It is often said that powerful relationships are forged on the field of play, this is certainly true when the sport of lacrosse is mentioned. Being a growing sport in the UK, friendly faces appear in all walks of life, and when something unexpected occurs the fallout is felt by all. On the 15th September 2011 the death of Eddie Thornber sadly brought awareness to this association. A young talented goalkeeper known for his on field ability, but equally as a caring, fun and approachable guy off the pitch too. Sadly missed and in remembrance, united behind a common cause the team at ET2 lacrosse was formed.
The BIG idea: The plan is still in it's infancy, but awareness and popularity is already quickly spreading. A free lacrosse coaching clinic is being held on Sunday January 8th 2012, it is open to all junior boys aged 10-19. We shall be asking only for donations to the charity S.O.B.S (Survivor of Bereavement by Suicide) and we plan to raise as much money as we possibly can, in memory of Eddie Thornber.
Many of you may not have known Eddie, but those of you that did know him, he was an amazing guy who was taken from us far too early. Eddie played at Manchester Wacs LC and this is where we plan to hold the clinic.
The one day camp will be run by a whole host of coaches including Manchester Wacs Coaches, The English Knights coaching team and a crew of coaches from the England National Team. Furthermore a selection of experienced coaches complete the line-up of a truly remarkable coaching staff.
One overriding theme is to create a 'fraternal ethos' that goes
away with the players into their everyday lives, many of the coaches
have enjoyed this experience within the game and demonstrating this to a
new generation of lacrosse players is seen as another outcome of such a unique event. Something many of us wish Eddie had seen at a younger age.
It's rare that clinics like this are firstly free and secondly equipped with a large coaching staff with such a wealth of experience. We aim to not only raise money for charity but also provide top class coaching mid-way through the season and what we hope to be a great day of lacrosse. With the phenomenal coach/player ratio we aim to provide as much 1-2-1 coaching as possible.
The English Knights travel team will be there training with an opportunity for other players to be seen by the Knights coaching staff for inclusion on future tours to the USA too. Eddie himself was a loved member of the Knights travel team in the summer 2011.
A special mention must be made to Jak 'Vav' Wawrzyniak who conceived the idea. Jak alongside Scott Weddell has began creating what appears to be a unique day of lacrosse for all to enjoy.