The greatly anticipated lacrosse tour to the states was how many of our top lacrosse players started their summer holidays!
46 students travelled to the US for a 10-day tour with a schedule packed with training camps, tournaments, and sightseeing.
Day 1 – 15 July
Acclimatising to the heat and slightly jet-lagged from their flight the day prior, the students headed to Rehoboth beach, where they enjoyed the sea and exploring the local sights. A trip to the Giant Supermarket meant the students could stock up on American snacks before heading for training at the DE Turf Complex. Their training was halted by lightning and to pass the time, the students took refuge in the bus, singing ABBA songs and solving riddles whilst they waited for the storm to be >10 miles away.
Day 2 – 16 July
The Saturday was the first day of The Surge Tournament and saw three teams compete. The teams did really well playing against teams who have been playing since a young age. After their matches, QAS student showed the American teams how we finish the end of each game.
Day 3 – 17 July
On the second day of The Surge Tournament the teams coped exceptionally well in the heat. Those not playing were on the side lines cheering on the teams and on-hand with a supply of water and Gatorade.
Team 2023 came second in their pool, winning two games, drawing one and losing one.
Team 2025 had a coaching session in the morning and went on to play against Mid Penn Blades, where Izzy S scored a goal in the first minute, with a great assist from Mary. The Blades then came back strong and won the game 10-1.
The team then faced the Hurricanes, a very talented and experienced team. However, lightning stopped play but not before Izzy S scored another goal.
Day 4 – 18 July
After battling the heat, all three QAS teams played hugely successful matches against some teams who have been playing lax since the age of 5.
Day 5 – 19 July
The teams safely arrived in Baltimore and spent the day at Six Flags theme park!
Day 6 – 20 July
On day six, the teams attend a University of Maryland Elite Coaching Camp with Head Coach Cathy Reece and four of the university’s top payers. This was a fantastic experience for the teams where they worked on stick skills and tricks followed by three stations on attacking principles.
It was then time to see the sights of Washington DC, with some of the students opting for a sunset stroll up Federal Hill Park after dinner.
Day 7 – 21 July
In the morning, the students visited the National Lacrosse Museum, which is the home of USA Lacrosse.
There were lots of college lacrosse memorabilia and lots of information about how the game of lacrosse grew from the Natives' sport.
They even found Cindy and Cathy on the wall of fame, which was very exciting, especially after the coaching session at Maryland yesterday. The girls have been coached by both of them on this trip.
The girls also loved watching the training session that was going on the turf and got to watch some top lacrosse players in action!
Teams played matches at Uproar Lacrosse club, again, in very hot conditions. The QAS reams received wonderful hospitality from the coaches and parents, enjoying post-match food and homemade cookies!
Day 9 – 23 July
It was time to see the sights of NY!
The students clocked up many steps, taking in the famous landmarks of the city. One group took the subway to the 9/11 memorial, before walking up the bank of the Hudson River to Little Island, with a stop for lunch at Chelsea Market. They also walked the High Line before all students headed up the Rockerfeller Center.
Day 10 – 24 July
On the final day of the tour, the students got up early to head to the South Jersey Shore to play their final club game. The parents rallied together and put together a post-match meal which was most welcome after playing in the heat.
Some R&R was enjoyed at Asbury Park beach before a dinner at the Cheesecake Factory and packing ready for their flight the next day.