Water Polo teams gear up for national championships
15 Feb 2010
Eight of Britain’s top men’s and women’s water polo clubs will be fighting for national honours this weekend when they take part in the British Gas Water Polo Championship Finals 2010.
The competition is the culmination of the National League that takes place from September to January each year and offers the top teams a chance to play against each other in a competitive environment.
Taking place on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st February at the Manchester Aquatics Centre, the Championships will see defending Men’s Champions Lancaster play Rotherham in the first semi-final followed by Manchester taking on Bristol.
On the Women’s side Manchester, champions in 2008 and 2009, will face Sheffield for a place in the final with Liverpool and West London Penguins contesting the other semi.
Joanna Wray, World Class Programmes Manager for British Water Polo, believes that the British Gas Water Polo Championship Finals play an important role in developing the sport in Great Britain:
“Match practice is essential for the development of water polo athletes in this country and this tournament helps the players gain the experience required to improve,” Wray said.
“With many of the British Water Polo squad players competing at these Championships the competition adds to their preparation for the European Qualifiers at the end of April and fits nicely into their international preparation.”
With an increase in funding from UK Sport announced at the end of last year, British Water Polo’s future is looking brighter: “The funding announcement was a brilliant end to a great year competitively,” said Wray.
“We had some excellent results with the men’s and women’s squads and the funding increase was thanks to the much deserved hard work the athletes and staff put in.”
“Now the additional money can really help the teams focus and prepare optimally for their run to the Olympic Games.”
“The work our GB senior squads are doing will hopefully filter down to inspire the next generation of water polo players, and with the work the ASA and British Swimming are doing together we can help to develop our young players further.”
Competition starts at 1pm on Saturday 20th with both the Men’s and Women’s semi-finals being contested.
Sunday’s matches begin at 9.30am with the third/fourth place play-offs followed by the Men’s and Women’s finals.
Tickets will be available on the door priced at £3 for a day ticket (£1.50 for concessions) with weekend passes available for £5 (£2.50 for concessions).
-ENDS-
For the full schedule please click here
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