Burnside Lacrosse Club invites US and Canadian collegiate lacrosse players the opportunity to visit Australia and play lacrosse in a supportive and family-based club. Players can participate over their summer break or join us after graduation.
Competition and development:
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Visiting players participate at the highest level of lacrosse in Australia, known as State League. Lacrosse is club-based at all levels and not associated with schools. With that, we have many players with regular jobs or school commitments. The training scheduled reflects this and practices are twice a week in the evening (typically Monday and Wednesday from 6:30pm-8:15pm). Games are played on Saturdays and all clubs are around the greater Adelaide area. There is no interstate travel for games.
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Junior development is critical to the health of our club and the sport in Australia in general. We hope that visiting players will embrace the opportunity to be involved with coaching our junior players. This typically involves a commitment of attending juniors trainings (usually immediately prior to senior trainings) and coaching at the junior games on Saturdays.
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The lacrosse-focused time commitment for visiting players will allow ample free time to work and explore Adelaide and its surrounds.
Timeframe:
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Late May to late September
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While practices typically start in late February/early March, regular season games start at the end of April and run through late August with playoffs and the league championship concluding by mid to late September. We expect visiting players to be able to stay through late September in the event that our team advances to the playoffs and championship game.
Arrival in Australia by mid to late May is preferred and would allow visiting players to participate in most of the season. However, we understand that final exams, graduation (for seniors), and other commitments may affect the available date to travel.
Logistics:
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Burnside Lacrosse Club covers all fees and processes all required paperwork related to participation in lacrosse activities in Australia.
The club also provides FREE accommodation in the youthful 'East End', a bustling pocket of the Adelaide CBD (central business district) packed with cafes, restaurants, bars and premium shopping. Details of the apartment can be found here.
Visiting players are responsible for the cost of flights and the visa.
Visas: Visiting players apply for a Work and Holiday Visa – 462 (USA citizens) or Working Holiday Visa – 417 (Canadian citizens). This visa is good for up to 12 months and allows visiting players to work legally while in Australia.
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For work, the club will make introductions to local businesses and through contacts at our club we have been successful in finding work for all players. Pay is generally higher in Australia and the national minimum wage is about $25/hour. Players are commonly able to bank enough money to enjoy a trip in the region (Australian attractions, SE Asia, etc). There is a two week break in the season in July each year and this is a good time to consider a trip.
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While travel insurance is not required, it is strongly encouraged. The cost is generally minimally with the average policy providing coverage for 4 months at a cost of about $300-400. Here is an example of a company providing such insurance. Registration as player with Lacrosse South Australia (cost covered by the club) includes medical coverage for any injuries that occur during competition.
Location:
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Adelaide is a phenomenal modern city of over 1 million people. The city has great beaches to the west and hill country to the east with outstanding outdoor sports opportunities, all within 20 minutes of the CBD. There are 4 world class wine regions all within 15-90 minutes from the club.
Burnside Lacrosse Club is located just to the east of the city. Our club is located at Miller Reserve. The club has men’s and women’s locker rooms on site along with a club room/function space, kitchen and bar.
For more information or to discuss this opportunity further, please contact Ryan Taggart at ryantaggartdvm@gmail.com
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Who am I:
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I am the head coach of the State League team at the Burnside Lacrosse Club in Adelaide, South Australia. I'm originally from NJ (West Morris HS) and took this opportunity myself in 2000-2001 when I had just graduated from college (Haverford College, PA). It was pretty much the best year of my life and I want to help provide that opportunity to others.
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Our recent players have universally benefited from their time in Australia and I'd be happy to put any potential players in contact with those who have taken this opportunity previously for a first hand perspective.