Huntington Beach lacrosse goalkeeper Trevor Jackson will get a chance to showcase his talents in Scotland this summer.
Jackson, a first team All-Sunset League player last season for the Oilers, is off to Scotland to play for the country’s boys under-19 boys lacrosse team at the World Championships in Turku, Finland, July 12-21.
The family contacted Lacrosse Scotland last year because Jackson has dual citizenship. His dad, Richard, was born in Glasgow, Scotland, his mother, Kris said.
“My dad was born in Scotland, so we were looking for opportunities to play for the national team,” Jackson said. “I knew I wouldn’t have a chance really to play for the American team, so we looked up the Scottish national team, we emailed the coach and he wanted me to come out.
“I’m really excited to help support my father’s country,” he said.
Jackson, who will be a senior in the fall, will practice with the Scottish team in preparation for the World Championships, which are held every four years. The team will have at least four games, Jackson said.
“We’ll be practicing for a week and they will have two practices a day,” he said.
While lacrosse in Scotland hasn’t reached the level of lacrosse in Orange County, Jackson said the play is improving.
“It’s still a developing sport there,” Jackson said. “Most of the kids have played the sport two or three years. I’ve played nine years now. They’re definitely up and coming and they’re hard working kids, they will be pretty good.”
Jackson had played midfield in club lacrosse. When he got to Huntington Beach, Coach Brian Dunn switched him to goalie and Jackson has accepted the challenge. Last season, he led the Oilers to a first-round playoff victory over JSerra.
“I like to be on the field the whole time, that’s definitely a plus and being in a control position is pretty cool,” he said.
Dunn, the coach, is excited that Jackson has a chance to participate in the World Games.
“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to go back and compete, not only for yourself but for your father’s country,” Dunn said. “Trevor couldn’t be a better candidate for that. He’s a great kid, he’s been a natural athlete and a natural leader.
“When he came here he was playing midfield and attack and I got one glimpse of him in the goal and unfortunately his hopes of being a midfielder for me were kind of dashed. But he’s still a great athlete. He plays football too. He had a fantastic season last year but next year, as the leader on the defense, he will most certainly be one of our captains and we look forward to seeing what he continues to do.”
