LifeLEISURE, managers of 13 leisure centres across Stockport, has provided funding for a Mellor lacrosse player representing England at World Games in Canada.
Jake Parker, aged 18 from Romiley, has received £500 funding from the David Hopkins Foundation which will help him with his selection to represent England in the Lacrosse World Games taking place in Canada this July.
Jake, who plays for the 1st team, has been playing lacrosse since he was 10 years old with the Stockport based Mellor Lacrosse Club.
Mellor have been promoted to the first division following a successful campaign last season.
Jake has been juggling his studies with his favourite sport, whilst he prepares for his A Levels at Aquinas College, Stockport, and he also finds time to work part time in a local pub.
Jake has previously toured North America three times with his sport, twice with Stockport Metros on a Lacrosse exchange with lacrosse clubs from the State of Maryland and last July with the England Knights Squad, managed by Scott Weddell. It was the first time an English Squad won the Bison Brawl Tournament.
Jake’s parents commented: “We’re so very proud of Jake, he’s worked so hard to gain a place on the squad, training daily in his own time, together with team training, working towards his A Levels and at the Oddfellows Pub in Mellor. He’s really put the time and effort in to reach his goal.”
Jake said, “I am extremely grateful for all the support and opportunities I’ve been given over the years, with Mellor Lacrosse Club, Stockport Metros and England Knights.
“Without the support of my teams, training and the people who’ve helped and supported me, I wouldn’t be going to Canada and I’m so very grateful.
“Life Leisure and their funding through the David Hopkins Foundation has helped me enormously fund my trip to Canada, as even though we’re representing England in the U19 Lacrosse World Games in Canada, everything is self-funded at this level.”
David Hopkins Foundation panel member, Ian Dixon, said: “We are really pleased to be able to help Jake, a hardworking young man who through discipline and effort has been able to succeed in sport while taking his A Levels and working part time.
“We wish him and all the U19 Lacrosse Squad at Mellor Lacrosse Club representing the country all the best in Canada”.
The David Hopkins Foundation offers grants up to £500 for individuals living in Stockport and £1,000 for clubs based in the Stockport Borough.
Photo Caption: (L-R) Jake Parker and Ian Dixon from the David Hopkins Foundation panel
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