ORANJE

Facts about lacrosse:

• There are over 2 million lacrosse players worldwide.
• Lacrosse is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world.
• Lacrosse powerhouses are the USA, Canada, Australia, and Japan.
• Within Europe, the strongest countries are England, Germany, Ireland, Scotland, Sweden and The Netherlands.

Facts about lacrosse in The Netherlands:

• The first lacrosse club in The Netherlands was founded in 2001. Since then, this has grown to almost 20 clubs, spread out over the entire country. The large majority of players in The Netherlands are students and young professionals.
• There are official leagues for both men and women, both with two separate divisions. There are almost 1000 players active in these leagues.
• In 2012 The Netherlands hosted the European Championships, held in Amsterdam.

Facts about the Dutch National Men’s Lacrosse Team:

• The Men’s DNT has taken part in international championships since 2004. They have competed in every major championship since that year.
• At the EC 2004 (Prague, Czech Republic) The Netherlands finished 9th out of 12 competing nations.
• At the WC 2006 (London, Ontario, Canada) The Netherlands finished 12th out of 21 competing nations.
• At the EC 2008 (Lahti, Finland) The Netherlands finished 2nd out of 18 competing nations.
• At the WC 2010 (Manchester, England) The Netherlands finished 8th out of 29 competing nations.
• At the EC 2012 (Amsterdam, The Netherlands) The Netherlands finished 4th out of 17 competing nations.
• Topsport Nederland Lacrosse has the ambition to be in the top 3 of all European countries in 2018, the top 6 in the world in 2023, and the top 3 in the world in 2028.
• Topsport Nederland Lacrosse’s official mission is to facilitate and grow top sport lacrosse in The Netherlands by means of opening up the development program to every player in The Netherlands and to take part in international tournaments and championships.

Dutch National Men’s Lacrosse Team, photos free of copyright: