Former Netherlands Head Coach Thayer to lead Swft men with Harper at The Fly 2026

Former Netherlands Head Coach Tom Thayer has joined Swift Men ahead of The Fly Sixes Lacrosse League 2026 where he’ll team up with 2024 title-winning Assistant Coach Alex Harper.

39-year-old Thayer is a hugely experienced international coach having spent a decade as the Netherlands Senior Men’s Field team Head Coach as well as three as their Sixes Head Coach.

Taking over in 2016, Thayer led the Netherlands Men’s team to five major tournaments, finishing 14th at the 2023 World Championship and ninth at this year’s 2025 ELF Men’s Championship.

After stepping down as Head Coach in July, Thayer has now relocated to Switzerland where he has continued to coach with club team Fribourg Skunks.

With Thayer added to the coaching roster, it means there are now three current or former Netherlands coaches leading teams at The Fly 2026, highlighting the quality of coaching in that region.

Thayer said:

I’m thrilled to be coaching Team Swift!

I’m excited to work with new players and compete in a lacrosse tournament of this calibre.

I can’t wait to see the team in action on the field!

Joining Thayer is Alex Harper who will coach at The Fly for the second time after helping Forge to win the title in 2024 as Assistant Coach alongside Head Coach Gavin Donaldson.

That year, Harper helped his side secure five wins from their seven games.

The 31-year-old has an impressive coaching CV that has seen him lead Hillcroft’s men’s team as Head Coach and dabble in the university game with Bath.

Harper said:

I’m thrilled to be returning to The Fly in 2026, it’s a privilege to be working with such talented players in such an exciting competition.

I’ll be hoping the 2024 championship with Forge was the start of a winning habit.

Thayer and Harper will seek to secure Swift Men’s first ever The Fly title when the 2026 competition takes place on 16-17 May (Northern Leg) and 30-31 May (Southern Leg).