Junior development is the key to the future of lacrosse. Throughout
the decades, in particular since 1945 there has been a number
of stalwarts of Junior Schemes who gave themselves the task
of developing their own particular club's juniors and given
the natural ageing process, the senior strength also.
Without the existence of this dedicated care during the 1950's
and 60's many of the clubs which were able to continue after
the War years could have faded through the lack of new players.
One such stalwart for the Stockport Club in 1950 was, and
still is Les Grainger. Another such enthusiasts of that period
was Ted Donnet for South Manchester and Wythenshewe. Les took
on Stockport's juniors at the Annual General Meeting on Monday
12th September 1949 when he was appointed unanimously as Honorary
Junior Secretary for the then forthcoming season 1949/50. The
first junior games arranged by Les in his new role as Junior
Secretary were...
22nd October, Manchester Grammar School,
24th November, Ashton,
7th January, Cheadle.
There is no record of the results entered into the minutes
books, however Leslie's memory provides a favourable record
if not an actual result.
The position of Junior Scheme Secretary was retained by Les
without a break through the 50's, 60's 70's and 80's until 1989,
a total of forty continuous years. A remarkable record of achievement.
Retirement was not on the agenda however, the all encompassing
position of recruitment, beginners and U12s team manager was
undertaken and is still held by him to this day.
A quite remarkable fact is that virtually all the current
Stockport players from the juniors upwards, through all the
senior teams, including the veterans, have been trained within
the L.R.G. Junior training scheme and bear all the skills and
loyalty alike.
Another major achievement by Leslie was the creation of the
Stockport Metros, an umbrella organisation for combinations
of Clubs to be able take juniors on tours with specifically
the USA in mind, and has succeeded in doing so on 11 occasions
since 1976, the last ten of these being part of an annual exchange
with Anne Arundel County Youth Lacrosse, Maryland, USA, which
still continues.
Les will be seen during the 1994 World Cup to be coordinator
for the overseas teams in the Junior Festival, and in his usual
convivial style be present and participate in all the key formal
and social activities throughout the various tournaments.
