BENDIGO will host the Australian Lacrosse Association under-18 National Championships for the first time.
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More than 200 players and officials from across Australia and New Zealand will descend on the city.
The sports up and coming stars will take to the field for the April tournament.
Lacrosse Victoria president Tim Fry said he was excited about hosting the prestigious tournament outside of Melbourne.
"We often hear of lacrosse being described as sports best kept secret," he said.
Fry said he was determined to grow the game in new markets like central Victoria.
“The support of the Victorian government and the City of Greater Bendigo has been critical in allowing us to bring this showcase event to Bendigo," he said.
City of Greater Bendigo major events manager Terry Karamaloudis said the championships was another positive endorsement for the city and its facilities.
“You just don’t win national competitions by chance or luck, you have to have the facilities, the personnel, the know-how and the willingness to stage significant events like this, and Bendigo has the lot,” he said.
Australian Lacrosse Association president Mike Slattery said it was important to develop and promote the sport in country Victoria.
The tournament will also act as trial before a squad is selected for next year’s Women’s under-19 World Championships in Scotland and the 2016 Men’s under-19 World Championships in Canada.
The event will be led at the Epsom Huntly Reserve between April 18 and 21.