, Wales demonstrated considerable discipline and began to take control through strong midfield running by Annaleene Holliday. As the scores remained tight going into the last ten minutes, Gemma Morgan made a super sub appearance coming off the bench to score twice and clinch the match for Wales 7-4.
Scotland were the favourites going into the final having already beaten Wales twice this season. It was a tense match from the outset with the score only 2-1 after 20 minutes, Wales leading through goals from Emma Chandler and Sophie Le Hardy. Further goals from Catherine Coulthard and Marie Martin just before half time saw Wales go into the break with a narrow 4-3 advantage. Wales continued to show the same fighting spirit and teamwork in the second half and were immediately rewarded with a goal from Storm Trentham, which gave them a bit of breathing space. However Scotland were not finished and a fight back from them meant that the last 20 minutes of the match saw both teams searching for a winning goal with the score at 5-5. With 4 minutes left to play Wales called a timeout and came back onto the pitch with renewed determination and instructions to carry out a set move. The pre-rehearsed training ground move worked perfectly ending with a powerful shot from Gemma Morgan to edge Wales into the lead. For the remainder of the game, Wales attempted to hold possession of the ball but determined pressure from the Scots caused a midfield turnover and a fast break opportunity. With just 15 seconds left on the clock, goal-keeper Karen Owen rounded off a man of the match performance with a superb save to keep the Scots at bay. Wales hung on to become European Champions and further honours were received when four of the team, Annaleene Holliday, Gemma Morgan, Ros Lloyd and Esther Laugharne were named in the European All-Star Team.
