Ben Howells has dedicated his life to growing lacrosse. As Brooklands’ Lacrosse Development Officer and the founder of a grassroots coaching organisation, he coaches seven days a week — helping hundreds of young people discover the sport and creating paid opportunities for new coaches.

But Ben’s ability to keep coaching is now at risk.

His current prosthetic leg is nearing the end of its lifespan and already limits his movement, balance and ability to demonstrate skills. Without a replacement, he may have only one more year of coaching at the level his role demands. A new prosthetic — using advanced ankle‑joint technology — would give him far greater mobility and extend his coaching career by at least three years. Ben describes it as feeling like “running on air”.

Ben fell in love with lacrosse at 10 and has been part of the community ever since. As a former England and Wales international, he is committed to giving back — sharing his experience with the next generation of players and coaches.

Through BH Lacrosse ltd, he introduces lacrosse to schools in the north-west, and bought around 50 young players into Brooklands in the last few years, and gives thousands more their first experience of the sport. He coaches U11 girls, U12s, U19s, U11 boys and the men’s XA teams and Brooklands, leads national pathways for Northern and Southern Aspire, mentors UK coaches, and is working to expand his organisation to hire five additional coaches.

Why This Matters

This is not just about helping one coach — it’s about protecting work that is expanding lacrosse opportunities across the country.

A new prosthetic will allow Ben to:

- Coach more hours each day

- Demonstrate movement and technique with full mobility

- Grow grassroots lacrosse in the North West

- Continue mentoring coaches and raising standards nationwide

Ben is one of the UK’s most committed lacrosse coaches. Without a new prosthetic leg, his ability to continue this work will be cut short.

The Impact of Your Donation

Your support will:

- Keep Ben coaching for years longer

- Give more children access to lacrosse

- Create new coaching jobs

- Strengthen the future of the sport in the UK

Ben’s Commitment

Ben gives his time, energy and expertise to every child, team and program he supports. He has never asked for anything in return — and now the lacrosse community has an opportunity to give back.

If Ben has coached you or someone you know, or if you care about the future of lacrosse in the UK, please consider donating.

Every contribution helps keep Ben on the pitch, doing what he does best: growing the game for everyone.