Tom Williamson

Lacrosse ace Tom selected for England squad

Date: 03/07/2006

Top lacrosse player Tom Williamson (20) of Disley has netted national success - for he has been selected to join the England squad competing in the sport's forthcoming World Championships in Canada.

Tom, lacrosse development officer with High Peak Borough Council, is limbering up for the biggest challenge of his sporting career so far in the competition, which will be held in London, Ontario, in July.

The ace defender and his fellow England team members will head out to Ohio in the USA on July 5 to acclimatise and play several friendly matches before heading north for the tournament, which will be held from July 13 to 23.

"It's unbelievable," said Tom, who supervises regular lacrosse sessions at primary schools across the High Peak and secondary schools in Glossop (St Phillip Howard RC School) and New Mills (New Mills School and Sixth Form Centre).

"I didn't think I'd be selected this time, as I'm quite young, but it's a fairly young squad overall, with the youngest member aged just 17.It will be fantastic experience for the future, and I can't wait to get out there!"

Tom first became interested in lacrosse at the age of eight as a pupil at Disley Primary School, when Les Grainger, a member of Stockport Lacrosse Club,staged a 'pop lacrosse' session.
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"It's brilliant being able to teach children and encourage the next generation to enjoy and take up the sport - it's a great game," added Tom."The kids seem to love it too - the feedback so far from High Peak schools has been really positive."

His playing potential first came to the fore when he played for the national team in the Under 19s World Championships in 2003, when England finished fourth to the USA, Canada and Australia.

Now he is looking forward to joining the senior national squad.Said Tom: "We have some very talented players and I'm sure we'll all be giving it our best shot out in Canada."