MSB: Anne Arundel-England Lacrosse Exchange Continues to Build Lifelong Friendships Through the Game
For five decades, one of Anne Arundel County’s most unique sports traditions has done far more than develop talented lacrosse players. It has built international friendships that continue long after the final whistle.
The Anne Arundel-to-England lacrosse exchange remains one of the longest-running international youth sports exchanges in the country, bringing together players from Maryland and Northwest England through competition, cultural immersion, and shared experiences. The program recently welcomed another group of English players to Anne Arundel County, continuing a tradition that has connected thousands of families since the 1970s.
The boys’ exchange began in 1976, while the girls’ program was established in 1996. Since then, more than 1,500 Anne Arundel County athletes have participated, living with host families, competing against international opponents, and experiencing another culture firsthand. The program’s motto—“Friendship Through Lacrosse”—has become its defining mission.
Unlike a traditional tournament, participants become part of each other’s families. Maryland players host English athletes during U.S. visits before making the return trip overseas the following year. Many participants remain in contact for years, with some families making repeat visits across the Atlantic.
Anne Arundel County has long been regarded as one of the nation’s premier hotbeds for lacrosse, producing NCAA standouts, professional players, and national champions. Programs throughout Severna Park, Broadneck, South River, Arundel, St. Mary’s, Archbishop Spalding, and many other local communities have helped make the county synonymous with the sport.
The exchange gives those players an opportunity to see how the game is played internationally while representing Maryland on a global stage.
Selection for the tour extends beyond athletic ability. Organizers evaluate leadership, maturity, character, and sportsmanship alongside lacrosse skills. Players are nominated by coaches and recreation league officials from across Anne Arundel County before earning a spot on the roster.
For many athletes, the experience becomes one of the defining moments of their youth careers. The chance to travel internationally as teenagers, stay with host families, and experience another culture creates memories that often last far longer than championships or statistics.
With lacrosse returning to the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028, international relationships like these are becoming even more valuable as the sport continues its worldwide growth. Programs such as the Anne Arundel-England exchange demonstrate how Maryland continues to influence the game’s development beyond its borders.
MSB Take
In an era when youth sports can become consumed by rankings, recruiting, and showcase tournaments, this exchange reminds everyone what sports are supposed to accomplish. Competition matters, but friendships, cultural understanding, and representing your community leave an even greater legacy.
Few traditions better represent the spirit of Anne Arundel County lacrosse than a program that has been connecting Maryland and England for 50 years—and it deserves to continue for generations to come.
