Shamrocks captain welcomes new Braefoot box surface
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The new floor in Braefoot's outdoor lacrosse box is more than a makeover, it's a lifestyle change.
The last of the polypropylene, orange and blue tiles was ceremoniously fitted into the faceoff dot of the lacrosse box Thursday morning by MLA Ida Chong, minister of healthy living and sport.
It sits atop the asphalt, gives a bounce that acts just like the asphalt underneath it but drains water faster and is easier on the joints.
The porous material allows water to gather and drain below while the surface is dry.
Not only will it draw more use from it's major tenants, the Saanich Tigers lacrosse association and Hoopla summer basketball camps - representatives of both were on hand - the floor will accommodate futsal, a fun, five-aside court version of soccer that can further develop the skills of young players.
It's also expected to attract recreational users in a way that the Central Park basketball courts at Crystal Pool are constantly busy.
While the Braefoot basketball camp kids put on an exhibition, a group of Saanich Tigers tested the bounce of the lacrosse ball off the tiling, the only issue the Tigers' organization had with the floor.
"I think it's bouncier than the pavement (underneath)," said novice Tiger Zack Dhillon, who's club recently earned silver medal at the Jack Crosby tournament. Dhillon's team practices there regularly, and he's spent many hours playing on the Braefoot asphalt, as has former Saanich Tiger and current captain of the Victoria Shamrocks Buck Stobart.
"I thought it would be a lot spongier," said Stobart. "I can see how it'd be easier on the joints. Cement is a lot harder on the back and the knees."
Stobart was on hand with fellow Shamrocks' defender Nick Inch, who was surprised it would drain the Victoria rainfall. Not that the Kitchener, Ont. product has seen much rain in his first summer as a Western Lacrosse Association player, he just happens to have picked a good summer to be here.
"It's something we don't have back home. Great for the community, gets the kids out here and hopefully because of it they'll have longer playing careers."
The floor costs came to $122,000, split down the middle between the Braefoot Community Association and a provincial government grant.
sports@vicnews.com
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