City of Stoke Women’s Lacrosse: Building a Community and supporting the development of the first Women's Midlands League.
- thelacrossespace
- Nov 14
- 11 min read
When you speak with Lily Gray, captain of the City of Stoke women’s team, it quickly becomes clear that Stoke isn’t just about playing lacrosse. It’s about friendship, inclusivity, and keeping the game accessible to everyone.
From Graduates to becoming part of a Growing Club - And League!
“Stoke were founded in 2012 by a group of graduates from Staffs Uni who wanted to continue their lacrosse experience,” Lily explains. “For a while, it was the only club in the Midlands and players eventually helped other clubs in the region. Our founder is proud that Stoke were the first on the scene."
The club has come a long way since those days. Today, it boasts two men’s teams, a women’s team, and a mixed team - all training weekly at Stoke Rugby Union Football Club Mondays 6-8pm - and all teams are actively participating in the men's and women's midland's leagues and the mixed leagues.
A Club for Everyone
Inclusivity is at the heart of Stoke’s ethos. Lily says, “Our club is underpinned by being really inclusive. We’ve got people that have played at a high level and people who’ve just started for the first time with us. We create a really fun, inclusive environment. One of our main things is always to make lacrosse affordable too.”
For Lily, that affordability is crucial. “It surprised me when I moved up here how affordable it was. In the south, it was much more of a membership style. Up here, it means you can be more flexible — and more people can get involved.”
Stoke tries to be a club that is open to everybody, regardless of any clubs that players have played for. “We’re quite open to people playing for different clubs and still coming to train with us. A lot of our men go to both Wilmslow and Stoke. Other clubs don’t always offer that, but we’re just really friendly and open to anyone.”
That spirit has helped create lasting connections with other teams. “The women merged with Wilmslow in 2023–24 in the North League,” Lily recalls. “But the journeys to Manchester got too much, so we joined the South West League. Now we’ve moved into the Midlands League. We still keep in touch with Wilmslow and play with them at tournaments. It’s nice to have that link.”
Highlights and Achievements
When asked about proud moments, Lily smiles. “The men have got to the Flags finals twice in a row In 2023 and 2024, and that’s always a big highlight coming away with the win in 2024. Last year, our mixed team reached the playoffs in its first season, which was amazing. For the women, some of our highlights are tournaments like Bath or Blues — not always because of the lacrosse, but because they’re just the best weekends for team bonding.”
The City of Stoke Men's team boasts players who have represented the Midlands Select team with Matt Goddard, Renz Alcazar, Sam Burgess, Aaron Eastwood, and Adam Footitt all playing for Stoke and the Midlands select team in the Nick Kehoe competition in the 24/25 season.
Lily also spoke about the short term and long term goals of the women's side. Short term - make a strong start in the new midlands league and build team cohesion. Long term - grow the squad into a larger pool of players, develop their mixed team and look to keep progressing as a club.
Players to Watch
The women’s team has its share of standout players:
“Irma Stuwig, our attacker, never played before joining us. She’s feisty, has a really powerful shot, and her confidence has grown so much and she’s recently represented her country in the newly formed South Africa Lacrosse team”
“Alice Akister is our midfield stalwart. She’s so quick and dynamic — she’s had call-ups for both North and South regional squads.”
“In defence, it’s Tamsin Purchase. She’s always at every game, solid as a rock, and makes sure the defence works as a unit.”
And then there’s a rising star: “Chloe Abuteir joined us in September 2024. She’d never played before but picked it up so quickly. She’s even been involved in the Home Nations Lions programme. I’ve seen her knock fully grown men to the floor in mixed games — she’s definitely one to watch!”
The Social Side
Lily emphasises that the best moments of the club often come from playing at tournaments like Bath and Blues - simply for the team bonding and enjoyment as well as the lacrosse! “We try to make sure there’s something for everyone. Pub trips after training are a regular thing, and we’ve done scavenger hunts at Christmas, end-of-season trips to the races, and bottomless brunches. There have even been marriages from the club! Sam and Jess met through Stoke and married in March 2025 — that says a lot about the community here.”
Powered by Volunteers, for the club and the wider lacrosse community!
Like many grassroots clubs, Stoke runs on volunteers.“All of our coaches and committee are volunteers,” Lily says. “Adam Footit is our club president and chair — he does a fantastic job running finances and training alongside a demanding job. Tamsin has held lots of committee roles, currently one of our social secs and keeps everything running smoothly. Sam is our secretary, liaising with the rugby club and booking pitches. Everyone does their bit.”
Lily emphasises that the side wants to continue to work with other women's lacrosse clubs in the region to strengthen the region. This could be helping new players to find the right club for them and to further develop the standard of lacrosse locally - something they are doing through their links at Wilmslow, and also their support with Keele University where they help umpire and coach their sides. The City of Stoke Men's 2s side also boast a majority university student contingent which helps them play a higher level of lacrosse before going back to their usual Wednesday BUCS games.
Looking ahead. The newly formed Women's Midlands league!
In previous seasons, being a women's midlands club has meant lots of travel to reach the northern or southern leagues. Lily points out that the women's experience in the South West league was mixed, due to weather cancellations and long travel meaning they didn't play as much as they wanted.
This season brings an exciting milestone: the first ever Women’s Midlands League. For Stoke, who’ve spent years travelling north or south for fixtures, this is a turning point.
“For a team that’s been based in the Midlands since the start, having games more on our doorstep is such a benefit,” Lily says. “It also means family and friends can come and watch on a Sunday morning. That can only inspire more people to get involved.”
She’s confident about the opportunities and impact: "The opportunities are huge - stronger competition, more collaboration between clubs, and chances for players to progress. The Midlands clubs already work closely together, which is really exciting. I can’t see it doing anything other than grow the game — it’s so positive.”
The league has started off with its founding members of, Nuneaton LC, City of Stoke LC, Derby LC, Milton Keynes LC, Lincoln LC, Leicester LC and Birmingham LC.
Lily emphasises that Stoke are only a part of the development of the league and all clubs play their part. "It's already created networks for umpiring, coaching and support. Clubs are helping each other and this collaboration is brilliant for the sport". With the growing opportunities for competitive games, the chance of progression and easily accessible game days, it is clear that the Women's Midland's League is something that excites the player base in the region.
The knock on effect has been felt in the university game. Through informal chats I have had with university players, the league has created a buzz and motivation for players to progress further at university as they feel there is now a chance to play the sport after university in the region, while also giving the keenest of players the opportunity to have more game time if they want it.
As of 14/11/2025, Stoke have participated in the first women's midlands game day, losing 3-2 to Derby and winning 6-1 against Nuneaton.
Why Join Stoke?
Lily’s message to anyone considering picking up a stick is simple:
“We’re a really inclusive club who just want to have a good time playing lacrosse. Come and give it a go. Most people are surprised at how much comes back if they’ve played before, or how much they learn in just a couple of sessions if they haven’t. We’re not going to hold you to it if you only turn up once. Just try it — you might love it.”
✨ Interested in joining City of Stoke Lacrosse? Whether you’re a complete beginner, a student, or a returning player, you’ll be welcomed with open and supportive arms. Come for the lacrosse, stay for the friendships (or marriages in some cases!).
Transcript
Interview with Lily, Captain of City of Stoke Women’s Lacrosse
Q: Can you start by telling us a little bit about your club?
A (Lily): Stoke Lacrosse was founded in 2012 by a group of Staffordshire University graduates who wanted to continue playing after university. For a while, it was the only club in the Midlands, and players eventually helped other clubs in the region form. Our founder is proud that Stoke was first on the scene.
We now have two men’s teams, a women’s team, and a mixed team. We train once a week.
Q: Where are you based and when do you usually train?
A: We’re based at Stoke Rugby Union Football Club, just south of Stoke. We normally train on Mondays from 6–8pm. In summer, we sometimes adjust the time for the light and often combine into mixed sessions. In winter, we train under floodlights and split into different disciplines.
Q: Do you have a club ethos or mission that drives the club?
A: Nothing official, but inclusivity is at the heart of what we do. We’ve got players who’ve competed at regional level and complete beginners who picked up a stick for the first time with us. We try to make it fun, inclusive, and affordable for everyone. Membership fees are kept very low — enough to cover costs but never to exclude people.
Q: What makes your club unique compared to others in the region?
A: We’re very open. Players who train or play for other clubs are welcome to join us too. For example, many of our men’s players also train with Wilmslow and then play mixed for Stoke. It creates friendships and opportunities across clubs.
Q: Is there a connection between Stoke and Wilmslow for the women’s side?
A: Yes. In 2023–24 we merged with Wilmslow in the North League, but the travel to Manchester was too much. So, we joined the South West League for a season before deciding to move into the Midlands League. We still have links with Wilmslow — we’ve joined them for tournaments like Bath and keep in touch regularly.
Q: How did the women’s side of the club start?
A: The club began in 2012 with support from Staffordshire and Keele universities. That link with Keele is still really strong today, with players joining us and us helping them with umpiring. The women’s team really began in 2015 and played in the North League until 2024, before moving to the South West and now the Midlands.
Q: How has the club progressed and grown?
A: In recent years, we’ve added a second men’s team, both now competing in the Midlands League. We also entered the new mixed league in 2023/24 and weren’t sure what to expect — but it’s been a huge success. Some players only want to play mixed, so that’s helped grow membership as well.
Q: What has been your proudest or best moment as a club?
A: For the men, reaching the Flags finals several times has been a highlight. For the mixed team, making the playoffs in the first year of the league was amazing. For the women, some of our best moments come from tournaments like Bath and Blues — not just for the lacrosse, but for the team bonding and enjoyment.
Q: How did last season go for the women’s and mixed teams?
A: For the women, it was mixed. The South West League suffered with weather cancellations and long travel, so we didn’t play as many games as we’d hoped. But we played plenty of Midlands friendlies, which were competitive and really enjoyable. For mixed, it was brilliant — lots of players got stuck in, and we’re excited to build on it this year.
Q: How are you feeling about the upcoming season?
A: Really excited! The new Midlands League means more competitive women’s lacrosse closer to home. We hope it will attract new players, both beginners and those returning to the game.
Q: This year marks the first ever Women’s Midlands League. What does that milestone mean for your club?
A: It’s huge for us. We’ve always had to travel long distances for fixtures. Now, having games closer will benefit players and encourage more supporters — family and friends can come and watch, which is great for building the game.
Q: How do you think the new women’s league will impact lacrosse in the region?
A: It will only grow the game. It’s already creating networks for umpiring, coaching, and player support. Clubs are helping each other — for example, Birmingham loaned us a goalie for Bath when we were short. This collaboration is brilliant for the sport.
Q: Where do your players come from and what kind of lacrosse backgrounds do they have?A: Most of our players started at university, some years ago, some more recently. A few had never touched a stick before Stoke. We’ve also had players return to the game after a long break, which is always brilliant to see.
Q: Could you highlight an attacker, midfielder, and defender who stand out for your team?
A:
Attacker: Irma — joined as a beginner and now has a powerful shot and loads of confidence.
Midfield: Alice — incredibly fast and dynamic, with regional experience for both North and South squads.
Defence: Tamsin — reliable, ever-present, and ensures the defensive unit works together.
Q: Is there an up-and-coming player we should keep an eye on?
A: Chloe. She joined us in September 2024, had never played before, but picked it up so quickly. She’s now involved in the Home Nations Lions programme and is a real standout in mixed games.
Q: How important is community and social life in your club?
A: Very. We know people have busy lives, so our socials fit around that. Sometimes it’s just a drink after training, sometimes it’s
bigger events like Christmas scavenger hunts, end-of-season trips, or bottomless brunches. Friendships and even marriages have come from the club.
Q: Do you run youth or development programmes?
A: Not directly, but we support where we can. We’ve had links with local schools in the past, and we still work closely with Keele University, helping with umpiring and coaching.
Q: What role do volunteers and alumni play in the club?
A: Everything we do is volunteer-run. For example:
Adam Footer – club president and chair, manages finances and training.
Tamsin – mix captain, social secretary, and all-round organiser.
Sam – club secretary, liaises with the rugby club for fixtures and training space.
Even our kit design has come from family members of committee members. Everyone chips in.
Q: What are your short-term and long-term goals as a club?
A: Short term: make a strong start in the new season and build team cohesion. Long term: grow the women’s squad into a larger pool of players and continue developing our mixed team, which has been a fantastic addition.
Q: With the launch of the women’s Midlands League, what role does Stoke hope to play in regional growth?
A: We want to work with other clubs to strengthen women’s lacrosse in the region. That includes helping new players find the right club for them and supporting the development of a higher standard of lacrosse locally.
Q: What challenges and opportunities does the new league bring?
A: Challenges include making sure players know where opportunities exist and keeping lacrosse accessible despite rising costs. The opportunities are huge: stronger competition, more collaboration between clubs, and chances for players to progress. The Midlands clubs already work closely together, which is really exciting.
Q: Finally, why should new players or supporters join City of Stoke?
A: We’re inclusive, welcoming, and focused on having fun. You can take it as seriously as you want. Beginners and returning players are always welcome. Come along, give it a go, and see what you think — most people are surprised at how quickly it comes back or how much they learn in just a few sessions.
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