London City Panthers: How I Caught the Lacrosse Bug, Even When Dropping the Ball
By Toby Bryant, Senior Sports Journalist
Published 24th March 2026, 15:28 GMT | Updated 24th March 2026, 15:34 GMT
London City Panthers are playing a pivotal role in expanding the sport of mixed lacrosse across the capital. With lacrosse set to return to the Olympic stage in 2028 after an absence of more than a century, the mixed version of the game provides an accessible and welcoming entry point for newcomers and seasoned athletes alike.
I must confess, I have never seen the film Wild Child. Whenever I mention to people that I have taken up lacrosse, that reference is often the first humorous remark tossed my way. This reaction highlights just how little I knew when I first arrived at a London City Panthers training session under the floodlights in Oval. Fast forward six months, and those midweek journeys, hauling a lacrosse stick along the Victoria Line, have become a regular part of my routine.
A Beginner-Friendly Club with a Mission
The beginner-friendly club was established in 2021 by founder Qasim Alli and has grown steadily since its inception, now boasting 50 active members. Panthers operates as a mixed lacrosse club, open to all genders, and champions a format of the sport that is rapidly gaining popularity nationwide.
I initially learned about mixed lacrosse through an old friend who played at university and persuaded me to join a few humbling 'throw around' sessions in a back garden. Having played tennis and cricket as a child, I assumed I would adapt to lacrosse with ease. However, after retrieving the ball from a garden pond for what felt like the hundredth time, I quickly realized this would not be the case.
Throughout my life, I have been part of numerous sports clubs, all of which were fantastic in their own right. Yet, there is a distinct and unique atmosphere at Panthers that sets it apart. Growing the sport lies at the core of Qasim's mission, creating an incredibly welcoming environment for everyone involved.
The Magic of Catching and Throwing
"The sensation of catching and throwing a lacrosse ball is truly magical and addictive," Qasim explains with a laugh. "It helps that lacrosse is still a novel sport for many, requiring an unusual skill set. This means everyone begins with less preconceived baggage and can learn together on a level playing field."
"When founding Panthers, I was acutely aware of how elitism often dictates who has access to lacrosse. Radical inclusion was a founding principle, especially regarding gender diversity. Our commitment to not selecting teams based on ability attracts players who might otherwise feel excluded from other sporting spaces."
Simultaneously, the club maintains a drive for high-quality lacrosse while remaining open to beginners at any stage. Qasim is one of several Panthers players who represent the England Lions team, and I soon learned to value the insightful advice shared by these experienced athletes during training sessions.
A Welcoming Mix of Experience Levels
One teammate who joined the club around the same time as me is Pippa Lewis. While I arrived unsure of which hand to hold my stick (it turns out you use both), Pippa joined after graduating from Cambridge University, which fields one of the highest-rated lacrosse teams in the country.
"I had an incredible time playing at university and forged lasting friendships through the sport," Pippa shares. "The mixed lacrosse community is exceptionally welcoming, so I wanted to continue playing after graduating. Since Panthers is the primary mixed club in London, the decision was quite straightforward!"
"There is a wonderful blend of experience within the club, ranging from individuals who have played at a high level for years to complete beginners and everything in between. Having coached training sessions is fantastic—I aim to keep improving while enjoying the game and making new friends, and Panthers is an ideal place for that."
Pippa is modest about her abilities, but she has already earned a reputation as a goal-scoring machine. Her signature move involves positioning herself near the goal and cutting in at the perfect moment to score, a tactic she successfully employed against former teammates from Cambridge University in a recent cup match.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed the matches," she tells us. "They provide a great reason to escape London on weekends. With training only once a week, it is also nice to have additional opportunities to play."
Balancing Hard Work with Social Fun
It is important to note that the hard work Panthers puts in on the pitch is matched by their vibrant social activities off it. Since I joined, post-training drinks have featured everything from Tubedoku obsessions to social events encompassing roller skating and laser quest adventures.
Ronnie Rakowska, who played women's lacrosse at Loughborough University before transitioning to mixed lacrosse with Panthers, serves as one of the club's social secretaries. She has cemented her place in club lore by negotiating a weekly platter of crisps at their Wednesday gathering spot.
"Panthers is an incredibly social and welcoming club," Ronnie states. "We organize casual socials after every game and training session, along with regular activity-based events that cater to all tastes, budgets, and locations. We might just be one of the most social sports clubs in London!"
"Because mixed lacrosse is less widely known, it fosters a more relaxed atmosphere where everyone comes together with a shared passion for the sport. Panthers is remarkably diverse and inclusive, attracting a wonderful group of people."
As a first-year member, I have yet to experience the full calendar of Panthers social events, but I must mention my pub quiz victory in January. When asked to choose her favorite outing of the year, Ronnie's thoughts turned to the upcoming summer season.
"The beach trip social was unforgettable," she recalls. "We embarked on a long coastal walk, took a refreshing cold dip, and then discovered our new favorite game—playing 'round the world' with children's paddle rackets. It has almost become an unofficial second sport for Panthers."
Looking Ahead to the Future
Approaching its fifth anniversary, Panthers has evolved into a well-oiled machine, catering to beginners, lacrosse veterans, and social members alike. It is an exciting time for the club, especially with significant growth anticipated for the sport in the coming years.
"Reflecting on how small our club once was and the challenges we faced with regular attendance, it is truly amazing to see so many people at training each week and new individuals joining all the time," Qasim reflects.
"There are countless directions Panthers could take, and the club now belongs to each member of our community. I am confident that every person will continue to grow this club in ways I cannot yet imagine, and I hope to remain a part of that journey!"
As Panthers prepares to celebrate its fifth anniversary, it remains a club—and a sport—with its best years still ahead. Somehow, I have caught the lacrosse bug, and if someone as initially clumsy as I can find a place here, then truly anyone can.
