Israel host England for World Lacrosse tournament warm-up

England’s Men’s National Lacrosse team enjoyed a five-day stay in Israel as they continued their build-up to July’s World Championships in Netanya.

Playing five games in five cities – Kiryat Gat, Jerusalem, Ashkelon, Herzliya and Netany – England, who ware ranked 5th in the world and first in Europe, UK Ambassador to Israel, David Quarrey, joined 2,000 students from Ashkelon to watch England take on Israel on a game which was broadcast on national television.

Away from the action, the England delegation enjoyed a day of touring in Jerusalem, including the Old City and Yad Vashem, while they also led clinics for local at-risk youth with the Israeli National Team in Jerusalem and Netanya. They also met Kiryat Gat Mayor Aviram Dahari, Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat, and Netanya Mayor Miriam Fierberg.

Israel Lacrosse Association COO, David Lasday, said: “This trip hits on both parts of our organisations mission to connect people around the world to Israel through lacrosse, and to grow the game of lacrosse in Israel. The England Men’s Lacrosse team are amazing partners, and leave as ambassadors for the real Israel. We look forward to sharing this same experience with the other 47 countries and thousands of fans coming to Israel this summer for this historic event.”

England head coach Tom Wenham said: “Credit to Israel Lacrosse for putting together an itinerary that helps us see a bit of Israel. It’s a hugely important part of the world in terms of history, and it gave us the opportunity to broaden the horizons of our guys and give them exposure to a country the vast majority of them haven’t visited before.”

“The 2018 FIL Men’s World Lacrosse Championships will bring 48 countries and 2000 athletes in Netanya this July, and will be the biggest World Lacrosse Championships in history and the first to take in a non English speaking country.