Jamaica Lacrosse, Mico University partner on regional hub

With Jamaica set to host the 2026 Pan-American Men’s Lacrosse Championship in August, Jamaica Lacrosse Association (JLA) president Calbert Hutchinson believes that now is the right time for the association to partner with the Mico University College to create a central hub.

Jamaica was named host nation for the Men’s Lacrosse Championship by the Pan-American Lacrosse Association (PALA) in January, with the event’s media launch held last month.

The championship will run from August 16 to August 23, with games being played at Mico and Stadium East.

As part of the association’s preparations, Hutchinson said they have signed a memorandum of understanding with the Mico University that will see the institution become a hub for Jamaica’s lacrosse development.

He explained that the institution has already proven that they have the facilities needed, and it will be a major boost towards the local growth of lacrosse.

“I’m all about sustainability, and the only way we can be sustainable is if we have the conduit and the channel to fuel that. The Mico University College represents all of that. It represents the fuel for us to continue growing the game in terms of student development, coaches’ development, physical education, and teachers’ development,” Hutchinson said.

“They already have the infrastructure here, so we’re basically just piggybacking on what they have in achieving our goal in terms of capacity building with our coaches, our officials, and our teachers going on into the school system.”

Ashburn Pinnock, president of the Mico University College, welcomed the partnership, calling it a groundbreaking milestone for both the JLA and Mico.

Pinnock said if lacrosse is to continue to grow in Jamaica, then it needs a home and believes that Mico is ready to play that role.

“Lacrosse, as you heard before, is one of the fastest-growing sports globally, and Jamaica has already demonstrated remarkable promise on the international stage. Therefore, continued growth in the sport cannot happen by chance,” Pinnock said.

“Jamaica’s continued growth in this sector requires structure and intentional investment and strong institutional support. Therefore, I hear your call in contributing towards the cause, and I support that,” he continued.

“A memorandum of understanding reflects our shared commitment to training programmes and development and the creation of a sustainable pathway for young people to engage, to excel, and to lead because one of our mantras is to train and create leaders.”

Pinnock believes that the MOU will not only benefit Jamaica by creating a pool of top-quality players, coaches, and referees but will also boost the nation’s profile on the international stage.

Pinock went on to say that hosting the Men’s Lacrosse Championship will prove that Mico and Jamaica are capable of standing among the world’s best.

“It positions Jamaica as a host of international sport and a hub for regional competition and as a nation capable of delivering world-class events,” Pinnock explained.

“But more importantly, it provides inspiration. It allows young Jamaicans to see new possibilities, to imagine themselves on regional and global stages, and to pursue pathways that may not have existed before.”

The championship will serve as the qualifying tournament for the 2027 World Lacrosse Men’s Championship in Japan as well as the World Lacrosse Men’s Championship Division II.