L. R. Grainger

Junior development is the key to the future of lacrosse. Throughout the decades, in particular since 1945 there has been a number of stalwarts of Junior Schemes who gave themselves the task of developing their own particular club's juniors and given the natural ageing process, the senior strength also.

Without the existence of this dedicated care during the 1950's and 60's many of the clubs which were able to continue after the War years could have faded through the lack of new players.

One such stalwart for the Stockport Club in 1950 was, and still is Les Grainger. Another such enthusiasts of that period was Ted Donnet for South Manchester and Wythenshewe. Les took on Stockport's juniors at the Annual General Meeting on Monday 12th September 1949 when he was appointed unanimously as Honorary Junior Secretary for the then forthcoming season 1949/50. The first junior games arranged by Les in his new role as Junior Secretary were...
22nd October, Manchester Grammar School,
24th November, Ashton,
7th January, Cheadle.

There is no record of the results entered into the minutes books, however Leslie's memory provides a favourable record if not an actual result.

The position of Junior Scheme Secretary was retained by Les without a break through the 50's, 60's 70's and 80's until 1989, a total of forty continuous years. A remarkable record of achievement. Retirement was not on the agenda however, the all encompassing position of recruitment, beginners and U12s team manager was undertaken and is still held by him to this day.

A quite remarkable fact is that virtually all the current Stockport players from the juniors upwards, through all the senior teams, including the veterans, have been trained within the L.R.G. Junior training scheme and bear all the skills and loyalty alike.

Another major achievement by Leslie was the creation of the Stockport Metros, an umbrella organisation for combinations of Clubs to be able take juniors on tours with specifically the USA in mind, and has succeeded in doing so on 11 occasions since 1976, the last ten of these being part of an annual exchange with Anne Arundel County Youth Lacrosse, Maryland, USA, which still continues.

Les will be seen during the 1994 World Cup to be coordinator for the overseas teams in the Junior Festival, and in his usual convivial style be present and participate in all the key formal and social activities throughout the various tournaments.

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