Record numbers for Liverpool International Water Polo Festival 2016

Bochum landed the coveted Moscardini Shield as a record 14 teams competed in the Liverpool International Water Polo Festival 2016 on Saturday 27 February.

The sixth edition of the Festival saw a return to a two-pitch format in the 50m pool at the Liverpool Aquatics Centre, meaning the tournament could expand and welcome teams from Germany, Switzerland, Ireland and the UK.

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Competing in the largest international Masters water polo event of its kind in the UK, the teams contested the trophy named in memory of Paul Moscardini, the Liverpool goalkeeper who lost his battle with cancer in 2014.

Hosts Liverpool reached the semi-final stage, but it was German visitors Bochum – who were runners-up in 2012 – who went all the way to the Liverpool International Water Polo Festival 2016 title, defeating last year’s runners-up British Police by 5-3 in the final.

Paul’s daughters Anna and Lucy were there to present the Moscardini Shield to the winning team.

About the Liverpool International Water Polo Festival

The Liverpool International Water Polo Festival is a Masters event held for players over 35 years old, although a number of competitors were entering their seventh decade and showing no sign of letting up!

Matt Quirk, from the Liverpool Water Polo Organising Committee said: “We are really pleased that year on year the tournament is gathering momentum and developing an excellent reputation across the UK and Europe.

“We would like to thank all our guests and officials that joined us this year and are already looking forward to next year’s event.”

English teams included hosts Liverpool, British Police, Exeter, Manchester and District and ‘The Cod Squad’, a team of North West and North Wales veterans.

If you’re interested in playing Masters water polo in England, head to our Find A Club page to get in touch with one of the ASA’s regional contacts.

Photo credit: Ant Clausen