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European Championships 2008

7th - 16th August July 2008, Lahti, Finland

The Welsh men’s senior field lacrosse team are due to compete in the 2008 European Championships to be held in Lahti Finland, from the 6th to 16th of August. Whilst the Welsh team are no strangers to International events. The team on this occasion benefits from a foundation of players who first came together for the under 19’s World Championships in Baltimore USA 2002. There are also players who may be considered by some as veterans but who are still a force to be reckoned with. Coupled with home grown players from Welsh Clubs this mix of personalities adds to the skill, ability, vigour and determination that is in evidence when this team takes the field.

Jason Perrin Head Coach a former Welsh International was head hunted by Italy, Denmark and Finland as their National Coach. He has made a welcome return home to Wales after a long absence. Jason brings a wealth of experience having travelled extensively coaching other countries. Jason has not lost his Welsh desire to win and is very proud to head up the National coaching staff.

Attack coach Martin Jackson. A very experienced coach who has undertaken eight major World games. He coached Wales at the last Europeans and also at the World Championships in Canada 2006. Martin has an abundance of strategies and tactics and his excellent communication ensures that players know what to do and when to do it.

Captain and player coach in defence Dan Funnel brings very extensive lacrosse experience to the team having competed in every European and World championship since 2000. His defence knowledge and skill is of the highest order and his commitment is legendary. He brings about solid resistance to attackers and does not give up.

Team Manger Gordon Shumack who has managed the Welsh Men since 2002 stated,

“Jason and Martin and Dan have brought out the best in players and we all look forward to showing the rest of Europe what Wales can do. Their working relationship and aspiration to do well have brought great strength to what Wales seek to achieve. The distinctive gritty, combative but open style of play that Wales has developed under their supervision should ensure that this particular squad have more than a very good chance to do well in Finland. The Welsh men are very fortunate to have such valuable coaching experience available; they are more than ready for what comes next”

The coaches are very ably assisted in bringing the team together as a playing unit, with Paul Simpson and Steve McDermott as co-captains who both have an immense track record with Wales.

Team Manager Shumack said, “ ‘Simmo’ and ‘McD’ are determined to succeed and have the awareness, skill and ability to make things happen. Their decisive quick thought into action process will undoubtedly enhance the chance to put goals on the scoreboard”

The Welsh Men’s squad also benefit from the inclusion of Elizabeth ‘Lizzy’ Riley a qualified physiotherapist who will attend the championships in Finland. Lizzy herself a lacrosse player knows only too well the importance of proper preparation and her professional knowledge can only improve the teams chance of success.

Chris Shumack the administrator for the men’s squad, who has looked after the men’s team since 2000, has ensured that all the back office administration and arrangements with the hosts in Finland are in place once again. Knowing all the organisation for the event has been taken care of allows the players to ‘get on with the game’ without having to be concerned about accommodation schedules and other issues which require attention.