England Academy - Men's Elite

Aim

The England Lacrosse Academy purpose is to create a clear and concise performance pathway to enable talented player’s to progress from the very earliest stages of their development through to the elite England Team.
The academy pathway relies upon excellent and dynamic structures and processes for the identification and development of male lacrosse players that have the capability to attain the following set of values

• Transparent
• Understanding
• Skilled
• Coordinated
• Delivery orientated
• Aligned
• Self-believing
• Determined
• Disciplined
• Motivated
• Committed

This will enable the Academy to being to produce players of a Gold Standard with the correct attitude and skills.
The set of values will underpin the pathway and the development of player profiles which will identify and then track the progress of the athlete.

The Academy pathway

Understanding the Academy Pathway
The programmes identified in the pathway provide performance-enhancing training for individuals, within a squad setting which has a maximum age.  The pathway clearly identifies the two routes to the elite Senior Men’s National Squad, one being a stepped process from 10 years old and the other being designed for athletes that develop or are introduced to the sport later in their sporting careers.
Selection into the Academy pathway

The Academy Environment
The Lacrosse Academy will create a safe, open and positive learning environment. Athletes will be allowed to express themselves, play without fear of making mistakes, be encouraged to make their own decisions in sessions and encouraged to discover the personal responsibility and enjoyment of a talented lacrosse player.
 

Principles of the Excel Pathway Programmes
Excel Pathway programmes are athlete centred and pathway is based on the principles of Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) with the programmes focused on providing:

The right training to challenge athletes.  Delivery of the appropriate training (based upon the Lacrosse Excel Guidelines) and implementation of 2 year age banding will ensure optimum individual athlete performance.
 

The right Coach delivering the highest quality - all programmes to be delivered by coaches with appropriate and proven international expertise holding the relevant qualifications to work at the academy level
Through our partner organisation Salford University will provide:-
Strength & Conditioning tuition and advice including a 10 week basic core lifting technique and agility programme at Salford for under 18 and under 17 academy members.
Posture analysis testing, report, and correctional exercises for all academy players.
Nutritional and dietary advice and planning.
Sports psychology support including MeBTough system analysis and individual & team development.
 

England Academy Staff
Dave Elwood
Elite Performance Director

Dave is responsible for planning, directing and leading the Excel identification and development processes and structures across English Lacrosse (Men). This work encompasses the management of the Regional and National Academy programme coaches and administrators.

Dave played in two World Championships in 1986 & 1990 and progressed to be the Head Coach of the Senior men’s team from 1999 – 2010, overseeing 4 European Championship victories, one 6th place and two 5th place finishes in the 2002, 2006, & 2010 World Championships respectively. He also served as an Assistant Coach during the 2011 World Indoor Championships.

Telephone:  0161 227 3626
Email: d.elwood@englishlacrosse.co.uk

Greg Caplin
Chair National Squads

Greg brings a wealth of International experience having served as both the U19’s manager in 1999, then served as the Senior squad manager from 2000 – 2010.  He provides a watching and advisory brief whilst reporting to MPC on all Academy matters. He is currently working on the Academy curriculum in conjunction with the performance director.

Email: gregcaplin@hotmail.com

Karen Robinson & Alison Cara
National Academy Administrators

Karen & Alison are the main point of contact for the national excel athletes and provides administrative support to the national and regional academy programme. They are the initial point of contact for all queries regarding the academy.

Karen Gamble
Head Office Administrator
Karen is the point of contact for the Academy at Head Office
Telephone: 0161 227 3636

Email: k.gamble@englishlacrosse.co.uk