BY HARP PANDHER

FOR Jasleen Sandhu, lacrosse has been more than just a sport; it has been a journey of perseverance, confidence, and belonging.

Growing up in Surrey, Sandhu began playing lacrosse in Grade 5 after her father discovered a local drop-in program. She quickly fell in love with the fast-paced nature of the game and the sense of community it provided. But throughout much of her playing career, she was often the only South Asian player and one of the few people of colour on her teams.

That experience shaped her understanding of the challenges many young athletes face when they do not see themselves represented in a sport.

Now a midfielder with the University of Toronto Varsity Blues women’s lacrosse team, Sandhu is working to change that reality through Breaking Borders Lacrosse, a nonprofit organization she founded in 2025.

The organization’s mission is to introduce lacrosse to South Asian and other BIPOC communities across the Lower Mainland through free and low-cost camps, mentorship opportunities, and education about the sport’s Indigenous origins.

“Lacrosse lacks Punjabi and BIPOC representation not because our communities are not welcomed, but because many families have never been introduced to the sport or had the opportunity to try it,” says Sandhu. “Breaking Borders Lacrosse is about creating that opportunity.”

The organization focuses on three key goals: diversifying the game by bringing lacrosse directly into underserved communities, honouring the Indigenous roots of lacrosse as the Creator’s Game, and empowering young athletes through mentorship from university-level players.

Over the past year, Sandhu has worked with community organizations including KidsPlay and the Surrey Warriors Lacrosse Association, helping introduce hundreds of young people to the sport through camps and learn-to-play programs.

This summer marks a major milestone for the organization with its first-ever Breaking Borders Lacrosse Summer Camp.

The free two-day camp will take place on August 19 and 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cloverdale Athletic Park in Surrey. The camp is designed for children aged 5 to 12 and is geared toward new and beginner players. No previous lacrosse experience is required.

Participants will learn the fundamentals of the game, including throwing, catching, cradling, shooting, and teamwork. They will also learn about the history of lacrosse and its significance as the Creator’s Game, while being coached by a diverse group of university lacrosse athletes, including South Asian players who can serve as role models for the next generation.

Lunch and all equipment will be provided at no cost, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent young people from participating.

Sandhu hopes the camp will inspire children to discover a new passion while helping them build confidence, leadership skills, and a sense of belonging.

For families interested in registering or learning more about the camp, information is available through Breaking Borders Lacrosse on Instagram at @breakingborderslacrosse or by emailing breakingborderslacrosse@gmail.com.

As Breaking Borders Lacrosse prepares for its first camp, the goal is simple: make sure every child who wants to play lacrosse can see a place for themselves in the game.