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LEVI CARRINGTON - BEHIND THE PLAYER

Recently in the sporting world, athletes of a certain ethnicity are subject to daily abhorrent abuse from "fans". They are often targeted following a performance that falls below their usual standard, if they make a mistake, or if they lose.

These people do not know the athlete, they do not understand how it makes them feel, and they often suffer no repercussions.

I wanted to speak to a black athlete who doesn't play in the highest echelon but still suffers with racism all the same. This athlete is an ex University lacrosse player and a current club player for Huddersfield.

Meet Levi Carrington.

We are ALL people

Carrington performing a stick-trick in 2017

1. As a black athlete in a predominantly Caucasian dominated sport, have you ever experienced discrimination or racism while playing training?

I’d say I have. There’s been times during a training session or during a game where I’ve had some casual racism dropped my way. Sometimes not intentionally or malicious but it’s definitely been there and I’ve felt it.

2. Have you noticed a difference in attitudes towards race since the BLM movement came to light?

Yeah for the better I would say. There’s a lot more care taken with what people say and I that’s being said. I think it’s really good Caucasian people are really seeming to be trying to understand minorities now and I hope it continues. Naturally there’s those that are against it but that’s why it’s necessary to keep moving forward.

3. Has race ever influenced your decision to play certain sports?

I wouldn’t say I’ve played a sport specifically because I thought it was the “black” thing to do. I’ve always played the sports I’ve enjoyed the most.

4. From players past and present, who would you have at a dinner party and why?

Paul Rabil, Myles Jones, Tehoka Nanticoke, Max Seibald and Daniel Heighway. Mainly because I’d love to pick their brains about why they play the game, and ask for tips on how to get better. Rabil as well because I’d love to know the process behind making the PLL and where he would like to take it.

5. Who would you choose to defend a 1v1 play against?

My old coach Dan who played for the Scotland national team, I think it would be fun to see if I could ever defend against him and maybe even teach him a thing or two.

6. What is your pre-match meal?

I don’t really have one to be honest. When I played during university I’d often not eat if it was a morning start and if it was around midday I’d probably have a meal deal.

7. What is your favourite training drill?

It has got to be the star around the goal. Who doesn’t love a bit of chaos in training every now and then?

8. What was your first stick?

To this day I’m not sure of the brand, but it was and coincidentally still is a lovely black long pole, love that thing. It’s gotten me through a lot of tough games.

9. What is your biggest motivator?

When playing the game the biggest thing I’ve strived to win every game or at least play with enough heart that I’ll be okay with a loss. My motivation is to make my teammates better by being the best I can be so we rise together.

10. What is your playing number and is there a reason behind it?

I picked the number 8 originally because it was the last number left in a large in the kit bag. After that I enjoyed playing as 8 so much it just sort of became my thing.

11. What is your favourite thing on TV right now?

Has to be Cobra Kai or The Mandalorian at the minute. Who doesn’t love a bit of nostalgia thrust into the modern day.

12. Cobra Kai or Miyagi-do?

Cobra Kai. Strike first, strike hard, no mercy.

13. What is your pre-game playlist?

I basically listen to pump up music. I always listen to WWE themes because those go off.

14. Have you got a favourite sport other than lacrosse?

Football is my sport. Manchester United are the greatest team ever and I won’t hear otherwise.

15. What is your playing position?

Defender & Long Stick Middie