Venom host Canada Day tourney

Times Reporter    

 

For the first time Strathmore Minor Lacrosse (SML) is the one of the hosts of this year’s Canada Day tournament in Calgary. Every year two teams from the Calgary District Lacrosse Association are picked. The other host team is the Calgary Axemen. 

“We’re just delighted. The level of lacrosse is quite high, so it is very good exposure for kids to play at a high level,” said Todd Betterton, volunteer coordinator for the event. 

This year marks the 38th year for the tournament, making it the longest running box tournament in North America. Teams have attended from Australia, the Czech Republic and from across the border in the U.S. 

Strathmore will have six teams participating in the tournament, four boys’ teams and two girls’ teams ranging from novice to bantam. 

Because Canada Day is on a Tuesday this year the tournament will actually be running the weekend prior, June 27-30.

June 27 will kick off with a meet and greet, team photos and a couple of exhibition games. The tournament will officially begin on Saturday, June 28 and the finals will happen on Monday, June 30. 

“It’s a fantastic tournament, we have to bring our A game, because the level of competition is quite high, but we get to meet a lot of other teams and a lot of other people which is a lot of fun,” said Betterton.

“The biggest benefit is the kids get exposed to a really great event and experience, and they also get to play really great lacrosse.”

In addition to the players preparing for the game, the board must also now find volunteers and sponsors. There is a need for 210 volunteers to fill three hour spots each.

“There are two large challenges that the host clubs face. One is securing a volunteer base, so I will be starting literally this month, June, as we lead up to the Canada Day weekend I will be sending out emails to folks asking for them to volunteer for certain duties,” said Betterton.

“The other big challenge is of course getting donations.”

Betterton said the Canada Day tournament helps the host clubs in terms of creating financial stability long-term, and SML hopes to get a small portion of the revenue that Canada Day generates to put back into the Strathmore club, which will then help with the purchase of equipment and jerseys, booking floor time and perhaps allow them to bring in some high-level coaching.

“Strathmore is just delighted to be a part of this and we’re really seeking community support from our membership to come out and volunteer, and even if you just love to volunteer and want to be a part of it by all means drops me an e-mail,” said Betterton. 

Volunteers will be needed to help with security, running the 50/50, time-keeping, running supplies to teams and more. Contact Deb Betterton at deb.betterton@telus.net about volunteering. 

To donate for the door prizes or raffles items contact Deanna Weis at deannaweis@icloud.com. The tournament will be held at the Subway Soccer Centre in Calgary, and there will also be four satellite locations. The times and locations can be found at http://www.calgarylacrosse.com/Team/teamWeb.dll/PageContent?ContentId=4461&SessionId=55924250889750&co=1. All of the games are free to attend.