English vs. Americans in LAX Match in Davidsonville

By Cynthia Giorgio

Last week, two clubs—Anne Arundel County Youth Lacrosse (AAYLC) and Metro Lacrosse Club, from Stockport, England—met for a match at Davidsonville Park. It is where teams from both clubs capped a two-week visit by Metro players in the Annapolis area. It was more of a friendship game than a fierce rivalry. The game ended with a final farewell celebration before the Stockport players returned home.

More after these photos from South River Source photographer Hunter Messineo:

The AAYLC is an independent group of lacrosse managers and coaches who manage, or have managed teams within the Anne Arundel County Recreation and Parks recreational lacrosse programs. The group coordinates taking U13 and U15 lacrosse players in Anne Arundel County to England to play lacrosse internationally.

Both the AAYCL and Metro Lacrosse Club have U13 and U15 teams which are comprised of several players from their recreational leagues. Anne Arundel County teams travel to England on odd-numbered years while the English teams travel to the United States on even-numbered years. The team from Stockport arrived on July 18 and departed August 1.

While the English players are here, they live with host families for two weeks. The same goes for AAYLC players when they go across the Atlantic.

Chris Messineo, of Davidsonville (full disclosure: Source photog Hunter Messineo is married to Chris) participated in the program in 1987. His host family Barry and Sue Livesey were at last week’s game to cheer on the teams and meet up with former players including Chris.

“This is the first time I have seen the Livesey’s in 25 years,” Chris said. “I am still thankful today for the experience and maturity I gained by participating in the program. It made me take my sport seriously and got me to college where I played lacrosse for the Naval Academy.”

Chris Messineo reunites with his host family Barry Livesey after 25 years.

Barry said that well-known lacrosse players have been through the exchange program such as Ryan Wade and Charlie Toomey.

“The lacrosse world is small,” said Barry. “We have been fortunate to meet so many wonderful people who we still keep in touch with today.

Both Barry and Chris agree that the program gives kids confidence and maturity and that they come back as better players and individuals.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Chris.