The Story of Us

Stockport Lacrosse is an ambitious and inclusive club with opportunities for players of all ages, backgrounds and experience levels. Built on 150 years of history, we balance tradition with development, participation and performance.

A Full-Pathway Club
We offer one of the most complete pathways in the UK:

• U8 Beginners, introducing the youngest players to the game

• Junior boys’ teams from U10 to U19

• Junior girls’ teams, from U11 to U18

• 3x Senior men's squads

• 1x Senior women’s squad
  
  

This pathway ensures every player can progress through the club — from beginner level to senior competition and, for many, county or international representation.

Volunteers & Community
Our club is powered by volunteers:

• Coaches

• Team managers

• Officials
  
  

Their commitment carries forward the spirit set in the club’s formative decades and strengthened during the influential Les Grainger era. Our ethos remains simple:

“A welcoming club where players develop, friendships are made, and everyone contributes.”

Facilities & Development
We continue to invest in:

• Training equipment and resources

• Enhancing the junior pathway

• Coaching support

• Improved visibility and modern digital tools
  
  

A Club for Everyone
Whether someone is a beginner, a returning player, a parent, or a future international athlete, Stockport offers:

• A place to learn

• A place to develop

• A place to belong

Stockport Lacrosse Club was founded in 1876, after a local demonstration of the Indigenous North American game inspired rugby players to adopt this exciting new sport. Our foundation in 1876, and continuation as a club for the past 150 years make us the oldest lacrosse club in the UK. 

For nearly 150 years, Stockport has been central to English lacrosse — a club defined by its strong community values, generations of families, and a deep commitment to developing players of all ages. From early dominance to mid-century survival, the Grainger-led revival, and the successes of the modern era, Stockport’s story is one of resilience, passion and people.

Today, as we celebrate our 150th anniversary, the club continues to honour its heritage while preparing for a vibrant and ambitious future.

Early Days (1875–1903)

After its founding in 1875–76, Stockport LC grew rapidly and soon became a dominant force in the emerging English game. Between 1896 and 1903, the club achieved an unmatched run of success known as The Great Years.

The Great Years — Achievements

• Eight consecutive Senior Flags titles (1896–1903) — still a record
  
  

• Six Iroquois Cup victories
  
  

• Multiple First Division championships
  
  

The Mason and Johnson families were central to this era, contributing nine of the twenty Stockport players who represented the club during this extraordinary period. Their influence helped establish Stockport’s reputation for excellence.

A significant artefact from this time — the 1898 Senior Flags Challenge Flag, beautifully embroidered — is still held by the club today.

This era firmly established Stockport LC as the powerhouse of early English lacrosse.

Challenges and Survival

The mid-20th century brought major challenges for Stockport LC, including falling player numbers and the loss of the club’s original ground. The determination of volunteers and a strong commitment to junior development ensured the club’s survival.

After the Second World War, many sports clubs struggled, and Stockport was no exception. Player numbers were low, facilities limited, and resources stretched. The forced relocation to Woodbank Park was a major setback.

Volunteers kept the club alive through difficult years, maintaining fixtures, training and recruitment at a time when many clubs disappeared. Their efforts laid the groundwork for the resurgence that followed.

The Les Grainger Era

Few individuals have shaped Stockport LC more than Les “Mr G” Grainger (1922–2011). Joining in 1947, Les became central to the club’s recovery, revival and long-term success.

Junior Development

In 1949, Les became Honorary Junior Secretary, a role he held for 40 consecutive years. He organised fixtures, coached beginners, developed new age groups and supported hundreds of families as their children discovered lacrosse.

Even after stepping down in 1989, Les continued to coach beginners and U12s, remaining at the heart of junior development for decades.

The Stockport Metros

One of Les’s greatest achievements was founding the Stockport Metros in 1976, giving junior players international experience.
The Metros tour has celebrated its 50th anniversary, aligned with our 150th anniversary. An amazing partnership with Anne Arundel in Annapolos, Maryland - Stockport Metros continues to provide junior players with an opportunity to play abroad, but also build friendships and relationships that last a lifetime.

Leadership Beyond Stockport

Les also served as:

• President of Stockport LC

• President of the English Lacrosse Union (1988–89)

• Coordinator for overseas teams at the 1994 World Cup Junior Festival

His kindness, commitment and enthusiasm earned him admiration across English and international lacrosse.

A Lasting Influence

Les’s work ensured Stockport’s survival, fuelled its revival and established the strong junior pathway central to the club today. His influence lives on in every player who grew through the system.

Women’s & Girls’ Lacrosse at Stockport

Women’s lacrosse began at Stockport LC in 1992, marking a major moment in the club’s modern history. Among the earliest contributors was Sue Nichols, who played a vital role in organising the first teams.

Growth & Development

Over 30 years, the women’s and girls’ programme has expanded significantly, shaped by volunteers, dedicated coaches and a growing player base. Many players who started in junior girls’ teams have progressed to senior squads, community lacrosse and international representation.

Junior girls began competing in cup competitions around 6–7 years ago, and this area continues to grow rapidly.

Achievements

• Senior North League Champions (2022)

• Senior Flags Winners (2024)

• Senior Flags Winners (2025)
  
  

These milestones reflect the depth, commitment and competitiveness of the women’s programme.

Stockport LC is a vibrant, community-focused club offering opportunities for all ages and abilities. Built on nearly a century and a half of history, we balance tradition with development and performance.

Pathway

Our pathway includes:

• U8 Beginners

• Junior boys (U12 | U14 | U16 | U19)

• Junior girls (U11 | U13 | U15 | U18)

• Senior men’s squads

• Senior women’s squad

Players can progress from beginner to senior and often into county, regional or international programmes.

Development & Modernisation

Current priorities include:

• Strengthening junior pathways

• Enhancing coaching

• Improving facilities

Performance

Across all age groups, Stockport continues to compete at county, regional and national levels.

At Stockport Lacrosse Club, we believe a great club is built on much more than what happens on the pitch. We’re proud of the strong community spirit that surrounds the Cale and the friendships, support, and sense of belonging that grow here.

We work closely with local schools and community groups, with our grounds regularly used for events and activities. Each year we support wider community initiatives including Cale Green Fair and Beech Beats, helping bring people together across the area.

Alongside the sport itself, life at SLC is warm, welcoming and brilliantly social. Whether it’s our Christmas Party, the Junior Awards End-of-Season celebrations, or simply spending time in the clubhouse after matches, there’s always something happening. In the summer months, the clubhouse becomes a relaxed hub — a place to unwind, play pool or table tennis, grab a drink, catch up with teammates, and be part of the Cale community.

However you join in — on the pitch, at events, or simply as part of the social scene — you’ll be made to feel at home.