FAQs - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who started Lacrosse the Nations?
Brett Hughes and Brad Corrigan founded Lacrosse the Nations in 2009. Brett is a former All-American, Team USA and MLL player from the University of Virginia. He played 6 years in the MLL. Brad is a musician with the internationally renowned band, Dispatch, and played lacrosse at Middlebury College. Click here to learn more about our founders
Who runs Lacrosse the Nations?
LtN is run by our U.S. based staff, Javier Silva and Anders Bjella. Javier is LtN's Executive Director, responsible for fundraising, international and domestic programming, and operations. Anders is LtN's Development Manager, responsible for team partnerships, fundraising, and team trip logistics. The Board of Directors, along with LtN's field staff, provide leadership and execute the mission and vision of LtN.
What are the programs of Lacrosse the Nations?
In Nicaragua, Lacrosse the Nations runs three after-school lacrosse programs in Managua with tutoring and study hall included: one co-ed program at Club Hope, one co-ed program at Chiquilistagua Public School, and one all-girls program at Chiquilistagua Public School. Lacrosse, tutoring, and study hall programs are complimented by our three scholarship programs: LtN Scholars (middle and high school aged students), LtN’s Assistant Coaches Scholarship Program (for graduating High School seniors), and LtN’s Coaches Scholarship Program (monthly tuition stipends for higher education).
In Bocas del Toro, Panama, Lacrosse the Nations runs one co-ed after-school lacrosse program on Isla Colon, and is currently piloting another co-ed after-school program on Bastimentos Island.
In Colombia, Lacrosse the Nations has opened one after-school program for 5th-6th grade boys in partnership with Enriques Santos Montejo School located in rural Tenjo. In 2023 Lacrosse the Nations opened its first program site in Medellín.
Domestically we run seasonal lacrosse programs in Charlottesville, Virginia in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Cherry Ave.
We believe that education is essential to rise out of poverty, so our lacrosse programs are set up with schools and after-school programs to foster enrollment and attendance. These partnerships provide the necessary infrastructure to provide the practices that incorporate our Life Skills Curriculum.
How do we measure success?
There is an old adage in humanitarian work that goes, “What counts can’t always be counted.” Nevertheless, we strongly feel measurement tools are essential to understand and report the impact of our programs. Our coaches track student-athlete attendance in all of our programs and LtN creates qualitative reports regarding improvements in student-athletes’ academic performance, understanding of the Life Skills Curriculum, and behavior relating to areas of communication, teamwork, commitment, respect and more taught throughout the year.
How many students participate in our lacrosse programs?
Lacrosse the Nations works with over 700 student-athletes at eight schools in Colombia, Nicaragua, and Panama.
What incentives are designed to increase enrollment, attendance, and graduation rates?
Lacrosse is offered as both an in-school PE program and an after-school sports activity. Additionally our coaches support our students with tutoring and study hall hours. Through our LtN Scholars scholarship program we eliminate the barrier for many of our students to attend school.
We believe that education is essential to rise out of poverty, so our lacrosse programs are set up with schools and after-school programs to foster enrollment and attendance. These partnerships provide the necessary infrastructure to provide the practices that incorporate our Life Skills Curriculum.
What kind of nutrition program is LtN providing?
LtN supplements the feeding programs at Club Hope and the public school of Chiquilistagua. This includes the addition of fruits, vegetables, cheese and fortified milk to government staples like beans and rice. Feeding programs bolster the students’ overall nutrient and caloric intake as well as their cognitive learning ability. It also acts as an incentive for parents to send their children to school and after school programs.
How can I get involved?
We invite individuals, teams, and communities to get involved by raising both funds and awareness for our programs.
There are several different ways to Take Action including; joining Team LtN, buying LtN Swag, or organizing a Team Trip . We encourage our supporters to think out of the box and find new and creative ways to support us. Have a great idea? Email info@lacrossethenations.org and tell us how we can help!
May I attend an international trip with Lacrosse the Nations?
The majority of our trips to Colombia and Panama are designed to bring U.S. based teams to meet our kids and volunteer in our programs. We believe visiting these countries is made only more meaningful after getting involved at home leading up to your trip with fundraising and spreading awareness. The best way you can join us is to first participate in one of our Get Involved Opportunities. Email info@lacrossethenations.org if you have an interest in joining!
We are currently in our trial year for organizing individual trips to our international programs. We hope to offer at least one individual trip option per year moving forward. Please email info@lacrossethenations.org if you have interest in applying!
Where does the money from donations go?
Donations provide:
Salaries for our local coaches and Country Director
Academic Scholarships
LtN’s Nutritional Support Program
Funding for our domestic programs with Boys and Girls Club in Charlottesville, VA
Operating costs for our organization
Program equipment and field construction/maintenance
Equipment shipping from the U.S. to our international sites