Lacrosse in New South Wales, has a rich and storied history dating back to the late 1800s. The sport was officially introduced on 19 July 1883 after a meeting of gentlemen at Ramford’s Cambridge Club Hotel led to the formation of the Sydney Lacrosse Club.
In the early days, lacrosse was primarily played by men, and the first recorded game took place in 1891. The sport was played on a regular basis in Sydney, with teams from local schools and clubs competing against each other.
The Manly Daily records the local lacrosse club as having won their season in 1930. Other early lacrosse clubs included Burwood District, Balmain, Camden, Granville, Marrickville, Mohican, Mosman, Newtown, North Sydney, Petersham, Stanmore, St Stephen’s Institute, University, Waverly, and Wentworth. Lacrosse games were played on the Sydney Cricket Ground in the 1930s; a NSW state team existed during this same period.
In the 1960s, the sport started to see a decline in popularity, but this was reversed in the 1970s when a new wave of interest was sparked by the success of the Australian national team in international competitions. This renewed interest led to the establishment of the New South Wales Lacrosse Association in 1980, which was instrumental in organising and promoting the sport throughout the region.
Since then, lacrosse in NSW has continued to grow and flourish, with players participating in local leagues and tournaments. The sport is now played by both men and women of all ages, with a junior program being added in 2022.
Today, lacrosse in NSW remains a thriving and dynamic sport, with a rich history and a bright future ahead. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the sport, lacrosse in NSW offers something for everyone, and continues to captivate and inspire players of all ages and abilities.
