Lacrosse Olympics return 'huge' for Manchester

As Paris handed over the Olympic torch to Los Angeles earlier this year, it marked the countdown to lacrosse's return to the Games in 2028, ending what will be a 120-year wait.

For England and Nottingham University coach Michael Armstrong, originally from Altrincham, its return to the Olympic programme is not only monumental for the game but for Manchester, which he described as a "hot bed" for lacrosse.

"For a sport that not many people have heard of, to have this opportunity on a global platform is huge, it's something that World Lacrosse have been working on for a long, long time now," he told the BBC.

"It's super exciting for what it could mean for the sport after the Olympics in terms of the legacy, it will no doubt go on to inspire and change many more young people's lives in the area - as it has done mine."

The sport's roots in the city are believed to date back to 1875 when an exhibition match promoting the game was held at Old Trafford cricket ground.

The following year Stockport Lacrosse Club was established making it the oldest in the country.

In total, there are about 15 clubs across Greater Manchester and the English Lacrosse headquarters are based at the Etihad Campus.

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Lacrosse was discovered being played by native Americans in the 15th Century as a way of settling disputes between tribes.

A modern six-on-six version of the sport will be played at the Olympics which, due to its fast-paced nature, Mr Armstrong likens to basketball.

"It's on a shorter field and more end to end than traditional lacrosse with some of the more unusual rules being removed to try and make it a bit more of a spectacle," he said.

"There's also a big emphasis on trying to blend the men's and the women's games closer together so it doesn't feel like two separate versions of the sport."

Beyond 2028, due to limited places, a sport's inclusion in the Olympics is highly competitive and there are no guarantees lacrosse will be chosen again for future Games.

However, Mr Armstrong believed there was a "real opportunity" it would return for the Brisbane Olympics in 2032 due to the sport's popularity in Australia.

Preparations for the Olympic Games continue from Friday over the weekend as both British men's and women's teams compete in the inaugural USA Lacrosse Experience in Indianapolis.

The squad includes Tommy Kirkland, 33, from Cheadle, who said although Great Britain's Olympic qualification is currently unknown, both squads were working hard to give themselves the best chance of being there.

"The Olympics is the pinnacle of sport, so to have the opportunity to compete in one is unbelievable for a sport like ours," he told the BBC.

"Personally, age isn't on my side, but if I can continue to positively impact the team and help some of the newer, younger players in the squad adapt to the sixes format then that is something I'm looking forward to."

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