CLL Partners with Slovak Lacrosse Federation
The Canadian Lacrosse League (CLL) and Slovak Lacrosse Federation (SLF) have partnered in an effort to develop box lacrosse internationally through the assistance of identifying players with Slovak heritage who are interested in representing Slovakia at international box lacrosse events including future IIJL World Junior Lacrosse Championships.Â
Over the last five (5) years the CLL has worked with individuals in Slovakia on several occasions. Namely, sharing best practices and logistic solutions.Â
"Our current players are the first generation of lacrosse in Slovakia." said Tomas Rydlo Vice President of Slovak Lacrosse Federation. "We have started to implement Intercrosse during PE classes in the schools to build the future, but it is important for our national teams to increase our knowledge to be competitive." added Rydlo.Â
[PHOTO: Recent SLF campaign calling for players with Slovak heritage (Parents/Grand Parents)]
Slovak Lacrosse recently highered Dave Bremner (Nanaimo, BC) as Head Coach of their Men's Box Lacrosse National Team. The addition of Coach Bremner added structure to a highly competitive roster for Slovakia at the 2022 European Box Lacrosse Championship held in Hannover, Germany. Slovakia improved on their 7th place finish in 2017, finishing 5th in 2022.Â
"We partner with groups to help establish a development path that will develop box lacrosse domestically in their respective nations while allowing them to compete internationally at the junior level." said Chris Fox, President of the Canadian Lacrosse League. "Slovakia is a hockey playing nation with plenty of high-quality arenas to host box lacrosse teams. Combined with Slovak Lacrosse leadership who have made it an initiative to get more sticks in youth hands - Slovakia is in great hands and we are happy to help." Fox added.Â
The CLL will also work with the SLF to provide Canadian players with the opportunity to play lacrosse in Europe, specifically with clubs in Slovakia. Currently, Slovakia has six (6) clubs; Bratislava Tricksters, Bratislava Bats, Zvolen Punishers, Skalica Chiefs, Trnava Sabers, and Rovinka Rockets.Â
ABOUT SLOVAK LACROSSE FEDERATION
Slovak Lacrosse federation (SLF) is civic organization and was founded in 2003. The SLF's and Member Clubs mission is to provide all-round care for the development of lacrosse in Slovakia and to create conditions for its development in all forms: Box Lacrosse, Inter-Crosse, Field Lacrosse, and Women’s Lacrosse. For more information visit lacrosse.sk and follow on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.