How has lacrosse grown in diversity over the past decade. What initiatives are driving inclusivity in the sport. Why is representation important for the future of lacrosse. How are international opportunities expanding for Black athletes in lacrosse. What impact have Black players had on the history of lacrosse.
The Rapid Growth and Diversification of Lacrosse
Lacrosse has experienced remarkable growth in recent years, with participation rates soaring and diversity within the sport expanding significantly. NCAA lacrosse participation has increased by 47 percent over the last decade, while the number of non-white athletes at the college level has grown by an impressive 2.5 times. This trend reflects a broader shift in the sport’s demographics and accessibility.
Despite its indigenous origins, lacrosse has historically been concentrated in certain regions with less cultural diversity. However, the sport’s landscape is changing rapidly, with intentional efforts to broaden its reach and appeal to a more diverse player base.
Key Statistics on Lacrosse’s Growth
- 47% increase in NCAA lacrosse participation over the past decade
- 2.5x growth in non-white athlete participation at the college level
- 159 Black athletes across 73 NCAA Division I men’s programs in 2022, up from 72 in 2021 (120% increase)
Initiatives Driving Inclusivity in Lacrosse
Several organizations and programs are at the forefront of efforts to make lacrosse more accessible and inclusive. These initiatives focus on grassroots development, creating opportunities for underrepresented communities, and adapting the sport to reach a wider audience.
USA Lacrosse Programs
- Flex6 Lacrosse: A simplified version requiring only a ball and stick, designed to increase accessibility
- Diversity Grant Program: Offers six types of grants to support underrepresented groups and communities
Urban Lacrosse Initiatives
- Harlem Lacrosse: Serves over 1,000 students across 19 programs in major U.S. cities, focusing on low-income communities
- Denver City Lax: Colorado’s first inner-city lacrosse program, founded by George Moore in 2012
These programs aim to break down barriers to entry and introduce lacrosse to communities that have historically had limited access to the sport. By providing equipment, coaching, and support, they’re helping to diversify the player base from the ground up.
The Impact of International Opportunities on Black Athletes in Lacrosse
International lacrosse competitions are playing a crucial role in inspiring Black athletes and showcasing the sport’s global appeal. These opportunities allow players to represent their heritage and compete at the highest levels of the game.
Notable International Developments
- Jamaica fielding teams in both men’s and women’s championships
- Uganda becoming the first African team to compete in a world championship in 2014
- Kenya competing in the U19 women’s championship in 2019
Brian Silcott, vice president of sports growth & development at USA Lacrosse, emphasizes the importance of these international opportunities: “Seeing these international opportunities for this community is inspiring. When they can see that it isn’t just a sport for Americans, that Africans from Kenya or Uganda can compete internationally, or Jamaica or Puerto Rico, it makes a difference.”
The Rise of Black Athletes in Professional Lacrosse
The increasing representation of Black athletes at the highest levels of lacrosse is a testament to the sport’s growing diversity. This visibility is crucial for inspiring the next generation of players and demonstrating that lacrosse is truly a sport for everyone.
Current Black MVPs in Professional Lacrosse
- Dhane Smith: MVP of the National Lacrosse League (indoor)
- Trevor Baptiste: MVP of the Premier Lacrosse League (field)
Dhane Smith emphasizes the importance of representation: “It’s important for kids to see all races in the sport of lacrosse. You are seeing it more – the sport of lacrosse is growing and the only way it gets to the next level is for everyone to contribute.”
Innovations in Lacrosse Format: The Sixes Discipline
World Lacrosse has introduced the sixes discipline, a modified version of the game designed to increase accessibility and accelerate skill development. This format features a smaller field, reduced player numbers, and faster gameplay, making it easier for new players and programs to adopt the sport.
Benefits of the Sixes Discipline
- Reduced space requirements
- Lower player count needed to field a team
- Faster-paced gameplay promoting rapid skill development
- Easier entry point for new programs and players
The sixes format has already made an impact, with the Next Collegiate League launching in 2022 as the first-ever HBCU (historically black colleges and universities) lacrosse league. This league features Black athletes from six schools competing in the sixes discipline, further expanding opportunities for players from diverse backgrounds.
The Historical Significance of Black Athletes in Lacrosse
While the recent growth in diversity is encouraging, it’s essential to recognize the long-standing contributions of Black athletes to the sport of lacrosse. Several trailblazers have paved the way for today’s generation of players, leaving an indelible mark on the sport’s history.
Notable Black Lacrosse Pioneers
- Jim Brown: Two-time All-American at Syracuse University in the 1950s
- Tina Sloan Green: First Black player in USA Lacrosse’s history in 1969
- Morgan State University team: Upset No. 1-ranked Washington and Lee University in 1975
The story of the Morgan State University upset inspired the book “Ten Bears,” co-authored by Miles Harrison Jr., who co-founded the team. This historic victory remains a significant moment in lacrosse history, highlighting the impact of Black athletes on the sport.
The Future of Diversity in Lacrosse: Challenges and Opportunities
As lacrosse continues to grow and diversify, there are both challenges to overcome and opportunities to seize. The sport’s stakeholders must remain committed to fostering inclusivity and breaking down barriers to entry.
Key Areas for Continued Growth
- Expanding youth programs in diverse communities
- Increasing representation in coaching and leadership positions
- Enhancing visibility of diverse athletes in media and marketing
- Developing more affordable equipment and playing options
George Moore, a member of World Lacrosse’s Diversity and Opportunity Commission, highlights two critical factors for growth: “Two of the keys in my experience are exposure to the game and good coaching at a young age. Kids need to see lacrosse as an option to play. And then with how the sport has evolved, teaching fundamentals earlier helps kids develop a skillset to go on to play in high school, college and beyond.”
By focusing on these areas, the lacrosse community can continue to build on the progress made in recent years, ensuring that the sport becomes increasingly diverse and inclusive at all levels.
The Role of Education and Mentorship in Diversifying Lacrosse
Education and mentorship play crucial roles in expanding lacrosse’s reach to diverse communities. By providing knowledge, resources, and guidance, these initiatives can help break down barriers and create pathways for success in the sport.
Educational Initiatives
- Lacrosse clinics in underserved areas
- School partnerships to introduce lacrosse in physical education programs
- Online resources and tutorials for new players and coaches
Mentorship Programs
- Connecting young players with experienced athletes and coaches
- Career development support for aspiring lacrosse professionals
- Leadership training for players interested in coaching or administration
These programs can help nurture talent, build confidence, and create a supportive network for players from diverse backgrounds. By investing in education and mentorship, the lacrosse community can ensure that the sport’s growth is sustainable and inclusive.
The Economic Impact of Lacrosse’s Diversification
As lacrosse becomes more diverse, it opens up new economic opportunities for players, coaches, and businesses associated with the sport. This expansion can have a positive ripple effect on communities that have historically been underrepresented in lacrosse.
Economic Opportunities
- Increased scholarship opportunities for diverse athletes
- Growth in lacrosse-related businesses in urban areas
- Expansion of professional leagues and career paths
- Diversification of lacrosse equipment and apparel markets
By creating more economic opportunities within the sport, lacrosse can become a vehicle for social mobility and community development. This economic impact can further incentivize participation and investment in diverse lacrosse programs.
The Global Perspective: Lacrosse’s Growth Beyond North America
While much of the focus on diversity in lacrosse has centered on North America, the sport is experiencing significant growth worldwide. This global expansion is creating new opportunities for players of diverse backgrounds and helping to reshape the international lacrosse landscape.
International Lacrosse Developments
- Expansion of lacrosse programs in Africa, Asia, and South America
- Increased participation in international tournaments
- Cultural exchange through lacrosse clinics and exhibitions
- Growing interest in lacrosse as an Olympic sport
The global growth of lacrosse not only provides more opportunities for diverse athletes but also enriches the sport with new playing styles, cultural perspectives, and traditions. This international flavor can make lacrosse more appealing to a broader audience and contribute to its continued diversification.
Technology’s Role in Promoting Diversity in Lacrosse
Advancements in technology are playing an increasingly important role in making lacrosse more accessible and inclusive. From equipment innovations to digital platforms, technology is helping to break down barriers and connect diverse communities to the sport.
Technological Innovations in Lacrosse
- Virtual reality training programs for skill development
- Mobile apps for learning rules and strategy
- Social media platforms for connecting players and teams
- Live streaming services for increased visibility of diverse athletes
These technological tools can help level the playing field by providing access to high-quality training and information, regardless of a player’s location or resources. By leveraging technology, the lacrosse community can accelerate its efforts to diversify the sport and reach new audiences.
The Importance of Diverse Leadership in Lacrosse
To truly foster diversity and inclusion in lacrosse, it’s crucial to have representation at all levels of the sport, including leadership positions. Diverse voices in decision-making roles can help ensure that the sport continues to evolve in an inclusive manner.
Areas for Leadership Diversity
- Coaching staff at all levels
- League and organization executives
- Officiating crews
- Media and broadcasting teams
By promoting diversity in leadership, lacrosse can benefit from a wider range of perspectives and experiences. This diversity can lead to more innovative strategies for growing the sport and addressing the needs of all players and communities.
As lacrosse continues to evolve and embrace diversity, it’s clear that the sport is on a path towards greater inclusivity and representation. From grassroots initiatives to international competitions, the lacrosse community is working to ensure that players from all backgrounds have the opportunity to participate and excel in the sport. By celebrating Black History Month and recognizing the contributions of Black athletes past and present, lacrosse is not only honoring its diverse heritage but also paving the way for a more inclusive future.
Lacrosse’s reflection of Black History Month: “It’s the work we are currently doing”
Participation in NCAA lacrosse has grown by 47 percent in the last decade and participation by non-white athletes has grown exponentially by 2.5 times at the college level in the United States.
Lacrosse has indigenous origins but historically in North America, it has been more predominant in regionalized areas with less cultural diversity. The game’s diversification has taken time but is gaining significant momentum.
“People throughout the lacrosse community have called for growth of the game, diversification of the game,” said Brian Silcott, vice president of sports growth & development at USA Lacrosse. Silcott was the first Black head coach of a Major League Lacrosse team in 2006.
The intentional changes from the sport’s decision-makers have been to make lacrosse more accessible by expanding opportunities at the grassroots level, getting kids to play at a younger age and in more regions of both the U.
S. and the world.
USA Lacrosse has a program called Flex6 Lacrosse that only requires a ball and a stick for athletes to play, aimed at creating more opportunities for players of all ages and skill levels. The organization also created a Diversity Grant Program, which includes six different types of grants for underrepresented groups and communities aimed at expanding access through targeted support.
Beyond USAL, the lacrosse community is making a strong push to grow the sport in urban communities.
Harlem Lacrosse serves more than 1,000 students nationwide across 19 programs in Baltimore, Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Los Angeles – with a focus on low-income communities and students who are most vulnerable to academic decline and drop out.
George Moore, a member of World Lacrosse’s Diversity and Opportunity Commission, was the first Black lacrosse player to letter at the Naval Academy. In 2012, he started Denver City Lax, the first inner-city lacrosse program in Colorado.
“Two of the keys in my experience are exposure to the game and good coaching at a young age,” said Moore. “Kids need to see lacrosse as an option to play. And then with how the sport has evolved, teaching fundamentals earlier helps kids develop a skillset to go on to play in high school, college and beyond.”
The sixes discipline developed by World Lacrosse has also helped address the sport’s accessibility with its smaller field, reduced numbers and rapid development opportunities.
In addition, the Next Collegiate League began in 2022 as the first-ever HBCU (historically black colleges and universities) lacrosse league, featuring Black athletes from six schools competing in sixes action.
The international piece of the puzzle also helps Black athletes take pride in their heritage and aspire to compete at the highest level of the sport.
Silcott was the director of operations for Jamaica Lacrosse for three years and emphasized the pride that Jamaican Americans took in representing their country, which has fielded teams at both the men’s and women’s championships.
“Seeing these international opportunities for this community is inspiring,” said Silcott. “When they can see that it isn’t just a sport for Americans, that Africans from Kenya or Uganda can compete internationally, or Jamaica or Puerto Rico, it makes a difference.”
Uganda became the first African team to compete in a world championship in 2014. Kenya competed in the U19 women’s championship in 2019.
There is more representation at the top levels of lacrosse than ever before for Black athletes. There were 159 Black athletes in total across the 73 NCAA Division I men’s programs in 2022, compared with 72 players in 2021. That’s more than a 120 percent increase in just one year.
The current MVPs of the men’s North American indoor and field pro lacrosse leagues are Black, with Dhane Smith in the National Lacrosse League and Trevor Baptiste in the Premier Lacrosse League.
“It’s important for kids to see all races in the sport of lacrosse,” said Smith. “You are seeing it more – the sport of lacrosse is growing and the only way it gets to the next level is for everyone to contribute.
”
“I think it really helps to see people of color playing the sport,” added Moore. “That influence of seeing someone like you playing lacrosse gives kids something to aspire to.”
Black history in lacrosse has a strong lineage – Jim Brown was a two-time All-American in lacrosse at Syracuse University in the 1950s. Tina Sloan Green competed as the first Black player in USA Lacrosse’s history in 1969. In 1975, Morgan State University upset No. 1-ranked Washington and Lee University in men’s lacrosse, the inspiration for the “Ten Bears” book, co-authored by Miles Harrison Jr., who co-founded the program.
His son, Kyle Harrison, the current director of player relations and diversity and inclusion at the PLL, was the first non-white recipient of the Tewaaraton Award – given to the best player in NCAA Division I – in 2005. He won the national championship with Johns Hopkins University that season.
Despite the history, recent and rapid change for Black lacrosse athletes has only just begun.
“The most important results lie ahead of us,” said Silcott. “Now, from local communities to the World Lacrosse level, people are abundantly aware of the issue, and the key is that conversations are happening to grow the game for the future.”
Going forward, the emphasis will continue to be on outreach into urban communities and partnering with existing infrastructure, like YMCAs and parks and recreation departments to engage with Black and brown athletes and build participation from the ground up.
In Southern California, World Lacrosse is currently in the process of working with USAL and the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks to deliver a multi-phased lacrosse program, with the objective of providing access and opportunity to communities where lacrosse does not yet have a foothold.
Black athletes often have other options in sports, often basketball or football. Silcott emphasized that a key was to recognize that option and persist in finding the kids who enjoy lacrosse.
“Ultimately, we need to work together more and against each other less,” concluded Silcott. “If we push together and put our focus into moving forward in a positive direction, the success will come.”
Charlotte North Lacrosse Star on Going Pro, Team USA, Growing Sport
- Charlotte North is arguably the most accomplished college lacrosse star in the history of the sport.
- She’s becoming the face of women’s lacrosse as she embarks on her pro career with Athletes Unlimited.
- Insider spoke with North and AU CEO and co-founder Jon Patricof about the star’s impact on the game.
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The night before making her professional lacrosse debut, Charlotte North found herself celebrating the most star-studded night in sports, rubbing elbows with the likes of Megan Rapinoe and Billie Jean King.
Roughly 24 hours and a cross-country flight later, the generational talent dominated the first-ever Athletes Unlimited game of her career.
“It kinda aligns with what the theme has been so far,” North told Insider with a chuckle.
North competes for Team USA at the 2022 World Lacrosse Women’s World Championship.
Ryan Hunt/Getty Images
The 5-foot-7 attacker was, of course, referring to her whirlwind of a summer.
Less than three months ago, North was making a steady run through the 2022 NCAA tournament with the Boston College Eagles, looking to repeat as national champions. And though the Eagles lost the title game 12-11 to the North Carolina Tar Heels on May 29 — a “bittersweet ending,” North described it — she had but a week to recover before joining the US Women’s National Team for the 2022 World Lacrosse Women’s Championship.
Eight games, a team-leading 23 goals, and five assists later, the attacker known best for her high motor and incredible scoring ability had a new piece of hardware to put on her mantel: a gold medal.
A post shared by Charlotte North (@charlottenorth8)
“I was just so extremely honored to be a part of the national team that got to compete this summer, which was an unbelievable experience,” North said. “It was something I’ve dreamed of for so long and to actually live it out was just so special.
“More importantly, just to live it out with those girls who are so impactful in our sport, and I’ve looked up to for so long, it was an incredible experience,” she added.
From there, it was off to the 2022 ESPYs in Los Angeles. The Dallas, Texas, native was nominated for “Best College Athlete, Women’s Sports” alongside South Carolina basketball’s Aliyah Boston, Florida State soccer’s Jaelin Howell, and Oklahoma softball’s Jocelyn Alo.
Charlotte North on the red carpet at the 2022 ESPYs.
Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP
Though she didn’t win the award, the “starstruck” North said it was “pretty surreal” to find herself in such close proximity to some of the most prominent trailblazers in sports, especially as the awards show shined a spotlight on Title IX.
“It was just so cool to be in the same room as those people and meet them and see the impact that they’ve had on women’s sports,” she said, naming Rapinoe, King, and US Women’s National Team legend Brandi Chastain as examples.
It’s not lost on Jon Patricof, the CEO and co-founder of Athletes Unlimited, that North could be to lacrosse what those stars are to their respective sports. The back-to-back Tewaaraton Award winner (think: Heisman Trophy for lacrosse) and record holder for most goals scored in a single men’s or women’s Division I lacrosse season is simply “unlike anyone who’s come before her.”
North (right) celebrates after scoring a goal for Boston College in the 2021 NCAA title game.
Patrick Smith/Getty Images
“Charlotte is one of the most accomplished players of all time, if not the most accomplished at the collegiate level,” Patricof told Insider, adding: “She has literally dominated at every level that she’s played, and I think her style of play is incredibly exciting.
“
Though she only recently arrived at USA Lacrosse Headquarters in Sparks, Maryland, for Athletes Unlimited’s second-ever lacrosse season, North is already proving she’s a top star on the field. Just six games into her tenure, No. 88 has scored a league-leading 15 goals — including four 2-pointers — while tacking on seven assists, five draw controls, three ground balls, and two forced turnovers.
And she’s recording these outstanding statistics in a league that necessarily showcases only “the best of the best.” Athletes Unlimited — the women’s pro sports outfit that has launched leagues in basketball, volleyball, lacrosse and softball — is, quite literally, “the only pro league in the entire world” for women’s lacrosse players, Patricof says.
North takes a shot during her Athletes Unlimited debut.
Courtesy of Athletes Unlimited
Until last summer, superstars like North had no place to extend their playing careers after college.
When she first started playing in the NCAA, she was merely hopeful that “maybe, in a long, long, long shot, and if I worked really hard, I could get a chance to make the national team.”
“But I thought that was kind of it,” she added.
Having a professional league to aspire to, and now play in, has been “such a dream come true.”
“What Athletes Unlimited is doing is just incredible,” North continued. “It’s something that our sport has needed, and it’s just been amazing.”
—Athletes Unlimited (@AUProSports) July 31, 2022
Now that Athletes Unlimited has secured a two-year TV deal with ESPN to broadcast softball and lacrosse games, there’s a brighter spotlight on the women’s sports league than ever before. Patricof sees AU lacrosse’s 16 games on ESPN2 and ESPNU as a ideal way to further increase interest in the sport.
North, he says, will be instrumental to those efforts.
“There are a lot of people who have been drawn into the game, the women’s game, as a result of watching her and seeing what she’s been able to achieve,” Patricof said.
“So for me, she’s a person, a player who can have a huge impact and has already had a huge impact on the game.
“And I think she will have an even greater impact as she goes forward at the professional level,” he added.
North runs onto the field for her Athletes Unlimited debut.
Athletes Ulimited
Be it her youth or her humility, North is reluctant to embrace the notion that she’s some sort of messiah for women’s lacrosse. Instead, she says the sport’s astronomical growth in recent years is “just a huge credit to people before me.”
“There’s so many people I looked up to that pushed to get lacrosse where it was when I came in and [have] continued to as I have been playing,” North said.
“And I think it’s our duty as the next generation to put in as much effort as we can to continue to boost it and just to get more eyes on the sport, to grow the sport, to get the opportunities and exposure that our sport deserves.
“Hopefully,” she added, “I can play a small part in that as well.”
Origins of Famous Sports Games
Lacrosse is the oldest team sport in North America, originating among the East Woodland Native Americans and some of the Plains Indian tribes. The game was played by the warriors of the tribe to keep fit. Many of the rules differed from modern lacrosse.
In addition to keeping the warriors in good shape, this game was also important for society, helping to strengthen diplomatic alliances and maintaining social conformity. In addition, they used it as a form of worship for the gods.
In the 1840s, Europeans became interested in the game, and in August 1844 the first match between a team from Europe and the Mohawk Indians took place.
In 1856, the Montreal Lacrosse Club was formed in Quebec, Canada. After a visit to Montreal by the Prince of Wales in August 1860, the popularity of lacrosse increased even more.
A month after the prince’s visit, a dentist named William George Beers wrote the first official game rules and instructions and replaced the buckskin ball with a rubber version. Since then, the game has grown in popularity and there are currently two professional lacrosse leagues in North America.
9. Golf
The origins of golf are the subject of heated debate. The Scots attribute all the credit to themselves and, I must say, they have a certain right to this. The modern education of the game began in the middle of the 15th century in Scotland. The rules of the time included swinging the club at the ball and moving it from point A to point B using as few moves as possible.
However, there is evidence that the game’s roots go back to the small town of Loenen aan de Vecht in the Netherlands, when the game was played there in 1297 year.
This year was the start of an annual tradition where on Boxing Day (December 26) the townspeople played a game called “colf”. The game consisted of two teams of 4 who took turns hitting a wooden ball with a wooden stick towards several consecutive targets.
In addition to the 1927 mention of “colf”, there is other evidence of golf-like games being played throughout the Netherlands centuries before the first mention of golf appeared in Scottish literature in 1636. However, as stated earlier, there is a heated debate about this, and many Scots do not believe that this is true.
8. Ice Hockey (Ice)
Canadians are generally considered to be polite and humble people. However, there is something that many Canadians can proudly and emotionally boast about – that ice hockey is their national heritage. They say it’s their game. They are the best at it, and they invented it.
However, according to one book published in 2014, hockey probably originated in England.
There are references to this game made as early as the early 1790s, and, in addition, it remains unclear who exactly invented this game. The game is known to have been popular in England for many centuries. Famous people who played hockey include King Edward VII and Charles Darwin.
As to why the game was named that way, there is a theory that cork was originally used as the puck. Corks were widely used as plugs for beer kegs, and the popular drink of the time was “hock ale”.
The reason Canada is often associated with hockey is that the first public game was organized in Montreal on March 3, 1875. Before that, this game was just played on occasion.
7. Rugby
The game of rugby allegedly got its start in 1876, when 16-year-old William Webb Ellis, playing football at the Rugby School in Warwickshire, England, picked up the ball and ran with him. Unfortunately, this story cannot be true, because Ellis died in 1872, that is, 4 years before the events that are attributed to him.
In reality, the game really originated in the school of Rugby, and this was facilitated by the headmaster Thomas Arnold (Thomas Arnold). The rules were first written in 1845 and the game is thought to have grown out of football, but it remains unclear who was the first person to pick up the ball and run with it.
After leaving school, students who learned the game wanted to continue playing it as adults. This was how the first games between the counties were organized, leading to the formation of the first clubs, which, in turn, led to the formation of the International Rugby Football Board (Rugby Football Board) in 1884.
6. Cricket
For many North Americans, cricket is a bit of a mystery and seems like a rather difficult game. However, cricket is loved in many other countries around the world, attracting billions of spectators. In fact, it is the second most popular sport in the world.
Cricket is believed to have originated in the English countryside in the 13th century, where it was played by shepherds.
The gate of the sheep pen was used as a target, and a ball made of rags or wool was hammered into the target. The opposing player had to use a crooked shepherd’s cane to hit the ball and prevent it from hitting the target.
The game gained popularity throughout the region and continued to be played for centuries. The first recorded cricket match (with 11 players on each team) took place at 1697 in the county of Sussex. Its prize money was 50 guineas.
Eight years later, the first inter-county match was played between Kent and Surrey. Probably, the rules already existed at that time, but the oldest rules of the game known to specialists date back to 1744.
5. Tennis
Ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans are believed to have played a form of tennis. However, the origin of modern tennis dates back to about 1000 AD, when monks began to play it in a French monastery. They played with their hands and a wooden ball, so the game was more like volleyball.
The net was usually a rope stretched across the yard. The name of this sports game was also born here. During the game, the monks shouted “shadows” (“tenez”), which means “hold!” in French, while throwing the ball.
Over the next two centuries, the game gained popularity throughout Europe, and by the 13th century there were already 1,800 indoor courts. By 1500, wooden racquet frames laced with sheep gut strings were in widespread use, as were balls made from cork.
However, that game was very different from modern tennis, which appeared in 1873, when the rules of the game were first published. In 1877, Wimbledon hosted the first tennis tournament, which decided on the form of refereeing and adopted the tennis method of scoring.
4. Basketball
We bet it was no surprise to you that Canadians claim to be the inventors of hockey. However, did you know that Canadians actually invented one of America’s most beloved sports, basketball?
Dr.
James Naismith of Almonte, Ontario, was born in 1861. After several years as a lumberjack, he earned a degree in physical education from McGill University in Montreal. After graduation, he moved to the US, where he got a job at the International YMCA Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts.
There he was instructed to find a suitable occupation for a group of “incorrigibles”. Winters in New England were cold, and the guys were forced to stay indoors: they quickly became bored with indoor games that they played all day long. Naismith developed basketball based on a game he played as a child called “duck on a rock”. Naismith took two fruit baskets from the janitor, which he hung on opposite sides of the gymnasium, and used a soccer ball.
The first game took place on 21 December 1891 and ended 1-0. In the end, holes were cut in the bottom of the baskets, because the janitor got tired of climbing the stairs every time to take the ball out of there.
Since then, the popularity of the game has grown, and Naismith lived to see basketball become an Olympic sport in 1936 in Berlin.
The creator of this sports game died on November 28, 1939.
3. Baseball
The most common legend about the origin of baseball is that it was invented in Cooperstown, New York, in the summer of 1839of the year by Abner Doubleday. After inventing the game, Doubleday went on to become a hero of the American Civil War. The only problem is that none of this is true. In 1839, a man with that name and surname lived at West Point.
Baseball probably originated from two English games. The first game called “English rounders” was a children’s game that came to New England with the colonists, and the second game was cricket.
The founding year of modern baseball can be traced back to 1845, when a group of New Yorkers formed the New York Knickerbocker Baseball Club. The most influential member of the club was a bank clerk named Alexander Joy Cartwright, who came up with many of the rules that became the foundation of baseball.
2. American Football
The first game that eventually became American football was between Princeton and Rutgers on November 6, 1869.
However, it was more of a football match. After the game, the Yale people developed their own sports game and called it “The Boston Game”.
It was a bit like football, but if the player was being chased by an opponent, he could pick up the oval ball and run with it, either drop it or pass it. If a player from the opposing team did not run after him, then he had to kick the ball with his foot.
On May 14 and 15, 1874, the Yaleians hosted a McGill University team from Montreal, who also had their own set of rules for football. On the first day they played the “Boston game”. On the second day, they played a “McGill version” of football that had more rugby elements. Each team had 11 players, they played with an oval ball, and the player could pick up the ball and run with it at any time.
After two games, the Yale team decided they liked McGill’s version better and adopted the rules. Yes, you read that right: the fundamentals of American football were developed by a Canadian university.
1. Football
Football is the most popular sport in the world today, perhaps because it is an innate part of human life. Games like soccer can be dated as far back as 2500 BC, when in ancient Egypt people kicked a ball during a fertility festival.
In China from 476 to 221 BC. people played a game called “chichu” (“jichu”), which can be roughly translated as “kicking the ball with the foot.” The point of the game was to throw a leather ball stuffed with feathers through a cloth hung between two posts. Players could use any part of their body except for their hands. Warriors played this game to keep fit.
A similar game was also played in ancient Rome. Each team had 27 players, and they only had to make sure that the ball ended up in the other team’s goal. And since the action took place in ancient Rome, people were often injured and killed during the game, which sounds much more exciting than watching modern football.
Football-like games continued to be played well into the Middle Ages, and the modern era of football began in 1863.
