News

The Finnish Lacrosse Association has published the Safeguarding Policy 2025 , which consolidates the association’s principles, procedures, and support structures for promoting a safe, equal, and respectful sports culture. The policy was developed with support from the Finnish Olympic Committee’s expertise. The policy was approved by the association’s board on June 25, 2025, and is binding for all member clubs, staff, coaches, athletes, and volunteers. It aligns with the World Lacrosse Safeguarding Policy and includes concrete measures to prevent and address harassment, discrimination, and other forms of inappropriate behavior. Everyone has the right to participate in lacrosse in a safe and respectful environment. The policy provides shared rules and practical tools for addressing misconduct and developing a more responsible community. The Safeguarding Policy offers a comprehensive framework that defines key concepts and terminology, such as bullying, harassment, and discrimination. It covers background checks for personnel and special protections for underage athletes. The document also outlines clear reporting channels and support services—including the “Et ole yksin” (You Are Not Alone) service—as well as disciplinary procedures and potential consequences. Training requirements and recommended online courses further support the creation and maintenance of a safe environment. Reporting Made Easy The association offers several low-threshold reporting channels, some of which allow anonymous submissions. The Safeguarding Officer serves as a point of contact and support in both national and international cases. Reports can also be submitted via the form available on the association’s website. safeguarding@lacrosse.fi Read the full Safeguarding Policy and learn more: www.lacrosse.fi/en-gb/safeguarding

Finnish lacrosse history was made in Pajulahti Sports Center mid-February as the ladies had their first ever Sixes national team camp weekend, lead by the women's Sixes national team head coach Lesley Hawke, who has earned her stripes in her home country Canada coaching both field and box lacrosse. We were beyond excited to finally meet her, and it's safe to say we were not disapppointed! Joakim “Jokke” Miller, known also for coaching the women's box squad and Turku Titans Ladies, stepped up to help Hawke out as an assistant coach. On Friday night after brief introductions were made, we got to take over the Pajulahti turf. During a stick skills focused session the coaches and the players had an excellent chance at getting to know each other a little better while working on the basics. It was a pleasure seeing so many newer players from Turku Titans and Helsinki Huskies join the camp and work hard with more experienced players. Spirits were high and we were all excited to be starting this journey together and dive deep into Sixes and all of the speed the discipline has to offer! 

Around midday on September 18, 2024, the players of the first Finnish women’s box lacrosse national team began arriving at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport with large suitcases. Named bags were handed out, and the atmosphere was filled with anticipation and excitement. Soon, they would board a flight to Boston, followed by a 4 hour bus ride to Utica. For most players, this trip would be their first time in the United States. The team had clear rules: each player was responsible for their roommate the entire journey. "We were on edge until the last minute, wondering if the uniforms would make it," said team captain Suvi Onne when sharing the bags with uniforms to everyone. The first-ever women’s box lacrosse championship match in history (Finland vs. Canada) was an unforgettable experience for the entire team. It felt both like a privilege and an earned opportunity to play in the tournament, considering the significant effort made by the coaches, staff, and players to assemble the team in such a short time. "When our national anthem started playing before that first game, the entire national team project became tangible—'we’re really here, and now it’s time to play,'" recalled team vice-captain Katariina Bitter. Bitter had the honor of delivering the first cross-check in women’s box lacrosse championship history when she stripped the ball from Canada’s Megan Kinna, flooring the Canadian star shortly after the opening whistle. However, what stood out most for Bitter from the tournament was her amazing teammates: "The team spirit was better than I could have ever imagined." The tournament was historic in many ways for both women’s lacrosse and Finnish lacrosse as a whole.

Lesley Hawke is the new head coach of the Finnish women's sixes national team program.