LACROSSE is the US’s fastest growing sport — and now a dedicated band of fanatics are hoping to boost the profile of the game here.The Bermuda squad are planning to take a squad to a tournament in Prague in February after entering in the international arena for the first time last summer in the World Lacrosse Championships in Canada.

Organiser Andy Soucie said Bermuda had done well considering it was the first time many of the squad had played an organised game.

Bermuda managed to run several much larger nations close.

Soucie said: “We got a very modest 0-5 but a lot of these guys who were playing in the World Championships were playing their first-ever organised games.

“I think we did quite well all things considered, we lost to Denmark 10-6 in our first game which was very competitive and to Latvia 9-4.”

Finland won more convincingly 16-3 although Bermuda didn’t have it’s best team out for the whole game.

“At half time it was getting out of hand so we put some of our less skilled players out there. It probably wouldn’t have been so lopsided.”

Bermuda also lost to Spain 13-9.

“We were competitive — we were also the oldest team in the tournament with an average age of 32. But I wouldn’t use that as an excuse of why we lost.”

The team also went down 19-6 to New Zealand who were in a division above.

“It was a good experience. Right now we are looking at the Prague tournament. I think many of the teams we played will be there.”

Around 35 players are now involved in Sunday afternoon practice sessions at the lower Gym Field in Prospect and more are encouraged to get involved.

Rookies are given tips and an easy ride until they learn the ropes.

“It’s a great opportunity to learn to play. It’s not that competitive. We keep it fun. We give new players rookie courtesy and allow them to develop their skills.

“We are always looking for new players.”

He said organisers want to hit the 200-plus mark to become an official sports club.

To make things interesting round robin ‘international’ tournaments are played, pitting Americans, Canadians and Bermudians against each other.

Women are also welcome to play.

The club is looking for a night pitch with floodlights to keep Thursday night sessions running as winter draws near.

The squad included Ernie Theriault who played semi-pro in Canada while Bermudian Barry Lohan also shows talent.

Soucie, 37, has played for years after learning in his hometown of Newton, Massachusetts.

“Right now it’s about the fastest growing sport in the United States.”

A professional outdoor league has boosted exposure sparking a new generation of school players.

“I love to play. It combines a lot of sports — the stick skills of hockey, you have the physical contact of football. You can run and hit. You need to pass and catch. It’s physical and fast.”