On the weekend of January 18-20, 2008, US Director of Mexico Lacrosse Iliad Rodriguez traveled to the US Lacrosse Coaches Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. On Friday evening, Rodriguez met with many members of the International Lacrosse Federation's Development Committee at a social gathering hosted by the ILF's Director of Development Joe Gold.
Rodriguez met ILF delegates from Germany, England, Japan, and several members from the United States. All of the ILF members present received Rodriguez and Mexico Lacrosse with excitement and enthusiasm. The ILF members seemed impressed by the rapid progress of Mexico Lacrosse, yet cautioned Rodriguez about the harsh realities of developing lacrosse in a foreign country. The members made it clear that Mexico Lacrosse's petition for ILF membership status hinges on their ability to develop and establish lacrosse leadership and programs in Mexico.
The ILF members present at the convention met earlier in the day to discuss the business of the ILF and potential development issues. Even though Rodriguez was not able to make it to Philadelphia in time for that meeting, he provided a detailed update memo that was presented to the members by Development Director Joe Gold. (see Documents link) Rodriguez' memo explained to the ILF the progress of Mexico Lacrosse's development to date. The members were hopeful that Mexico Lacrosse would be able to acheive the necessary standards for inclusion in the ILF as an associate member.
Stay tuned for more developments on Mexico Lacrosse's petition to become an ILF associate member.
