When Aussies talk all things US sport, they immediately reel off sports like basketball, American football, baseball, and maybe even ice hockey. Not often though does a discussion lead into what is in fact North America’s oldest team sport, lacrosse. A game of great cultural significance, lacrosse was discovered by Native Americans, one of few sports indigenous to North America.
A sport that continues to grow almost silently in the background in the United States, lacrosse has been slowly rising in popularity, notably due to the NCAA’s Men’s Lacrosse Championship that was established back in 1971. With big collegiate powerhouses like Notre Dame, Duke, Yale and Princeton appearing regularly in the history books as Division 1 NCAA Champions, it’s hard to not take notice of a sport that those of us down under simply don’t often think about.
For a sport with such history that continues a somewhat quiet rise in a country saturated with other sporting opportunities, there’s likely no chance of finding yourself playing lacrosse in the land down under, right? Wrong! Lacrosse also has a long and proud history in Australia. It was first introduced here in 1876 by a Canadian, Lambton Mount. After travelling to the Victorian Goldfields in the early 1850’s, Lambton took it upon himself to import forty lacrosse sticks in order to establish the ‘Melbourne Lacrosse Club’. A practice match took place in 1876 in Albert Park, and the rest, as they say, is history.
So if you’re like me and starting to think that this is pretty damn cool, lacrosse has quite the history and a great story to boot… well, where do we play? Well that answer is simple – the Chadstone Lacross Club. The mighty Redbacks were established way back in 1960 and when I asked them how they might describe their club, they used the word ‘family’. An inclusive club that provides opportunity for boys, girls, men and women (of all skill and experience levels), the club are all about sport and community. An inclusive environment is something they value greatly, and some of the things they really believe are key at their club include teamwork, friendship, respect, hard work and discipline. Oh, and by the way, lacrosse has just been named one of the five sports added to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games! How good is that?
They currently offer memberships for senior men and women, Under 14, 16 and 18 boys and girls, plus Under 12 mixed boys and girls teams. There’s a lot going on! A winter sport, their Lacrosse Victoria season runs from April through September, and the schedule is, well, busy. Senior trainings on both Tuesday and Thursday nights, junior training on Thursdays and then games are played on both days of the weekend. But it’s not just about the competition, the club loves a social function and bringing their people together to connect off the field too.
Their Presentation Night is one of the club members’ favourite events of the season, amongst other social gatherings. However, there is one special annual event that has been taking place for more than fifty years. A yearly inter-club weekend with their sister club in South Australia, the ‘Burnside Lacrosse Club’, the Redbacks have been participating in the event since 1970, one of the longest running annual sporting events in the country.
And what about the ‘famous faces’ at the Redbacks. It would be hard to look past club President Erin who continues to commit many hours to helping the club deliver to it’s current and prospective members. Plus the many volunteers who take the time to coach on game days, run trainings and help create a great environment across the whole season. And then there’s Jan, who is always liaising with local schools to help the club grow and provide opportunities to schools in the area.
But when we’re talking famous, Gordon Purdie is a name that sits front and centre. Arguably the club’s greatest ever player, Gordon found great success at Chadstone in the late 1980’s, In 1987 he swept every major MVP trophy in the country. Gordon played at Adelphi University in the USA from 1987-1989 and went on to represent Australia at seven world games including the 1994 World Championships at which he was voted the best midfielder at the tournament. Gordon also went on to play in over 100 games in the professional Major Indoor Lacrosse League in the USA for the NY Saints, the New Jersey Storm and the Anaheim Storm. Gordon is currently the head coach at Adelphi University.
So what type of players are the Chadstone Redbacks looking for? Well, they cater for everyone. They provide opportunities for those looking at a social experience, or players who are keen to develop themselves and take the sport further. It’s a real mix of both. The Lacrosse Victoria competitions highest level is State League for both men and women, and the Redbacks have a men's team in that competition. The next level is State League Reserves which they also have a men’s team participating in. That team is made up of older and younger players gaining experience. The next level is called Championship in which they have a women's team. Again, this team is made up of older and younger players who are looking to develop. Really, there’s a chance for anyone who might be keen to give lacrosse a go, in a supportive and friendly environment.
Like any great community club, the Redbacks have some great sponsors who help them get on the field week in, week out. Joey’s Tree Services, Daizie’s Function Venue and Paul’s Garden and Handyman Services just to name a few. And the club has a lot to offer, with new sponsors welcomed for the 2024 season. Sponsorship packages are listed on the club’s website, but some of the benefits of getting on board include advertising your logo at the club and on the website, plus signage displayed at home games. Also, invitations to social events and supporters packs are provided to anyone who commits to the club next season. Premium sponsors also have the opportunity to have logos displayed on team uniforms.
In great news, the club is preparing to play the 2024 season with a brand new facility! Working out of temporary facilities in 2023, the brand new facilities at Percy Treyvaud Park will be ready and raring to go for the new winter season next year, promising an even better experience with the Redbacks. They’ll have brand new clubrooms, canteen and change rooms, plus they have two full sized lacrosse fields for games and training.
So, are you interested in playing lacrosse? Are you looking to try something fun, exciting and new? Maybe you’re a parent looking for an inclusive and healthy activity for your child to participate in? Are you an international player looking to play in Australia's best domestic league whilst on a working holiday down under? Or are you a school teacher or parent looking for a skilled lacrosse expert to come to your school to run a clinic? If the answer is yes, then Chadstone Lacrosse Club is the club for you! Whatever your age or experience, be taught by qualified coaches, play at great facilities and make friends for life. Give it a go! Start by emailing chadstoneredbacks@gmail.com or call 0422 912 433.
Check out the Chadstone Lacrosse promo video here to find out more:
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