Camps, Clinics & Programmes.

English Lacrosse Association's CENTEX programme is the talent identification pathway for U19 England representation. CENTEX first began in 2004 with the aim of benefitting players who aspire, and have the potential to represent England at Under 19 level and/or beyond. Top Class Sport has been contracted to run this programme for several years now and is proud to be part of this exciting system, one that was first created by the Company Directors, on behalf of the English Lacrosse Association.

CENTEX is the only route to representative lacrosse for England players at U19 level. The programme is a tiered and progressive system, consisting of 2 main stages:

CENTEX 'Talent' or  CENTEX 'Select'

CENTEX 'Regional'

In the main, players are invited onto the 'Regional' programme as a result of their attendance at the CENTEX 'Talent' days. It is here that the CENTEX coaches identify and invite those players that they believe possess the necessary qualities to progress onto the next level.

However, in unusual circumstances, players, aged 14 – 17 years, can attend the Centex 'Select' day and consequently be considered for a place on the 'Regional' squads.

If invited on to the Centex programme, players attend regular training squads throughout the year. In these sessions players focus on the development of physical, mental and tactical aspects of the game, as well as match play, fitness and lifestyle choices.

Teachers and coaches are asked to encourage their players to attend the CENTEX Talent day in order to allow them to be coached and seen by the CENTEX coaching staff. Players have the opportunity to progress through the system and take advantage of a combination of coaching, feedback and competitive play experiences, with the ultimate goal as selection for the England U19 squad.

This progressive programme has proven both productive and successful over the years. Players who are invited to attend and accept a place should note that this is not a camp and that they are required to honour all commitments and prioritise, in order that their full potential to play for ENGLAND is achieved. 

The CENTEX 'Open' day provides the opportunity for girls of all levels and experience to simply involve themselves in the field game and learn skills and tactics from England's finest national players and coachers. Simply turn up, learn and enjoy!

For more information about this programme please contact Anne at anne@topclasssport.co.uk or ELA Head Office on info@englishlacrosse.co.uk

The Shooting and Goalkeeping Clinic is a one day innovative course. International coaches and players assist players of all ages and standards to develop current and new shooting and goalkeeping techniques. The players learn and practise different attacking and shooting skills to help raise their match scoring percentage in both controlled and pressured situations, with and without opponents. Likewise, the goalkeepers are coached in small groups or individually, according to experience, and are afforded the opportunity to practise making numerous saves in both controlled and competitive situations; they are encouraged to work hard on improving their saving percentage and communication, as well as making good decisions when intercepting, winning ground balls and clearing.

By the end of the day’s challenges and competitions, for which there are team and individual prizes awarded, it is anticipated that all players will return to their school and club more confident and knowledgeable in the art of scoring goals together with a keen understanding of the full role a goalkeeper plays in their team.

If you are interested in any of these camps/programmes please visit our online booking page or contact us for further information.

This unique residential and non-residential camp, with its lacrosse and multi-activity sports programme is set in the superb grounds of Wycombe Abbey School. Girls of all ages and abilities are provided with top flight coaching and the chance to use the school's state of the art sports complex which is available throughout the day and evening. Senior England and Under 19 Head Coaches, together with the 2009 England World Cup players, form the main group of experienced coaches. The England players not only coach, but also lead and participate in competitive game play alongside the students, as well as giving individual tuition and mentoring in specialist areas - thus affording every attendee the 'chance of a life time'.

Whether the player is a beginner, novice or elite participant in any activity our experienced coaches will evaluate their ability and monitor their progress through an appropriately stimulating and fun environment as well as giving individual advice and feedback.

Furthermore, ALL activities are coached by personnel with current qualifications in the activity and who have an up to date CRB check. First Aiders are present throughout the day and night.

The programme consists of EITHER a full day of lacrosse coaching in skill technique and tactical game play OR a half day of lacrosse + a half day of participation in a variety of sporting activities of their choice including:

Climbing wall, tennis, cricket, team building, SAQ, trampolining, dance, squash, football, basketball, tag rugby, netball, hockey, golf, volleyball, water based activities, cheerleading, fitness studio, table tennis, team games, dodgeball, treasure hunt, ultimate frisbee, rounders, badminton and much more.....!!!!

Evening activities are organised for all residential campers after which residents may relax, with each other and the staff, in the comfort of their accomodation. All houses have large common rooms with television, DVD and music facilities.

Single or shared room accommodation is available.

Example of typical day's programme:

The opportunity to purchase lacrosse kit and equipment is available at the camp.

Free No Boundaries t-shirts are given to all campers.

If you are interested in any of these camps/programmes please visit our online booking page or contact us for further information.

The Lacrosse Academy is a high calibre lacrosse camp boasting exclusive tuition from Senior England’s 2009 World Cup Head Coach, Lois Richardson, Under 19 Head Coach, Anne Smith, together with many of the leading World Cup players who competed in Prague this summer.

This camp, the only one of its kind, offer's young aspiring players, aged fourteen years upwards, the chance to learn recent world cup tactics, watch world cup videos of all the teams and play with and against England's world cup midfield, attack and defence players. England Lacrosse Head Coaches and players will personally coach and advise individuals how to improve their game tactically and mentally, as well as give tips and advice on the most recent skill techniques for all areas of the field, including goalkeepers.

Ultimately, the Academy will challenge participants to strive to reach new levels in their personal game as well as enabling them to become more confident unit players in attack, midfield and defence, thereby preparing them for their school, county and territorial teams in the ensuing season.

All players are able to participate in video filming and analysis of their own individual game, as well as team tactics. Written feedback is produced for all players and will be sent to participant’s teachers and coaches as requested.

If you are interested in any of these camps/programmes please visit our online booking page or contact us for further information.

These camps are specifically geared towards lacrosse beginners and girls who have played for one or two years and would like to enhance their knowledge and prepare for school and club lacrosse in September; players are grouped according to age and experience in order to work on skills and tactics applicable to their level. The aim is to prepare the players for the upcoming season and help them develop and enhance their stick skills, tactical knowledge and competitive game play. It will enable each individual to meet the new challenges lacrosse brings, at their school or club, with confidence and excited anticipation as well as making new friends and sharing in the enjoyment of team sport. A great way to build confidence for the start of the season!

Free Stick It t-shirts are given to all campers.

If you are interested in any of these camps/programmes please visit our online booking page or contact us for further information.

The Double Team Lacrosse Clinic is a two day mid season course, in the October half term, coached by International coaches and players for players of all ages and standards; groups are created according to age and ability. Across the two days the programme offers individual stick skill development, including stick tricks to create a more flexible and reliable player. There is also a focus on attacking and defensive skills and tactics. Players also have the opportunity to play 'open' and conditioned games in order to enhance their ability to apply tactics and create the most advantageous situation for themselves and their team. The clinic was created to facilitate players' development during the season.

If you are interested in any of these camps/programmes please visit our online booking page or contact us for further information.

‘Beat the weather’ and do your lacrosse training indoors! At Top Class Sport’s first ever INDOOR LACROSSE CLINIC, at Wycombe Abbey School Sport’s Centre, players will take part in practical work for lacrosse SKILLS and TACTICS for the outdoor game; these will be coached and applied in an exciting, competitive and energising INDOOR TOURNAMENT!

Inside Out will engage and challenge players and also help prepare them for their next term of lacrosse! Participants, under the guidance of our very experienced coaches, will learn and practise skill techniques for attack and defence, while building upon their existing tactical knowledge; they will also be able to work closely as part of a TEAM throughout the day, thereby building CO-OPERATION and SELF ESTEEM, as well as making new friends and having FUN!

PRIZES included!!

Inside Out has LIMITED PLACES and therefore requires EARLY BOOKING if individuals are not to be disappointed.

Please note:

Day 1     10.00 – 3.00     Year 7 & 8 girls     2 January 2014

Day 2     10.00 – 3.00     Year 9 & 10 girls   3 January 2014

Day 3     10.00 – 3.00     Year 7 & 8 girls     4 January 2014

Day 4     10.00 – 3.00     Year 7 & 8 girls     20 February 2014

If you are interested in any of these camps/programmes please visit our online booking page or contact us for further information.

This is an exceptional, non-residential multi-activity sports camp that provides a unique ‘taster’ opportunity for girls aged 8 – 11 years old. It is held at the prestigious Wycombe Abbey School which is set in160 acres and situated on the edge of High Wycombe, only one mile from the M40 motorway.

This breath-taking venue, with its superb and expansive facilities, allows all attendees to reach their potential in a controlled, safe but challenging indoor and outdoor environment. While having terrific fun and exercising under the watchful eye of staff, girls can engage in new and exciting adventures across a multitude of sports that are tailored to age and ability. All the participants are able to enjoy working with others, building confidence and developing life skills such as team work, co-operation, problem solving and leadership. Awards and prizes are made available to every individual for effort and achievement; qualifications in some activities may also be acquired.

Wycombe Abbey’s state of the art Sports Centre enables individuals to try out many different and varied options which may include climbing wall, short tennis, introduction to field lacrosse, pop lacrosse, kwik cricket, team building, SAQ, trampolining, dance, squash, football, basketball, tag rugby, netball, hockey, golf, volleyball, water based activities, cheerleading, table tennis, team games, dodgeball, treasure hunt, ultimate frisbee, rounders, badminton, and much more……!! Contrasting and relaxing activities are also offered each day to allow young and energetic participants to re-charge their batteries and also to allow them to develop and enhance their knowledge about the importance of well being and a balanced diet. These may include, but are not limited to, various hobbies, crafts, drama as well as health and fitness programmes/instruction, including the importance of good nutrition and exercise.

Campers will be coached and accompanied by enthusiastic and caring staff who are sensitive to the needs of each individual. All senior staff are fully qualified physical education teachers, specifically qualified instructors and /or international players and coaches.
Every coach and staff member is vetted by the Criminal Records Bureau.

First Aid qualified staff are always present.

Included extras:

- Free T-shirt
- Drink and snack each morning and afternoon break

Optional extras:
- Escorted Transport available from some pick up and drop off points
- Early Bird and Late Owl extended hours

Example of a typical day's programme:

8.00 - 9.30 Early Bird
9.30 - 10.15 Familiarisation and Treasure Hunt
10.15 – 11.00 Team Games
11.00 – 11.15 Break (drink + snack provided)
11.15 – 12.15 Choice: Climbing Wall or Golf
12.15 – 1.15 Lunch + problem solving
1.15 – 2.00 Crafts
2.00 – 2.45 Racket Sports
2.45 – 3.00 Break (drink + snack provided)
3.00 – 3.45 Choice: Water Based Activity or Cheerleading
4.00 - 5.30 Late Owl

The No Strings Camps work on the same principle as the No Boundaries Camps except Tennis is substituted for Lacrosse.
Free No Strings t-shirts are given to all campers.