Rising from the embers:
Phoenix Lacrosse Club charts a soaring future
Jan 26 - Thanks to the NwN for kind permission to reproduce this article
In the local sporting community, Phoenix Lacrosse Club is proving that the sport is no longer just a niche pastime – it’s a growing powerhouse.
With a surge in playing numbers and a coaching roster of international talent, the club is extending an open invitation to the community to pick up a stick and join in.
The secret to the club’s recent success lies in the quality of instruction on the side lines.
Phoenix has a coaching staff that brings professional and international experience directly to grassroots players.
Leading the charge are figures like Kalama Gohara, a former semi-professional player who brings tactical depth to training sessions.
Joining him is Siân Astley, who recently became a part of the coaching team, bringing her knowledge as a former Wales international and National Schools champion.
As the captain of the 1998 St Bart’s team, her return to the local scene represents a full-circle moment for the sport.
The results of this high-calibre coaching are evident in the club's representative honours.
Phoenix is currently a primary feeder for The Wales national squads, The England Aspire Programme and University success, with a long list of ‘Phoenix Alums’ currently starring for top-tier university teams across the country.
The growth of the Ladies’ side is a particular point of pride for the club.
Phoenix is issuing a rallying cry to former players – particularly ex-St Bart’s students – to return to the field.
Whether you’ve been away from the game for five years or 15, the club offers a supportive environment to rediscover your love for the sport.
Club chairman Alan Moon said: “We’ve got a really good club structure now, we’ve got a strong coaching team, so we can take players at any level- beginner right to experienced.
“I think we are in a good position to grow as a club.”
With the club’s recent success, future aspirations are beginning to build.
Mr Moon said: “At the moment we are very much a youth club with girls playing.
“We have got a boy playing in one of the teams, we also have the ladies [team] going now, so we would like to get a men’s team and a boys’ team.
“We would also love to find a proper home as a club.”
While the on-field performance is peaking, Phoenix remains a social club at its core.
The community spirit is fostered through a busy calendar of events, including quiz nights, club socials and dinners and family gatherings.
This community focus is perfectly timed with the recent WBC Pitch Strategy, which officially recognises and targets lacrosse for development.
If you are looking for a sport for your child – or a new challenge for yourself – lacrosse offers a unique blend of speed, strategy, and teamwork.
Whether you’re aiming for the national team or just looking for a great group of people to spend a Saturday with, the gates at Phoenix are open.
