Sue Sofarnos Foundation makes $100k contribution to Australian Women’s Field Program ahead of Tokyo 2026 campaign
Lacrosse Australia is thrilled to announce a generous $100,000 contribution from the Sue Sofarnos Foundation to support the ongoing development and success of the Australian Women’s Field Lacrosse Program.
This significant investment will directly enhance athlete development, high-performance pathways and international competitiveness, as the national squad continues its preparation for the 2026 World Lacrosse Women’s Field Championship to be held in Tokyo, Japan in July this year.
Lacrosse Australia chair Abbie Burgess-Brice said that the contribution would have a transformative impact on the program at a critical point in its high-performance cycle.
“This extraordinary investment from the Sue Sofarnos Foundation brings the total contribution since inception to $350,000 in direct support of Australian women’s lacrosse, creating a profound and lasting impact,” said Burgess-Brice.
“As we prepare for the 2026 World Lacrosse Women’s Field Championship in Tokyo, these funds will enable us to provide greater opportunities for our athletes and staff, and continue building a sustainable and competitive program for the future. We are incredibly grateful for the Foundation’s belief in our vision and in the potential of Australian women’s lacrosse.”
The Sue Sofarnos Foundation was established to honour the legacy of Sue ‘Melli’ Sofarnos OAM, a decorated lacrosse player, coach and Lacrosse Australia life member, who was inducted into the Australian Lacrosse Hall of Fame’s inaugural class last November. Sue was a passionate advocate for women’s sport and her commitment to empowering athletes and creating opportunities continues to inspire meaningful change across Australian sport.
Sue’s husband, John Sofarnos, said that the Foundation was proud to continue its support of a program that reflected Sue’s values and lifelong passion.
“Sue believed deeply in the power of sport to change lives, particularly for women and young athletes,” said Sofarnos.
“Supporting the Australian Women’s Field Program through Lacrosse Australia, as the team builds toward Tokyo, is a fitting way to continue to honour her legacy. She would be immensely proud to see this contribution helping athletes pursue excellence and alleviating some of the financial burden, while strengthening the future of the sport she loved.”
The Australian Women’s Field program has today completed a training camp in Adelaide, with the final roster to be selected in March.
Tickets for the Foundation’s major fundraiser ‘Melli’s Long Lunch’, will go on sale on January 11, which is Sue’s birthday.
Melbourne’s event will be held at RACV City Club on 21 March 2026, Adelaide’s event will be held at The Coast Glenelg on 28 March 2026 and Perth’s event details will be announced soon.
ENDS
For any further media enquiries please contact:
Carly Luke
Media & Communications Manager, Lacrosse Australia
media@lacrosse.com.au
+61 433 279 133