Interview: Nathan Wilkinson, England Lacrosse U21 Player

We recently got speaking to Nathan Wilkinson who will be representing England at the upcoming World Lacrosse Men’s U21 Championships in Ireland.

We’re always excited about speaking to upcoming sporting talent, especially when they come from our home city of Sheffield!

Lacrosse is a sport that you don’t hear much about in the UK, so we thought it would be rude not to fire a few questions at Nathan.

For those who don’t know, Lacrosse is the oldest organised sport in North America, originating from the indigenous community. It’s a team sport in which the ball is thrown, carried and caught using a long handled stick with netting at one end.

The sport is hugely popular in American High Schools and Colleges, with participation in the sport increasing in Europe and the UK in recent years.

Anyway, let’s see what Nathan has to say about it ⬇️

As a young lad from Sheffield, how on earth did you get into Lacrosse?

I got into Lacrosse at school in Year 5. An American player came over from the states & ran an after school club. I’ve played ever since.

What physical attributes and skills does it take to become a good Lacrosse player?

Hand-eye coordination is really important. As well as strength, speed and agility.

Other than the England U21s team, who do you currently play for?

I play for Sheffield Steelers Lacrosse Club and will also be playing for Nottingham Trent when I move to University in September.

What is the current infrastructure like for lacrosse in the UK?

I would definitely say it’s growing!

What are your ambitions in the sport?

My ambitions in the sport are to play for the senior men’s England team and It’s also looking highly likely that Lacrosse will be at the Olympics in the near future, so playing in that would be another goal.

How are preparations for the World U21 Champs going?

Preparations for the World Championships are going well, we are training together every weekend as well as playing some scrimmages against other teams.

What are your team’s aims for the tournament? And who will be the main contenders?

We have been seeded in the top pool with USA, Canada, Haudenosaunee & Australia. USA & Canada will definitely be the toughest opposition but we are definitely aiming for a medal.

If there’s anyone reading this who fancies giving the sport a try, what would you say to them and how can they get involved?

Do it, you’ll love it! There’s a great team ethos, it’s massively inclusive, fast paced, physical and overall just brilliant!

Sheffield Steelers Lacrosse Club are running a Free Beginners Summer Camp on Tuesdays from 17:30 to 19:30 @ Crosspool Playing Fields. (Aged 10 – 14).

If interested email [email protected]