MEMBERS of the Footscray, Newport and Williamstown Lacrosse Clubs have dominated selection in the Australian women’s team to contest this year’s World Cup.
Seven women from the West have made the side while head coach Max Madonia is also from Footscray.
Team member Abbie Burgess said it is a great result for the local competition.
“I think it is always a surprise to get that number of Victorian based girls in a national team,” she said.
“The selection is always difficult and nothing is ever guaranteed but having said that, the calibre of players in this area is really high.
“We have got really strong and experienced players and that provides really good opportunities for our juniors coming through to learn from the best.”
The World Cup will take place in July this year. The Australian team will come together for a final training camp in March before travelling to Oshawa in Canada to compete.
After claiming silver at the last World Cup, Burgess said the squad is aiming to go one better this time around.
“The US is going to be our main competition but our goal is absolutely to come away with a gold medal,” she said.
“In 2009 in Prague, Australia lost to the US in the final but in 2005, we actually beat the US and brought home gold.
“At the moment we are currently ranked second in the world but we feel like the line-up that we have is really outstanding.
“We have some of the best players in the world and we have a Hall of Fame member in Jen Adams captaining our team. In terms of the lacrosse community she is a household name and has a huge fan base.”
The western suburbs representatives are looking for any possible funding or sponsorship opportunities in the lead up to the World Cup.
Anyone able to offer assistance is encouraged to contact team manager Kate Simpson via email, aussielax2013@live.com.au or call 0425 604 949.
