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The Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL) has announced that it has made Belgium a full member nation. Commenting on the announcement, FIL’s Development Director, Bob DeMarco, said; “We’re thrilled that Belgium is now a full member of FIL. From day one, Belgium has grown the sport the right way, building men’s and women’s lacrosse programs at the same time. With assistance from the European Lacrosse Federation (ELF), the Netherlands and Germany, they also put a lot of effort into developing their officiating program as well.”
The Belgian Lacrosse Federation (BLF) became an associate member of FIL in 2010 and has grown steadily since then to earn full member status. It now joins 20 other European national governing bodies as a full member of FIL.
Jan Van Cauwenberge, BLF Competition Manager and member of the board, saw this as a confirmation of the hard work that countless volunteers put in over many years and looks forward to putting in the effort expected of full members.
“As Belgium Lacrosse, we feel that it is our duty to represent our players in the international community”, said Van Cauwenberge. “We wish to participate in the international discussion constructively and further facilitate the development of lacrosse across the globe. Being a full FIL member will also help us to show our Olympic Committee, press, and sponsors that we are here to stay.”
The BLF’s Belgian League has 12 men’s teams, nine women’s teams and four youth teams competing in Antwerp, Bonheiden, Booischot, Braine, Brussels, Buggenhout, De Pinte, Machelen and Namur.