Proposed U20 Event - Update
Following consultation with our Member Associations, and engagement through surveys with interested players, a decision has been made to no longer pursue the proposed U20 event.
This decision is based on a number of combined factors relating to;
the level of expression of interests (we have provided an overview below),
a shift in support for the proposed event financial model,
timelines to prepare travelling team logistics,
the ongoing risks and impacts of COVID-19 outbreaks,
the control measures utilised to contain outbreaks (border restrictions and lockdowns), and
the shifting approaches within different states regarding the management of COVID-19 pandemic.
We understand and acknowledge that this is a disappointing outcome for the cohort of players this proposed event was targeted at. We hope that further domestic opportunities can be extended to assist with their development and motivation to continue along the lacrosse pathway.
Lacrosse Australia would like to thank the players who engaged through the Expression of interest (EOI) surveys and we would also like to take this time to thank our Member Associations who have been directly involved in discussing this event over the course of 2021 and for their time and commitment through the process.
EOI Responses Overview
Over the consultation engagement period we received a total of 111 individual responses from the targeted player cohort (across the two surveys circulated regarding interest).
In the first survey, circulated in April 2021, 101 players completed the survey with 79 showing they were “somewhat likely” or “Very likely” to attend the proposed event. Of the 79 showing interest; 31 came from VIC (13 female & 18 male), 31 from SA (18 female & 13 male), 15 from WA (9 female & 6 male), 1 from NSW (female) and 1 from QLD (female).
Following discussions with Member Associations [MAs] regarding the responses and interest from this first survey it was determined to engage with the players again. Players who registered an interest of “Somewhat unlikely”, “Somewhat likely” or “Very likely” were provided more details regarding the cost of the event and potential formats to be played, they were also asked to complete a second survey regarding their interest to attend.
For the second survey 44 players from the targeted cohort provided responses, 34 of them had also completed the first survey (from April), leaving 10 new responses. Out of 44 responses, 40 players indicated they were likely to attend the event (6 wanted 10v10 format only while 34 players indicated they would be happy to play Sixes or 10 v 10).
Of the 40 responses who indicated they are likely to attend the proposed event; 23 came from VIC (10 female & 13 male), 9 from SA (4 female & 5 male), 7 from WA (5 female & 2 male) and 1 from QLD (female).