Dear New Zealand Lacrosse Player,
The World Championships take place in Denver, Colorado in July 2014.
Bob Macaluso has been appointed as the Head Coach for the NZ Men’s National Lacrosse Team. He is joined by Jim Kaspar as the Defensive Coordinator, Gavin Higgins as Offensive Coordinator, Roger Snow as Goalkeeper Coach, and myself as the Team Manager. Following Bob’s visit to New Zealand in November 2012 the following programme has been prepared.
1. Trials January 2014
All players will need to participate in team trials that will be held on Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th January 2014 in Auckland, New Zealand
2. Extended Squad Training January 2014
An extended squad will be announced by Sunday 5th January. All players in the extended squad will train together twice a day from Sunday 5th January to Saturday 11th January 2014.
3. Individual Training Programme
Extended Squad members will be provided with a conditioning and skills preparation programme that will be closely monitored.
4. Intensive Training May to June 2014
From Saturday 24th May 2014 through to Sunday 22nd June there will practice sessions held in Auckland. These will take place every Saturday, Sunday plus 3 evenings a week. The extended squad will reduce to 30 after the first week of this programme.
5. Travel to US June / July 2014
The extended squad of up to 30 players will arrive in the US by 1st July and participate in the Vail shootout. This will allow for acclimatisation and for additional training and competitive game preparation. A final team selection will be made to meet the World Championship deadline or after the Vail Shootout.
6. Wednesday 10th July to Friday 19th July 2014. World Championships.
This programme is based around intensive periods of team preparation supported by an individual conditioning programme. It is designed to prepare a team that will be competitive and successful at the Championships. It requires significant commitment from players which is why you are being advised of what is expected now!
What you need to do now?
Contact David Zussman to receive the expression of interest form. When this is completed an initial (non-refundable) payment of $75NZ is required.
Make your initial travel and holiday arrangements for the trials and extended squad training in January 2014.
How much will it cost?
Any individual selected to be in the New Zealand Lacrosse Team will be responsible for raising sufficient funds to cover the significant costs involved including training and preparation, entry fees and other team costs, travel and accommodation. A current estimate is that it will cost in the region of $7-8,000! A draft budget and a payment plan will be put together shortly. In the meantime I urge you all to start saving!
We will be working with the NZLA to try and secure grants and sponsorship to cover some of the core team costs (uniform, equipment, field hire etc.) and / or to reduce player contributions.
Any Questions?
Coaching – contact Bob Macaluso at jakmacaluso@yahoo.com
Arrangements, eligibility etc. – contact David Zussman at zussmanite@xtra.co.nz
More detailed information will follow as preparations continue!
David Zussman
Team Manager