Sharing a love for the sport of lacrosse has been fulfilling for Atticus Jackson (Anglo Saxon, Norse and Celtic 2021).

Atticus grew up playing lacrosse with Spencer Fields club in London and is the Cambridge University Lacrosse Club captain in 2023-24, supporting students from novices to more experienced players with their experience of the sport.

“In my biased opinion it’s the best sport in the world,” he says. “It’s very skilled based: it’s unnatural to be able to hold a stick with a net, to catch a ball in it, to shoot goals… there’s always more progress in terms of skills and tricks you can learn.

“It’s also the physical aspect, but it’s not just knocking people down – it’s how you position yourself. 

“A lot of people describe it as hockey but in the air. The rules are more complex, with 10 players on each team, one goalkeeper. Defenders and attackers restricted to their half of the pitch and midfielders running back and forwards.

“The best players are often over from the United States and Canada, but you can’t be a one-man army and win the game. You have to work together; it’s a big team sport.”

Atticus has played in the last two Varsity matches with Oxford, but is yet to experience victory. Cambridge, though, have been promoted in the British Universities and Colleges league this year.

“To represent my university has been great and it’s brilliant to be part of Varsity, one of the oldest lacrosse fixtures in the world,” says Atticus, who is hoping to continue his studies, and his University lacrosse days, as a postgraduate.

“To be captain has been a big source of pride and I’m enjoying helping others find the sport and build the club.”

Atticus, number 32, with Cambridge vice-captain Mark Brandstaetter (Queens'), showing the camaraderie of lacrosse 

The Cambridge team