Staffed by volunteers, the 2010 Steering Committee
has been in place for 18 months. David Marsden talks
about the challenge of guiding ‘the biggest thing in
lacrosse, ever’
When you were asked to be chair of the 2010 steering committee,was it an immediate yes,or did you have to consider accepting the role?
Interesting question… Not an immediate yes.Alan Holdsworth rang me when I was driving down to Devon. We had an hour-long discussion – on hands-free, of course. My main concern was that in 2010 I will be 71. In the end I said, ‘Taking my age into consideration, if you’ll have me I’ll do it.’
What are your responsibilities as chair, and what is the wider role of the steering committee?
I see my role as ensuring that the various components of the championships come together in a coordinated form. I prioritize the tasks and make sure we take a logical approach to the various challenges. Initially we had many things in play and much to do, but now a lot of things have slotted into place. We met within six weeks of winning the bid so we gave ourselves plenty of time.
Who else is on the steering committee?
There are just six volunteer members: myself, Alan Holdsworth, Clive Perrin, Ron Balls, Adam Sherlock and Ian Ashcroft. David Shuttleworth and Caroline Royle also attend as English Lacrosse staff. We didn’t want a large committee; we decided that we would draw in expertise as we went along. For example, Ian Ashcroft, ex-Chief Exec of the Guardian Media Group, chairs the funding committee, and David Gordon, owner of Belle Vue Speedway, sits on that committee. We are looking for people with different skill sets, to enable us to achieve the biggest thing in lacrosse that has ever been attempted.
‘The biggest thing in lacrosse ever’… That’s got to be a bit of a logistical headache?
Inevitably yes, but we are encouraging all the participants to stay in the World Championship Village, which should make the logistics easier.
The accommodation is a short walk from the pitches, so no need for transport – and communication will be a lot easier. The decision to hold the event in one place was an important strategic decision early on. We have used the Firs before, so it is familiar ground.
You are already a keen lacrosse volunteer and an active member of the lacrosse community. Volunteering for 2010, too… Do you ever wonder if this relationship between you and lacrosse is getting a bit one-sided?
No. What I do in lacrosse – club, county, and league level – is just me putting back into the game. I played lacrosse in school, then rugby until I was 31, then back to lacrosse. I see the 2010 chair role as a progression of my other volunteer responsibilities. I believe we can put on a grand job and I am happy to help in whatever way I can.
Were you actively involved in either of the previous championships that Manchester has hosted? And if so, has that experience helped with strategic decision-making this time round?
I volunteered in 1994. I ran the gate. The fact that I have seen the World Championships grow through ’78, ’94 and subsequent Europeans has stood me and the other members of the steering committee in good stead: there’s a lot we have learned. We have key people involved with much knowledge and experience, such as Peter Nugent, who will be the 2010 facilities director, and David Shuttleworth, the 2010 championships director. This is a bigger deal [than past events] but the principles remain the same. Likewise the officials have a long experience of both home and international events. As a group, English Lacrossers bring a lot to the table.
How different is the global lacrosse landscape now?
So different. My previous championshipshave been half the size. There has been anexplosion in terms of participation.This is a glorious opportunity for lacrossepeople to volunteer. For example we are currently looking for team liaison officers – a chance to forge relationships that will last a lifetime.
What are your personal objectivesfor 2010? What is your measure of a successful event?
My measure of a successful event? We don’t lose money (laughs).I would say my primary goal is at the end of the day to say that this is the biggest thing we have ever undertaken and we have done it. It has run as smoothly as we could hope; everyone involved, in whatever capacity, has had a great time; and financially it has been a viable tournament.
What most excites you about the World Championships?
The thrill of pulling it off. I remain confident that we will stage a memorable event over the two weeks. We do need volunteers, people with a wide range of talent, to come forward. It’s time to stand up and be counted and make a commitment in whatever way you can to 2010.
Are we going to see you in the masters competition?
I doubt it! Unless someone’s short of a goalie…
