United States Virgin Islands has become the 68th member nation of World Lacrosse ©USVILA

United States Virgin Islands has become the 68th member nation of World Lacrosse.

The U.S. Virgin Islands Lacrosse Association (USVILA) has been approved as an associate member following a vote of World Lacrosse's membership.

This followed unanimous recommendations to give the green light from the Board of Directors and the organisation's Development Committee.

"With lacrosse activity in schools dating back nearly 30 years on the island of St. Croix and 15 years on St. Thomas, there is a bright future ahead for the U.S. Virgin Islands Lacrosse Association," said Bob DeMarco, World Lacrosse's director of development.

 Leslie Highfield Carter, the President of USVILA, added: "We are very excited about growing the sport of lacrosse in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

"We have a lot of very talented local athletes who will benefit from the opportunities lacrosse has to offer. 

World Lacrosse now has 68 member nations ©Getty Images
World Lacrosse now has 68 member nations ©Getty Images

"As we grow the game here in the territory, we envision our athletes making an important contribution to lacrosse globally. 

"We're looking to build a mutually beneficial relationship. 

"This is going to be great fun for everyone involved."

World Lacrosse now boasts 19 members from the Pan Amerian region.

Five new members have now joined since December of last year, with the USVILA following Dominican Republic, Panama, Barbados and Lithuania.