Phil Powell appointed head coach of boys' U17 squad

Solihull Water Polo’s Phil Powell has been appointed head coach for the Swim England Water Polo Boys’ U17 squad.

The squad have their first training weekend of 15 – 17 December and will be ultimately building up to U17 European Championship qualification in 2019.

Powell will be supported by assistant coaches Morgan Hirsch, Lewis Daley and Rosie Morris as well as team manager Mike Yates.

“The U17s have their European qualifications in around 15 months so time is of the essence,” said Powell.

“I’m thrilled to be appointed to the position and looking forward to starting with the squad next month. We have a short program so there’s no honeymoon period.

“Sean King has set the standards high with the U19s and we intend to follow his lead with the U17’s.

“Putting together a team has its challenges which is why I’m very pleased to have Mike, Rosie, Morgan and Lewis onboard providing a wealth of knowledge from a variety of backgrounds and experiences.”

Morris was part of the women’s international squad who competed at London 2012 and the 2013 World Championships in Barcelona.

Meanwhile, Hirsch and Daley both competed with Great Britain at this year’s World University Games in Taipei.