Transitioning from School to Club Lacrosse

Why club lacrosse feels so different from school

School lacrosse is comfortable. You have known your team-mates since Year 7, your coach also teaches you geography, and fixtures arrive in a predictable rhythm each Saturday. Club lacrosse is a different animal. Training usually runs twice a week through the winter, squads span teenagers to players in their thirties and forties, and selection is based on form rather than who is in your PE set. For players across the South West — from Bristol and Bath down to Exeter, Plymouth, Truro and across to Bournemouth and Cheltenham — that first step can feel daunting. It is also one of the best things you can do for your game.

Finding the right club for you

Start by being honest about what you want. Some clubs are fiercely competitive, pushing for regional league promotion; others are development-focused with a strong social side. Both are valuable, but they suit different players.

• Ask about taster sessions. Most clubs will let you train two or three times before committing to membership.
• Check training nights and travel. In Cornwall and Devon, a 45-minute drive to training is normal. Weigh that against school, exams and family life.
• Look for a pathway. A club with junior, development and senior squads gives you somewhere to grow rather than a single leap.
• Ask about kit. Good clubs loan sticks, goggles and spare boots to newcomers, and many keep a second-hand kit box.
• Speak to the welfare officer if you are under 18, or ask a parent to. Every affiliated club should have one.

If you are in a more remote part of the region, university clubs in Bath, Bristol, Exeter and Plymouth often welcome community players, and they can be a brilliant bridge if you are heading there after sixth form.

Meeting new team-mates without forcing it

The social side of club lacrosse is not an extra — it is part of the sport. But you do not need to be the loudest person in the changing room on day one.

• Arrive early and help. Carrying goals, pumps and balls earns goodwill faster than any amount of chat.
• Learn names and positions. Ask people where they play and how long they have been at the club.
• Join the group chat. That is where lifts, fixture details and socials are organised.
• Be honest about your experience. Saying you have played three school seasons but never in a mixed-age squad helps coaches place you correctly.
• Do not try to prove yourself in week one. Consistency, listening and turning up matter more than a flashy first session.

Mixed-age squads can feel strange at first. Training alongside adults does not mean harsh treatment — good clubs look after younger players — but the pace and physicality step up. Give yourself a term to settle.

Adjusting to a different coaching style

Your school coach probably knew you well, adapted sessions to a small squad, and gave everyone roughly equal game time. Club coaching tends to be more structured and more direct.

• Systems and plays. You may be expected to learn set plays, defensive slides and clearing patterns. Ask for them in writing or film them on your phone.
• Feedback is specific. Coaches may correct your footwork or stick position mid-drill without softening it. That is not a sign you are failing.
• You own your development. Wall ball, shooting reps and fitness are on you. Twenty minutes three times a week will show within a season.
• Playing time is earned. Selection is based on attendance, attitude and performance. If minutes are thin, ask the coach what to work on — after training, not during it.

If the style does not suit you after a full season, that is useful information. Not every club is right for every player, and moving once is far better than drifting away from the sport.

Practicalities, costs and looking after yourself

Club lacrosse costs more than school lacrosse: membership fees, match subs, travel and kit replacements. Ask about payment plans or concession rates if money is tight — clubs would rather have you there. Gum shields must be properly fitted, and goggles need to meet current standards. Boots and gloves are worth the investment for winter pitches.

Beyond kit, protect your schedule. Two training nights plus a Saturday fixture is a big commitment during GCSEs or A-levels. Speak to your coach early if exams are looming; most will happily adjust expectations. Sleep, food and a decent warm-up matter more than any extra session.

Making your first season count

Set yourself two or three small goals — a stronger non-dominant hand, better communication in defence, or simply attending every session for a term. Volunteer for the small jobs: scoring, umpiring junior games, helping at tournaments. It builds trust and makes you part of the club rather than a visitor.

Keep in touch with your school coach too. They will be pleased to hear how you are getting on, and their advice can help if you later pursue representative trials. Most of all, be patient. The players who thrive after moving from school to club are rarely the most talented on day one; they are the ones who keep turning up, ask good questions and enjoy the company. The South West's lacrosse community is small, friendly and genuinely pleased to see new faces — you will find your place quicker than you think.