ABOUT US
Chiswick Lacrosse was founded in 1989 by Chris Southwell. It evolved from ‘St James Lacrosse’ where he taught for 34 years and was heavily involved in fundraising and the organisation of sponsored events, resulting in 3 successful Lacrosse tours to the USA. The camp is now co-owned and run by Jes Southwell and Annabelle Stoney.
The camp gradually grew by popular demand to 3 weeks in August as well as shorter camps at October half term and Easter. We now have about 500 players each year, with ages ranging from 8 to 15.
We also hold Fundamental and Assistant Coach (Level 1) and Field Coach (Level 2) coaching courses, which are England Lacrosse accredited. The courses are now run by Annabelle who is an England Lacrosse approved tutor, mentor and assessor. Most of the candidates have been enthusiastic girls who regularly came to the camp and when they turned 16, sparked an interest in coaching.
The coaching qualifications give the opportunity for employment with ourselves as well as other camps and clubs, which is particularly useful as an additional work option for girls going to university. We offer a unique opportunity for participants to not only to do the theory course but potential to stay on at the camp the following week and be mentored right through to their assessment, so they complete the course and qualification within one week.
We now have 200+ Level 1 Coaches to call on and an ever increasing 50+ Level 2, with experience from school teams through to national players.
The feedback we receive from each camp is very positive, and we strive to ensure that our players and coaches are constantly learning and improving whilst enjoying their time with us, proven by the high retention rates of players and coaches across the years. It’s a pleasure to see so many friendly faces return year after year.
Jessica Southwell – Managing Director
Jes has been involved in the camp for over 25 years, as a player and as a coach. For 10 years up until 2022 she has run the coaching team, mentoring and training new coaches as well as making sure that the rest of the coaching team are happy, up to speed and coping with their group effectively. She has now taken a more administrative role, organising and promoting the camps and ensuring the smooth running of the company.
Jes played lacrosse up to regional level and is a Level 2 coach. She trained as an Occupational Therapist and was working in a special needs school before having her three children. Aside from Chiswick Lacrosse, she now enjoys a rural lifestyle in West Wales, looking after her family and running a small glamping business.
Annabelle Stoney – Director and Head Coach
Annabelle’s regular involvement with Chiswick Lacrosse began in 2011 as a novice player in the summer before attending LEH, and, loving it, she continued attending the camps to improve her game. Playing at school and county level, she went on to play for U19 Wales Women’s Lacrosse Team from 2016-2019 at several Home Internationals.
Annabelle completed her Level 1 and Level 2 coaching qualifications at Chiswick, coached at the summer camps for 5 years before taking on a mentoring role in 2021, and has regularly coached at several other clubs and camps including England Lacrosse Girls Regional Academy. Annabelle is also a Level 3 Lacrosse umpire, officiating at a range of fixtures and tournaments including Home Internationals, National Schools, Senior Regionals and The Fly.
Annabelle graduated from the University of Bath in 2022 where she was elected Secretary and then President of the Lacrosse Club. At the moment she is working at international law firm Herbert Smith Freehills whilst studying the SQE part time at BPP Law School, having completed the Law Conversion.
As main point of contact during the camps, Annabelle oversees the running of Chiswick Lacrosse Camps, manages the coaches and mentors and assesses trainee coaches.
