ASHDOD, ISRAEL — The Israel Premier Lacrosse League (IPLL) will have a new team in the coastal city of Ashdod making its debut for the 2016 season.
An ownership group led by Scott Mason of Bala Cynwyd, PA spearheaded the initiative to bring the club to Ashdod. Following a successful pilot program in the city last summer, efforts to launch an Ashdod youth league were organized with teams representing Makif Alelph, Daled, Hay and Vav schools. Ashdod’s participation in the Premier League is contingent upon the club obtaining a membership of at least 100 youth lacrosse players in the city.
“I want to personally welcome Mr. Mason and thank him for the dedication and enthusiasm he has shown to make this dream a reality for the Ashdod lacrosse community,” said Israel Men’s National Team head coach Jeffrey Schwartz, who has resided in Ashdod since September to help build the new program. “Having a Premier League team that Ashdod can call their own is really going to take the sport to the next level. This is going to be an amazing summer of lacrosse and we cannot thank Mr. Mason enough for strengthening our program.”
The IPLL team will play home games at Ashdod Sport Club, a 2,000-seat stadium that serves as the home of Ironi Ashdod FC. Ashdod LC will also share the colors and dolphin moniker of their soccer counterparts.
Premier League athletes are offered internship and volunteer opportunities in coaching youth lacrosse players in their city, as well as marketing, public relations and operations for their club. Affordable housing is also made available to visiting players in the “Lacrosse Embassy” of each city.
Athletes who are interested in competing in Ashdod, or elsewhere in the Israel Premier Lacrosse League can receive more information at: israellacrosse.com/play-in-the-ipll/ – Players of all nationalities and religious backgrounds are encouraged to participate.