So here goes…
I’ll start by confessing that I am not a writer, blogger, or one that seeks to brag. But my friend CJ encouraged me to share my story so here it goes. Thanks for taking a moment of your day to read this post.
In 2004, I founded the EMW Foundation as a 501 C 3 non-profit based here in San Diego where I live. The idea started as a means to operate our one event more efficiently, the San Diego Jam by the Sea, a men’s & women’s post-collegiate tournament. It was not until a few years later when my sister was diagnosed with cancer that I realized the Foundation’s true purpose, use lacrosse for good. From that point on the Jam by the Sea has raised money in support of the American Cancer Society to the tune of $40,000+ and will continue to do so just as soon as we can resume operations.
Along the way, the Foundation has paired lacrosse with events benefitting Habitat for Humanity’s efforts during hurricane Katrina, the Autism Tree Project Foundation, LAX Coaches vs Cancer Games to name a few. During all the chaos of 2020, campaigns included Feed the Front Lines”, “Save the Arts”, and one of our proudest initiatives called “OVERTIME – a candid conversation on racism in lacrosse”. All supported through the kindness of the lacrosse community, from well known “names” to first time players.
Jumping back to 2017, when I was asked to join the leadership team organized to bring the next Uganda National Men’s Team to the 2018 World Lacrosse games held in Netanya, Israel. As the GM, my roll was behind the scenes, setting a $130K+ budget and finding a way to reach the goal in a short amount of time. Let’s just say the Creator had our back and we were able to train and field the second ever men’s team participant from Africa in the games. It was during this process and after that I took up an interest in World Lacrosse (why not add one more item to the overflowing lax plate, right?). For those that don’t know, WL does excellent work in the game and will hopefully result in a smaller field version being included in the 2028 Summer Olympics. Say what you want, that would be HUGE for our sport.
Back to my point. It was during this time of learning about the game from an international standpoint that I realized that if its truly to “grow”, we must find a way to support the efforts of all the 70+ countries struggling to play (US, Canada, and possibly a few others excluded). The obstacles are endless, lack of fields (yes, most countries do not have multi-field complexes in every region), lack of gear, economic factors of the population, coaching & training, etc. etc. But one thing they all have in common is the ABSOLUTE LOVE OF THE GAME!
Similar to the World Games, the Orlando Invitational will have national team play. However, I want to mix in US based teams of various levels for boys & girls at the U16, U18, U20, and Sr. Women’s & Men’s. A multi-national tournament in the traditional two-day format. Because of their unique situations and distance traveled, the international teams follow a 5-day schedule that has them arriving on Tuesday 9/28 or 9/29, then practicing on 9/29-30 and 10/1. Wrapping up with their participation in the “tournament” on 10/2-3. All in, it is a six-night trip for our international friends. More importantly it is less expensive than the larger World Lacrosse Game event that requires 12-14 days.
This all takes happens Sept. 29 – Oct. 3, 2021 at Austin Tindall Sports Complex in Kissimmee, Florida (outside Orlando). Domestic teams participate in the tournament only on Oct. 2-3.
I am not trying to replace the traditional World Games. We hope that providing this space we are able to help our international lacrosse community members grow stronger on and off the field. It begins with having a critical mass of domestic teams involved. Once achieved, we start in on the “addons” list that includes things like:
Position Clinics
Pre-tournament scrimmages
Professional or College “feature game”
Complimentary Social Outing for adult players
International referee training
If you are involved with a team, please consider joining us this Fall. All the information is listed on our website and registration is now open. Yes, we received our first U16 commitment last week from Team Eire representing Ireland! Other countries demonstrating early interest are Panama, Scotland, Ireland’s Sr. Teams, Argentina, Barbados, Puerto Rico, and Mexico. YES, all countries there will sell their apparel to further support their efforts at home.
Registration and logistics planning is made easier through our official travel partners Sports Tournament Concierge, and dedicated rep Kelci Swartz. They have blocked hotel rooms and discounted rental homes (popular in that region) for you to select from. I have also included registration insurance protection for all divisions as a protection against cancellations, covered emergencies (i.e., team misses flight), and other unforeseen events. Risk management wise, our current COVID-19 Protocols combine information from the CDC, State of Florida, and input from sports medical professionals all to provide everyone with the safest possible experience.
“How can i help”?
First, enter your team into one of the above listed divisions! Registration is open now to all levels and both genders in each division no matter where your team is from. This includes community & travel clubs, programs serving seeking to better our sport like BRIDGE, City Lax, Harlem Lacrosse, Oakland Lacrosse, Nation United, and the many others who do thankless work daily. Also, men’s & women’s NCAA, Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association (MCLA), Women’s Collegiate Lacrosse Associates (WCLA), and post-collegiate club teams interested in a great fall playing opportunity. The more domestic teams we have the easier it becomes to offer grants & discounts to our international partners.
Those words uttered by Colin have burned into my brain what he is about. Want a bigger & better league? Want to play at US Lacrosse HQ? Host a tournament at Navy Stadium? Why not us, why can’t we? Seeing his brainchild on paper grow into a nationally recognized league and has been a privilege and helping him out has been an honor. From integrating local businesses being recognized with sponsorships, organizing youth and developmental leagues, and contributing to greater causes with fundraisers, awareness campaigns and donation drives. This game has given so much to me by giving me a chance, why not give back more. Be the league that gives others a chance.
If you are not involved with a team or just wish to contribute financially that is awesome. As a 501 C 3 non-profit, the EMW Foundation is accepting donations to our “grant fund” and targeted “team donations”, all used towards offsetting an international team’s participation expenses. Consider supporting your own heritage, adopt a new favorite, get your company involved, or remain anonymous.
Through your support of entering a team or a donation, the Orlando Invitational will exceed its goal of “Growing The Game!” Thanks for taking the time to read this I apologize if I rambled. I warned you that this is not my forte and appreciate your patience. 😊
Matt Holman