Benchmark for Latvian Lacrosse as the Women's Team hold its second E.L.F camp and added a third team

17.05.2011

Almost one year ago, Latvia held their first lacrosse camp in Riga. Over the course of a scorching hot weekend, eighteen field players and two goalies from Latvia's lacrosse clubs participated in the grueling weekend; three of which had never picked up a stick before the camp. When Coach Anna Sody came back a year later with a little bit of a cooler climate, she found the lacrosse program in Latvia had grown to three teams (Latvia, Mitava and Libava) and even more determination to make Latvia a competitive force in Europe. "I was absolutely taken back," said Anna, "I walked on the same field and there waiting with huge smiles were 30 girls ready to go!"

This year the girls are preparing for the Austrian Open. After the camp last July, the Latvian girls went on to finished second in the Goteborg tournament in Sweden. "This year the competition will be a lot harder but now we are prepared with more experience and even more motivation," said Captain Karina Saidova.

Over the course of a three-day weekend, Coach Sody organized the camp so it would incorporate individual skill development for the beginners and more advanced defence and offense concepts for established teams. Theory and game time also played an important part in the camp as it reinforced rules and applied concepts learned throughout the day. At night and during breaks the girls were encouraged to ask Coach Anna about individual techniques as well as how to develop the lacrosse programs in Latvia.

"If these girls walk away from this camp with all their questions answered, feeling better about themselves and more confident in their team then the purpose of the E.L.F has been fulfilled," stated Coach Sody.

At the end of the camp, Anna said, "The girls have shown great improvement, potential and diligence. It has been such a pleasure working with them. I look forward to watching their successful future."

The ELF would like to thank all participants for a successful camp. Special thanks goes to Laura Sterna for managing the event and Captain Lax for providing the camp with a prize and Lacrosse balls.

The European Lacrosse Federation frequently supports clubs with focus camps in Mens and Ladies Lacrosse. Our coaches work as ambassadors of the game and on a non-profit basis - if you wanted to have camp for your club or join or coaching staff, please e-mail Henning Schmidt, ELF Coaching Coordinator, coaching@europeanlacrosse.org.