Up-and-coming lacrosse stars experience the game in New West schools

For little lacrosse fans (and we know there are many in New West) there’s some good news if they’re looking to give the fastest game on two feet a try.

The Salmonbellies’ Rich Catton says the organization has been busy hosting its incredibly popular Sticks in Schools program, which allows youngsters to experience the game with the support of senior Salmonbellies and coaches. The program unfortunately had to be put on hold due to COVID-19.

“Finally after [pandemic-related issues], we’re back in the schools … '[We’ve] been at Lord Kelvin, and making the rounds through these elementary schools and middle schools over the next two months,” Catton tells New West Anchor.

The Sticks in Schools program started about a decade ago after some former members realized they wanted to share their love of the game with kids in local schools.

Catton estimates the program has provided an entry point for the game of lacrosse for thousands of children. Additionally, youngsters have had the opportunity to experience the game through the Doug Hazelwood Clinic.

The game of lacrosse has had an extremely popular following in New West, with the Salmonbellies one of the most decorated teams in North America. That legacy continues today, with a number of teams under the Bellies’ umbrella recently medalling: at the BC Lacrosse Association’s Women’s Field Lacrosse Provincials the U15 Tier 1 team took home gold, while the U15 Tier 2 nabbed silver.

For Catton and his family, however, it’s more than just winning awards: in addition to enjoying the sport, lacrosse has set the foundations for giving back to the community.

“Generations and generations of families have played the game in New Westminster, including my family … my brother and my sister are also coaches within the organization,” explains Catton, who was recently inducted into the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame.

“It’s a fantastic feeling to pass on to the next generation of kids. The opportunities I had in the game were limitless, pretty much. I just love to give a little piece of my time back to the community so that we can keep that tradition alive.”

If you’d like to learn more about the various programs the Bellies are offering, be sure to check out their website, and give their social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter a follow.