Newbury lacrosse players secure place in England National Lacrosse Academy

Two talented Newbury sportswomen have secured a place in the England National Lacrosse Academy.

India Duly and Annabel Maclean, both 17, will now attend a number of England Lacrosse residential training sessions throughout the year.

Players in the academy form the England U19 squad and can then go on to be selected for the senior England national team.

Both girls, who play for the town’s Phoenix Lacrosse Club, have been on the England Lacrosse talent pathway for several years.

The national academy provides the athletes with “a unique, individualised, performance training environment”.

Phoenix Lacrosse is a club that has grown considerably since it was first formed in March 2022.

It was set up by a group of parents after St Bartholomew’s School, Newbury, took the “difficult decision” to stop playing the sport competitively. It had previously been one of just a few state schools nationally that played lacrosse.

The club now boasts U13, U15 and U18 squads who play competitively throughout the season.

And the club is now launching ‘Back to Lacrosse’ women’s sessions, from this Saturday.

They are for any returner, experienced or a newbie and anyone is invited to go along to join in the fun training sessions.

To register your interest in joining the women’s sessions - or to find out more about any of the other squads - you can email member@phoenixlax.co.uk

The women’s sessions start on Saturday (November 16) from 9.30am-11am at St Bartholomew’s School Wormstall pitch.