Uganda Lacrosse Association Equipment Fundraiser

Help to grow the game in Africa.

As someone deeply connected to Uganda through my wife’s heritage, I’m on a mission to support the Uganda Lacrosse Association (ULA) as they strive to sustain and grow lacrosse opportunities for young athletes in the country.

I’ve been involved in lacrosse in the UK as a player and volunteer for over 20 years and can appreciate the challenges of supporting a minority sport. The work being done by the Uganda Lacrosse Association (ULA) is truly impressive and I want to support it further.

The sourcing of equipment is a key target area for the ULA, as this ensures that children (and adults) new to the sport have the tools they need to progress and pick up lacrosse as a regular activity. The lack of available equipment is an active barrier to the ULA's growth plans. In addition, having access to more equipment allows grassroots coaches to bring lacrosse to more potential participants.

Due to the success of the first 5 weeks of the fundraiser I've decided to increase the target to £2,000 ($2,470) to purchase lacrosse sticks, balls, and playing kits, to support a group of lacrosse players. This is an initial target; I’d love to raise more and help more groups in Uganda. The equipment donation will directly support the growth of lacrosse in Ugandan Schools and higher education settings, whilst the playing kits will support the newly established Uganda National Lacrosse League (UNLL), which has returned in 2024 after a four year hiatus.

There are currently no lacrosse equipment companies in Africa. As such, ULA has historically sourced equipment via donations of used equipment from Europe and North America. I hope this is the start of movement which can bring new equipment into Uganda annually.

I’m proud to partner with Hattersleys Lacrosse who are supplying the playing equipment and Pioneer Teamwear who have supported with video and imagery design for the campaign.

Together, let's help equip the ULA and help it achieve its aims of growing the game and assisting Ugandan athletes to reach their full potential on and off the field. Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference. Join us in creating a lasting impact and spreading the spirit of lacrosse across Uganda!

Some background on lacrosse in Uganda:

• Lacrosse was first introduced in Uganda, and the ULA (link) was recognised as a member of World Lacrosse in 2011.

• Since 2014, its men’s team has regularly participated in the World Lacrosse Championships, and its women’s team is gearing up to participate in future World Lacrosse Championship events.

• Uganda is currently ranked #1 in Africa and #29 in the world, with over 1,000 athletes taking part in the sport in club teams, academies, high schools and universities across the country for both men and women at all levels.

• The ULA is committed to advancing, unifying and growing the sport of lacrosse in Uganda. It is actively engaged in World Lacrosse Initiatives, including developing 6’s lacrosse to support its inclusion in 2028 Olympics.

• Plans are to restart the Uganda National Lacrosse League (UNLL) in 2024 after a four-year hiatus. Various tournaments are held, including the inaugural Uganda High Schools Lacrosse Super Sixes.