Israel qualifies for 2014 World Lacrosse Championship

JERUSALEM, ISRAEL — Israel became the 28th nation eligible for championship play at the 2014 FIL Men’s World Championship, which will be held in Denver, Colo., at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park from July 10 to 19, 2014.

The Israel Lacrosse Association, which was formed in 2010, was awarded full membership to the Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL) earlier this week on the basis of performance in the 2012 European Lacrosse Championship, as well as attending the FIL General Assembly in Holland.

The designation is of importance in that while Associate Members can participate in world events, they cannot advance to the championship rounds.

“We’re extremely pleased with how quickly our program has progressed,” commented Israel GM Howard Borkan, who served as Chairman of the U.S. National Team for nearly two decades before stepping down in 2010. “We believe that we have positioned ourselves well to continue our rapid domestic growth as well as our international standing.”

Israel’s men’s national lacrosse team, comprised of both Israeli residents and Jewish players from abroad, recently completed their debut campaign in international competition with a perfect 4-0 record in pool play at the 2012 European Lacrosse Championships, going on to finish 8th overall. Including exhibition matches, Israel was 7-5, with statement wins over No. 9 Ireland and No. 11 Wales. Israel also fielded men’s and women’s exhibition teams, which were both victorious in the EC12 Festival, a tournament featuring club teams from across the world.

In addition to the 2014 Men’s World Championship, Israel Lacrosse is considering participation in the 2013 Women’s World Cup; although it is likely the team would participate as an exhibition entry.