This year in lacrosse

The lacrosse programme at St Helen’s has been jam-packed this academic year, from high participation at co-curricular clubs to triumphs in friendly fixtures and regional and national tournaments.

In March, the U12s competed in the annual South West Rally Sixes tournament. They had a tremendous day of success with the C and D teams holding their own in Division 1, the B team getting into the knockout rounds of the championship pool and the A team remaining unbeaten all day to become South West Rally champions! The U15B team competed in their National Schools tournament and achieved silver medals, ultimately being named as 2nd best U15B team in the country.

A particular highlight of the year has been the annual senior matches against Radley College and the first ever mixed lacrosse school match combined with Radley College versus Cheltenham Lacrosse Club.

Kitty S, Upper Sixth (Sports Captain)

"As the game progressed, we became more fluid with our skills and played in better unity as we got to know how each other played. The persistence with the loud defensive vocals paid off as we managed to turn over the ball and covert these to fast goals on numerous occasions. The match concluded with a 7-7 draw, which was an amazing result for a first mixed match as RadKats. Hopefully we will continue to have a few more matches and more success."

The final HelKats v Abingdon Leavers’ lacrosse match was played in Trinity term. In comparison with the frosty weather which delayed the match on St Kate’s day, we were treated to warm sunshine in May. The boys put up a valiant display, with impressive power and speed running down the pitch, scoring some great goals. In the end the lacrosse nous of the HelKats shone through and they were pleased to hear the final whistle as the legs were beginning to flag. HelKats were victorious once again to keep the tradition alive.

Here we have a few quotes taken from lacrosse captains across the school:

"We continued our winning streak, helped by our traditional song and dance, bringing lots of energy and determination into the quarterfinals where we defeated St Paul’s (3-1). In the semi-finals, despite our best efforts we lost to Putney (2-0). We are incredibly proud of our performances and the team spirit this year has been incredible. All of us have really enjoyed bonding with each other both on and off the pitch and this definitely helped make our time at Nationals so much more memorable!"

Kitty and Katie (Upper Sixth),1st team lacrosse captains

"From a coach journey of singing to the final minutes before a match we made sure to support each other through all the highs and lows and to really embrace Nationals. Every pass, every shot, every defensive play was a step closer to getting our victory. Throughout the competition, we demonstrated exceptional teamwork, skill and determination. This win is a reflection of every minute we put in on the field, and we couldn't be prouder of us – we’re Division 1 National Schools Winners!"

From Tabby and Ella (Y9), U14 lacrosse captains

"With spirits high and a karaoke version of ‘Hot and Cold’ by Katy Perry along with Miss Pettipher’s take on a motivational chapel reading, St Swithun’s were shaking. The team fought hard, but St Swithun’s took the win. This was an unfortunate loss but does not reflect the team’s ability and spirt over the season which ultimately led us to finish in the top eight schools' 2nd teams in the country. It has been a great pleasure to call ourselves the captains of this incredible HelKats team that has such a strong ethos and devotion to the game, leaving us Upper Sixth players immensely proud of the team."

From Olivia and Olivia (U6), 2nd team lacrosse captains

Player Spotlight News:

Congratulations to the following students on their acceptance onto national team pathways this season: Kitty S, Upper Sixth (England National Academy), Freya H, Lower Sixth (England National Academy), Verity L, Upper Sixth (Wales Dragon Academy) and Olivia M, Upper Sixth (Scotland U20 performance squad).

I would like to show my appreciation for the St Helen’s lacrosse community by saying thank you to the coaching staff for their desire to challenge and inspire our young players, to the parents for their continuous support on the side-lines of the toughest of matches. Most importantly, thank you to the players for their dedication and hard work – every success this season is very much deserved.

Miss Walters,

Head of Lacrosse

Michaelmas term 2024 newsletter

Lent term 2025 newsletter

Trinity term 2025 newsletter