Profile:

My name is Bryce Emery, I am 20 years old and live in Williamstown, Victoria and have been playing Lacrosse since I was 12 years old. Lacrosse is a sport that has origins dating back thousands of years to the native Americans but generally is still a little known sport here in Australia. I started playing Lacrosse as junior at Williamstown Lacrosse Club after a friend at school asked me to come to a 'Come & Try day'. I had already heard about Lacrosse from and even thrown a ball a bit with my Grandfather who had played when he was younger. Before this I had played Junior Footy & Basketball but I instantly took to Lacrosse as it combined parts of the two sports I loved.

Background:

After starting to play at 13 with Williamstown Lacrosse Club, with guidance from the Junior coaches I quickly developed my skills and after my first season really considered myself as a Lacrosse player. I then continued to play for Williamstown and along with building my Lacrosse and leadership skills have been fortunate to be recognized on a State & National level.

Achievements:

• 2019: Selected to play in exhibition games at IOC International Sports Accord for Lacrosse to be included in the Olympics
• 2021: Lacrosse Victoria U17 League Best & Fairest
• 2021: Williamstown Lacrosse Club U17 Best & Fairest
• 2022: Lacrosse Victoria U18 League Best & Fairest
• 2022: Williamstown Lacrosse Club U18 Best & Fairest
• 2022: Victorian U18 Team - Co-Captain
• 2023: Selected in Victorian Mens State Squad
• 2025: Selected in Victorian Mens State Squad

The Dream:

Like many athletes, it is always a dream to compete for your country, as an Australian there is nothing more special than being able to wear the Green and Gold to compete, this dream is now within reach for me. I have been selected in the Australian Mens U20 Squad set to compete in Jeju South Korea in August this year, at the U20 World Lacrosse Championships. As I mentioned above Lacrosse is still a relative little known Sport in Australia and because of this comes with minimal funding, even as a team representing Australia at the World Championships.

With this incredible opportunity, of which I am so grateful, it does come with the individual challenge of funding and covering my expenses, as Lacrosse in Australia is completely self funded, I am required to cover the costs myself.

The costs include:

• Competing in the Senior Men's National Championships
• Pre - World Championships Tournament in Japan
• Travel & Accommodation to Jeju and World Championships
• Team apparel, equipment, and all other team expenses and fees.

How you can be part of the dream:

To enable me to join the squad & purchase the required team equipment and then travel to Japan for the pre-tournament camp and then to travel to Jeju for the World Championships will cost between $10,000 and $12,000. This will be predominately be funded by myself and my family with the support of the Williamstown Lacrosse Club via fundraising efforts.

I'm reaching out for financial support to help ease the costs of representing Australia, my family and friends, my community, and my club. Any contribution, big or small, would be amazing.

How You Can Donate: Click the link to donate and share this campaign with your friends and family. Every dollar makes a difference, and your support means the world to me!