Swim England launch exciting water polo initiative to drive development of talent

An exciting new water polo initiative which aims to improve the performance of England and Great Britain sides in international competition, has been launched by Swim England.

The first goal is to improve the frequency of high-quality training and coaching that is available to the younger talent of water polo players.

The Swim England Water Polo Talent Centre initiative will offer elite coaching to players born from 2007 to 2010, and those selected will receive weekly or fortnightly coaching from a team of experienced international coaches.

Talent centres will follow an agreed national syllabus which is designed to equip players with everything they need to thrive on the international stage.

The first four talent centres will be located in Bolton, Hucknall, Croydon and Bristol, with open trials to be held in January 2023.

All will aspire to offer 10 weekly sessions per school term. However, Bolton and Hucknall will begin by offering five fortnightly sessions per school term.

The closing date for registering on the open trials is midnight on Monday 2 January. Head over to the Swim England web shop for more.

Positive influence on future of the sport

As part of the initiative, a ‘Talent Games’ will also be established. This will provide a new opportunity for players to play at the highest level possible, across those age groups, in England.

Each talent centre will select a team to represent them and compete at the Talent Games, fighting to be crowned talent centre national champions.

This will allow aspiring international players the chance to experience full games, face some of the best players in the country and provide them with an early taste of international standard water polo.

There will also be an opportunity to attend two U16 national training weekends.

Andy McGinty, Swim England water polo talent and inclusion officer, said: “We’re really pleased to be able to launch this initiative.

“We hope it will have a positive influence on the future of the sport in this country and lead to improved performances at international level.

“The water polo talent team and talent centre coaches are looking forward to welcoming athletes to the centres and helping them to achieve their full potential in our amazing sport.”

More information is available on the new talent centre information page, including details of fees and dates for sessions.