Thailand Lacrosse Association
History
History
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**Thailand Lacrosse** was founded in January 2010, in Bangkok, Thailand by Payu Nerngchamnong, Naputt Assakul, and Pinyot Pibulsongram; the three Thais who used to play lacrosse back when they were attending schools in America. While Payu worked on structuring, planning and promoting the program, the other two help gathered other former Thai players to join. From the word of mouth, and through the use of social media outlets ([Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/ThailandLacrosse), Twitter). The Thais who've played, and never play before start showing up for a casual weekly practices at the soccer facility at the heart of Bangkok. Thailand Lacrosse grew very quickly from there, so much so that they were confirmed as an Associate Member by the [Federation of International Lacrosse](/wiki/Federation_of_International_Lacrosse "Federation of International Lacrosse") (FIL) in July of that same year. It was the quickest confirmation for an international program in the history of FIL (6 months), unfortunately the team could not participated in the [FIL World Lacrosse Championship 2010](/wiki/FIL_World_Lacrosse_Championship_2010 "FIL World Lacrosse Championship 2010") in Manchester, United Kingdom. Although Thailand did play two games at the International level that year against the Hong Kong National team, once in Thailand, and another later that year in Bangkok. Both time Thailand defeated Hong Kong National team, and kept the [Friendly Cup Trophy](/wiki/Friendly_Cup_Trophy "Friendly Cup Trophy") in Thailand. Thailand only defeat came at the hand of Singapore in 2011, in a 10\-9 thriller at the Yamaha Stadium. Thailand bounced back from the loss, and defeated Hong Kong once again in Bangkok with the final score of 20\-14\. Recently, Thailand defeated Singapore 9\-2 in Bangkok, Thailand.

While the National team progress is very promising for such a young program, TLA also focus its effort in "Growing the Game" in Thailand. TLA hosted the FIL clinic in the early part of 2011, followed by an exhibition game in Bangkok called the Grow The Game Invitational with the Lacrosse All\-Stars Lacrosse network that host the Thailand lacrosse blog. Players from America, and other part of the world came to participate in Friendly game in front of the Thai crowds. Currently on top of the work on the national program, TLA is working on helping local Universities, and schools starting a lacrosse program in their institutions. Since then, the national team have competed in many games, and tournament within the region. Including the ASPAC2013 in Beijing, the regional championship where the team finished 3rd behind Japan and Australia. While maintaining its commitment to the lacrosse development in Thailand. TLA continue to set up development clinics with in various lower, and upper educational institutions. The team focus for FIL World Lacrosse Championship 2014, in Denver, Colorado. This will be the first time for Thailand at the World Games, and it will mark an important mile stone in Thailand Lacrosse history.


What are some of the challenges faced by Thailand Lacrosse in developing the sport in Thailand?