Youngsters set for Swim England Water Polo National Academy camp

Sixty of the country’s top water polo players will be taking part in a development camp this weekend.

It is being held at the Northampton School for Boys and is the first of four Swim England National Academy camps taking place in 2019.

All the youngsters will go through a series of pool tests, skill development sessions and classroom-based activity.

The weekend, which is being overseen by Swim England Water Polo Talent lead officer Norman Leighton, also provides an opportunity for coaches to review and share best practice.

Packed schedule for athletes

Norman said: “We are looking forward to the event.

“We have a packed schedule laid out for the athletes both in the pool and in the classroom and we have lined up some great practitioners to introduce workshops on strength, conditioning and nutrition.”

The event will open with a presentation to parents from the Swim England Water Polo leadership team.

There are three stages of development for players from U14 to senior age groups in the Swim England Water Polo Talent Pathway.

These are:

1. Regional Academy Programme
2. National Academy Programme
3. National Squad Programme

The stages ultimately lead to selection to senior national teams and the long-term aim of the pathway is to achieve international success.