English Lacrosse Association
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The English Lacrosse Association (ELA) is the governing body for lacrosse in England. Lacrosse had its debut in England in 1867 when a visiting group of Canadians captained by Dr. W. G. Beers of Montreal played exhibition matches up and down the country. By 1883, when a second tour group captained by Beers visited England there were 60 clubs playing regular fixtures in Cambridgeshire, Cheshire, Lancashire, Middlesex and Yorkshire.
A North of England Lacrosse League was formed in 1897 when 10 clubs began playing regular fixtures.
In 1892, the English Lacrosse Union (ELU) was formed. In 1996, under the guidance of Sport England, efforts were made to bring together the ELU and All England Women's Lacrosse Association to form one national governing body. The constitution of the ELA came into effect in 1997.
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[edit] Men's Lacrosse
Men's lacrosse in Britain is divided into Northern and Southern Leagues, each with so-called Flags competitions at the end of each Winter season. In addition to the regular 10-a-side season there are other tournaments, such as those at Stockport and Bath, which use a 6-a-side or 8-a-side format and shorter games.
Men's North is governed by NEMLA (North of England Men's Lacrosse Association) and is comprised of a Premiership and four further Senior Divisions. There is also a separate under-19 division.
Men's South is governed by SEMLA (South of England Men's Lacrosse Association) and is comprised of a Premier Division, West Division (including South Wales), Midlands Division, and two East Divisions.
The main focus of men's lacrosse popularity in Britain is the North-West of England, around the Manchester area. This is reflected by its selection to host the men's world championships in 1978, and again for the forthcoming 2010 world championships. A second centre is in the South of England, especially around the London area.
Men's lacrosse is a common minority sport in Universities, which along with club-based youth programs, provide the majority of newcomers with their first experiences of the sport. A small number of private schools have strong traditions, but most schools can only offer the sport with help from a local club and a touring coach.
[edit] Women's Lacrosse
Women's lacrosse is divided into Women's North, Women's South East Premier, Women's South East 1st Division and Women's South West.
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[edit] International
England, Scotland and Wales compete as separate teams in international competitions. In the men's 2006 World Lacrosse Championship England finished in 5th place and in the Women's Lacrosse World Cup in 2005, England finished 3rd.
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