What are some of the main programs Lacrosse Victoria is rolling out?

Lacrosse Victoria, in partnership with Australian Lacrosse Association, have got Quick Stix into the ASC initiative Sporting Schools. Lacrosse Victoria will be assisting with the management of all the Victorian schools.

The key focus for the remaining seven months of the VicHealth funding is educating clubs of their place in the club stream and how they can assist in transitioning participants from Sporting Schools to ongoing participation.

In your mind, what is the key to convincing local clubs or schools to deliver your programs?

The key focus to convincing local clubs to be involved is getting them to buy into providing a modified product to new participants. Local lacrosse clubs have traditionally not warmed to modifying their offering.

Lacrosse Victoria have focused on providing as many templates and guides as possible to clubs. This is to keep the product consistent and to minimise the administrator a volunteer has to do.

What kind of resources do you provide to clubs or schools to support them to deliver your programs?

Lacrosse Victoria provides clubs with a variety of services. Included in the communication plan is a list of approved social media options as well as prewritten emails to send out to participants throughout the Quick Stix program. Clubs also receive additional coaching support. Lacrosse Victoria will run coaching clinics as well as assist in the coordination of each session. Clubs will also receive the Quick Stix coaching manual that outlines each session. We also provide assistance in marketing each program online and in print form.

How do measure the impact of your programs?

Lacrosse Victoria measures the number of participants that sign up to Quick Stix, and the number that transition to ongoing participation at a club.

Lacrosse Victoria have had to develop a pathway product throughout the three-year grant period because it was identified that this was a key missing component.

A challenge of Lacrosse Victoria is that they measure success differently to the participating clubs. Lacrosse Victoria are looking for transition to ongoing participation, clubs are looking for members playing in an 18-week winter competition. This difference in desired outcomes is a ongoing challenge.

Finally, what makes Lacrosse a great sport for everyone to get involved in?

Lacrosse is an inclusive sport that combines many sports into one. The fastest game on two feet, exciting and high scoring. The Quick Stix slogan of “Catch, Throw, Give Lacrosse a Go” focuses on two on the main skillsets for lacrosse but allows participants to play in a non-competitive environment. The Quick Stix program introduces kids between the ages of 5-12 to a sport that has a rich history in Australia but also growing in popularity globally.