Ken Read Named Honorary Patron for Australia

[Photo: Shawn Read - Facebook] 

International Indoor Junior Lacrosse (IIJL) is honoured to recognize Mr. Ken Read as an Honorary Patron of the U20 Australian Box Lacrosse team.

The IIJL would like to recognize the substantial contributions made by Ken Read to the sport of lacrosse, specifically box lacrosse, in Australia over his many years of dedication. 

In 1978 the Australian Lacrosse Association appointed Ken Read as the first ever Head Coach to lead an Australian box lacrosse team. Ken and his Aussie Roos travelled to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and competed in the 1978 Commonwealth Games. 

In 1980 the Victorian Lacrosse Association, now Lacrosse Victoria, named the trophy awarded to the winner of the Victorian premier box lacrosse league the Read Cup, in honour of Ken’s sustained involvement both domestically and internationally. 

Ken’s contributions as a player, coach, and referee have reached every level of competition. Ken has been a tireless worker for box lacrosse having travelled to Prague in 2011 and to Syracuse for the 2015 Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL) World Indoor Lacrosse Championship to watch the Australians compete at the Men’s (Senior) level. Ken continued to coach numerous Victorian teams in the following years.

“Ken is a vocal support of box lacrosse in Australia and is held at a high esteem with many members of the Australian lacrosse community.” Said Ric Benedierks, U20 Australian Box Lacrosse General Manager. “In addition to Ken’s contributions to the game of box lacrosse he has shown a great ability to make everyone feel welcomed and included - always ready to talk about lacrosse.” Ric added.

Ken now attends as many box lacrosse games, during weekdays and weekends, as possible and supports the young players coming through the various levels of competitions being held around the country and overseas. 

Please join International Indoor Junior Lacrosse in honouring Mr. Ken Read as an Honorary Patron of the U20 Australian Box Lacrosse team this August 6-11 during the 2019 IIJL World Junior Lacrosse Championship at the Paramount Fine Foods Centre in Mississauga, Ontario Canada.