Regional and National Selection Processes
Cobham Lacrosse has a non-selective admission policy and a ‘Sport for All’ philosophy. Our aim is to provide lacrosse playing opportunities for girls of all standards, help them improve their game and thrive in the Club. We aim to develop a young player to the best of her individual potential. While we have selection for the League teams, the team rosters remain flexible over the season as player abilities change and develop though practice and match play. We have open team list formation for non-League matches.
England Lacrosse Regional and National Academies
Selection for the England Lacrosse Regional and National Academies is carried out as part of the England Lacrosse Talent Pathway. This identifies individuals who are currently in school year 8 and above who have the potential to represent England at junior and senior international level. While most nominations to the Pathways come from lacrosse playing schools, clubs also may nominate and provide player pathway from their different pool. Our Club is approached annually by England Lacrosse to nominate players for these trials, and our coaches may put forward nominations at U13 and U15 levels.
National Teams Other than England
For girls hoping to play for national teams other than England, our coaches can provide information direct to their selection boards. It should be noted that Scotland, Wales and Ireland hold open trials as opposed to a selection process.
South East Region Women's and Junior Lacrosse
SEWLA is part of England Lacrosse along with the other regional bodies. It is not a pathway directly to the England Lacrosse national teams, but offers occasional regional events at a higher level to Club lacrosse. SEWLA offers an annual opportunity for club players at U15 and U18 to trial for selection for the annual SEWLA Supercounties event, with U15 and U18 teams selected to play in the multi-regional 'Supercounties' events. Clubs nominate players for the selection rounds, but SEWLA then select the teams to take part in the Supercounties regional tournament. The trial process and then the actual Supercounties event afford players the opportunity to have their play evaluated by experienced senior players and officials, some of whom work for/play for the England Lacrosse Association/England Senior Women's Team. The tournament itself produces play at a high level.
South East Region Women's and Junior Lacrosse Leagues
We play in the South-East Women’s Lacrosse League (SEWLA) junior and senior leagues. Match selection for our SE Women’s Lacrosse league games does not involve nominated teams selected at the start of each season. Rather, and on the advice of coaches, we have a flexible roster per age-group of players who are currently performing above average. They will train as a group, and the roster itself vary as players develop.
Details of matches are released to age-group members approximately a week in advance of matches. Cobham Team Managers compile each match team roster on the basis of performance and reliability. A player who has previously pulled out at the last minute or not turned up for a fixture without notice may find this affects selection.
Other South East Region Women's and Junior Match Opportunities
South East Women's Junior Lacrosse offer three other types of competition in addition to the League matches. Rallies and Three-Way Competitions are open to all players ( according to age and eligibility) in our Club. Details for the SE Championships have not yet been released.
Rosters for these matches will be compiled by Team Managers after the meet is opened to the Squads for sign-up. Attendance at training and timely sign-up for matches are factors that will be taken into account when the match sheets are compiled. If a player signs up for a match, but does not turn-up to play and doesn't inform the Team Manager in a timely manner, then this may well affect future selection. If a player narrowly misses out on a team spot, the Team Manager will attempt to give them priority at the next non-league match sign-up.
