Welcome to our website, where we delve into the exciting world of box lacrosse. Whether you're a seasoned lacrosse enthusiast or new to the sport, we're here to provide you with an overview of what box lacrosse is all about.
Box lacrosse is a variation of the traditional field lacrosse, originating in Canada. It is played indoors on a smaller enclosed playing surface known as the "box." This intimate setting adds an element of fast-paced action and physicality to the game, making box lacrosse an exhilarating experience for players and spectators alike.
The playing surface of box lacrosse is typically a hockey rink or an indoor arena, with walls and boards surrounding the field. The smaller dimensions of the box create a more compact playing area, which demands quick thinking, precise passing, and excellent stick skills. With less space to maneuver, players must be agile and adapt quickly to the fast-paced nature of the game.
Since 2005, women's lacrosse and the Dutch Lacrosse Association have been growing rapidly due to enthusiasm and excitement. After the 2019 Men's World Box Lacrosse Championships, a few enthusiastic players reached out to the NL Box Lacrosse coaching staff. Seeing their interest and passion for the game, the organization decided to start a women's box lacrosse team in the Netherlands.
In 2020, the team officially launched with its first practice. Since then, the NL Women's Box Lacrosse Team has given women the opportunity to play box lacrosse, improve their skills, and increase their love for the sport. The team is now preparing for the World Championships in September 2024.
The inception of the Dutch Box Lacrosse Program dates back to 2015, following a period primarily focused on field lacrosse since its establishment in 2005. Recognizing the growing popularity of box lacrosse, some of the sport's pioneers embarked on the ambitious endeavor of introducing this variant of the game ahead of the 2017 European Box Lacrosse Championships in Turku, Finland.
Under the guidance of coaches Neal Powless and Wayne Colley, the Dutch team made their inaugural appearance on the international stage in Turku in 2017. Demonstrating remarkable progress in each successive game, they achieved a histori c milestone by securing their first-ever victory against Sweden. As the years went by, the team continued to evolve, reaching the 8th position (ranked 17th) at the World Championships in 2019, where they competed against formidable opponents such as Serbia, Ireland, the Czech Republic, and Israel. In 2022, the Dutch team attained the 11th place at the European Championship held in Hannover.
Presently, the team is diligently preparing for the upcoming 2024 World Championships, scheduled to take place in September. With their sights set on this prestigious tournament, the Dutch team aims to showcase their skills, determination, and passion for the game on the global stage.