Swim England thanks Toby King for significant contribution to water polo

Swim England has thanked Toby King for his significant contribution to the Water Polo Leadership Group after he confirmed he was standing down as its Chair at the end of this year.

Toby has been in the role since January 2020 and played a key part in the development of Swim England’s five-year strategy for the sport.

However, he has taken the decision to step down from the role to pursue other business ventures.

Toby said: “It has been a privilege and a pleasure to be Chair of the Swim England Water Polo Leadership Group.

“I have enjoyed my time in the role and been proud of the great strides we have taken to unite the community and help improve the sport at all levels.

“I’d like to thank Swim England for giving me this opportunity.

“I’ll continue to be active within the water polo community, both locally and nationally, and wish my replacement every success for the future.”

During his time as Chair, Toby drove the development of a strategy for the sport and has been passionate about promoting its growth and development.

He has also been a member of the British Water Polo Leadership Group and through this, has helped to secure national squad support funding for the British teams and was involved in the appointment of Olympian, Craig Figes, to lead the programme.

Key role in the development of water polo

Toby has helped appoint four key figures to the Water Polo Leadership Group as coaching, competitions, communications and technical officials leads – and he has also gained investment from the Swimming Trust for the Water Polo Schools Project, as well as funding for tutor recruitment and training.

And he led another Swimming Trust-backed project to create a video to help recruit new junior players into the sport, which has recently been released.

George Wood, Swim England sport development director, said: “Toby has played a key role in the development of water polo during a particularly challenging time.

“In his three years as Chair, progress has been made on the water polo strategy despite the coronavirus pandemic having such an impact on the sport.

“He has brought stability to the role alongside an appetite to engage with the other home nations, players, coaches, clubs and spectators across the water polo community.

“Alongside that, he has worked tirelessly to promote the sport from the grassroots to the elite level, including founding Winchester Water Polo Club from scratch last year.

“We thank Toby for his significant contribution to the Water Polo Leadership Group and wish him well in his future endeavours.”

A search for a new Chair of the Swim England Water Polo Leadership Group has now begun.

Anyone interested in applying for the voluntary role can find out more details by clicking here.