The FIL Men’s World Lacrosse Championships will be held in Israel next summer July 12-22. The Championships, held every four years, determine each countries world rankings. This is the first time the World Championships are being held outside of traditional lacrosse countries United States, Canada, England, and Australia.
Lacrosse, “The Fastest Game on Two Feet,” is growing quickly worldwide. These Championships will be the biggest in history as the field of countries has grown from 38 in 2014 to upwards of 50 in 2018. Israel was chosen to host the World Lacrosse Championships in part to how fast the game has developed in the country. Israel’s Men’s Field National team ranks 7th in the world and 2nd in Europe, while the Men’s Indoor National Team just took first place in the European Box Lacrosse Championship this past summer.
In merely five years youth programs have sprung up in Be’er Sheva, Kiryat Gat, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Sderot, and Netanya. The Israel Lacrosse Association has plans to strengthen programs in and around Netanya in preparations for the World Championships. The games themselves look to attract 2000 players, 5000 fans from outside the country, and millions of views worldwide via television and streaming.
Check out the latest teaser video:
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