PHILADELPHIA, August 8, 2019 – The National Lacrosse League (NLL) and the Intercollegiate Men’s Lacrosse Coaches Association (IMLCA) have officially announced a strategic partnership to help grow the game of lacrosse.
As part of this historic collaboration, the NLL will partner at the IMLCA’s annual meeting in Baltimore Maryland and host an indoor pro-night where NLL coaches, executives and players will demonstrate indoor plays, strategy and skills to the coaches association.
“Together, we will continue to strengthen the game as partners,” said NLL Commissioner Nick Sakiewicz. “With so much fragmentation in lacrosse, we feel that by creating strategic relationships like this, we can provide a stronger sport across all its verticals.”
In addition, the IMLCA will assist the NLL with an invite only box lacrosse combine on Sept. 7-8 at the Wings Training Center at the Flyers Skate Zone in Voorhees, N.J., where graduating NCAA lacrosse athletes can try-out to potentially further their lacrosse careers by playing in the National Lacrosse League, the world’s largest indoor lacrosse league. Five players from last year’s combine, transitioned into the NLL, including Gowah Abrams, Liam Byrnes, Dave Emala, Jules Heningburg and Patrick Resch.
Heningburg was selected in the third round of the 2018 NLL Entry Draft by the San Diego Seals while the other four players earned their way onto a roster via free agency. Only Byrnes, a 2016 Georgia Swarm draft pick, had previous NLL experience. Abrams, Byrnes and Resch saw time with the Philadelphia Wings last year while Emala played seven games for the New England Black Wolves.
“We are very excited about our partnership with the NLL,” said J.B. Clarke, President of the IMLCA. “Our pro night has been extremely well received recently, and the NLL players and coaches have been integral in this growth of our convention. Our college game has been using more and more concepts from the indoor game, and our coaches are excited to learn from the best that indoor lacrosse has to offer.”
Formed in 2004, the IMLCA teaches, promotes and maintains the growth of lacrosse to serve the intercollegiate men’s lacrosse coaches community.
As part of the deal, the NLL and IMLCA will have a strategic marketing relationship that will assist each organization with growing their base and strengthening their core, making lacrosse a more unified sport.
“Our coaches and players are eager to help foster a strong indoor environment and we are excited to work with some of the finest coaches in the world,” said Brian Lemon, who serves as the NLL’s executive in charge of lacrosse operations.
About the IMLCA
The IMLCA was formed in 2004 to serve the intercollegiate men’s lacrosse coaches community. To develop among intercollegiate coaches a deep sense of responsibility in teaching, promotion, and maintaining the growth of lacrosse in accordance with the highest ideals of fair play. To stimulate the development of quality leadership for lacrosse programs by recognizing professional contributions to the sport and keeping members informed of current coaching techniques and trends. To identify and pursue issues relevant to lacrosse coaches and to the sport of lacrosse; and to provide a forum for the discussion of matters of interest to members of the Association. To promote cooperative efforts with other professional organizations interested in the development of lacrosse and athletics in general. For more information on the IMLCA please go to imlcacoaches.com.
About the National Lacrosse League
The National Lacrosse League (NLL) is North America’s premier professional lacrosse league. Founded in 1986, the NLL ranks third in average attendance for pro indoor sports worldwide, behind only the NHL and NBA. The League is comprised of 13 franchises across the United States and Canada: Buffalo Bandits, Calgary Roughnecks, Colorado Mammoth, Georgia Swarm, Halifax Thunderbirds, New England Black Wolves, New York Riptide, Philadelphia Wings, Rochester Knighthawks, San Diego Seals, Saskatchewan Rush, Toronto Rock, and Vancouver Warriors. For more information, visit NLL.com and find the NLL on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
