The Mico University College and the Jamaica Lacrosse Association (JLA) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), establishing a strategic partnership to advance lacrosse training in Jamaica and strengthen physical education across the nation’s schools.

The signing ceremony, held yesterday at The Mico’s Marescaux Road campus, brought together representatives from The Mico, the JLA, World Lacrosse, and the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA). The partnership outlines a unified vision to train teachers as certified lacrosse coaches and officials, increase access to the sport in primary and secondary schools, and support long-term athlete development.

A Breakthrough for School Sports

JLA President Mr. Calbert Hutchinson described the agreement as a transformative move for physical education and the national sporting landscape.

“We’re preparing physical education teachers with the prerequisites to coach, officiate, and multiply the sport across hundreds of schools that are eager to get started. This is a historic moment for education and sport.”
— Calbert Hutchinson, President, JLA

Global Recognition for Jamaica’s Grassroots Leadership

Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Bob DeMarco, President of World Lacrosse, commended Jamaica’s growing global influence in lacrosse development.

“This memorandum is historic. Jamaica is a model for the world in building lacrosse from the grassroots up.”
— Bob DeMarco, President, World Lacrosse

A Partnership Rooted in National Development

President of the Jamaica Olympic Association, Mr. Christopher Samuda, reinforced the national significance of the partnership and encouraged both organisations to anchor the initiative in Jamaica’s broader development goals.

“Let this partnership be built on a construction site of sport, education, and human capital.”
— Christopher Samuda, President, JOA

What the MOU Includes

The agreement outlines a multi-tiered development plan, including:

  • Teacher training and certification in lacrosse coaching and officiating
  • Expansion of school-based programmes across primary and secondary levels
  • Support for athlete pathways, from grassroots to national representation
  • Collaboration among all partner bodies to strengthen Jamaica’s lacrosse ecosystem
  • Long-term sport development initiatives aligned with education and national priorities

The ceremony concluded with presentations from partner organisations, updates on development strategies, and reaffirmed commitments to scale the sport across Jamaica.