Water polo players recognised at ASA Aquatics Awards 2015

City of Manchester’s Honor Grimes was named Water Polo Performance Athlete of the Year at the ASA Aquatics Awards 2015 on 14 November in Leamington Spa.

Split into 19 categories, the ASA Aquatics Awards 2015 celebrated the achievements of individuals, facilities and schools involved in aquatics.

After a successful season playing in Spain, Grimes returned to the national team set up in August and was Great Britain’s top scorer at the FINA World Junior Water Polo Championships in Greece. Honor scored in every game, including a hat-trick against the host nation.

A delighted Honor said: “After all the hours in the pool and the gym, representing my country is reward enough, but being the Performance Athlete of the Year makes everything even more special; not only for me, but for my family who have supported me a lot to play the sport I love.

“Moving to Spain to play water polo in September 2014 was a wonderful life experience but my ultimate highlight from this season has to be the World Championships, being the top goal scorer on the team felt incredible.

“I want to continue to improve and learn more about water polo in order to play my best and continue scoring goals”.

City of Manchester goalkeeper, Dylan Green, was also in the spotlight as he was named England Programmes Water Polo Athlete of the Year.

This year, Dylan shared the goal in the Premier Division with GB senior goalkeeper Ed Scott. He was the first choice goalkeeper for the Junior Men’s European Games Qualification Tournament in Malta.

Dylan was also part of the English Schools Swimming Association (ESSA) team who won an invitational tournament.

Dylan also gives up his time to go to Cardiff and coach young goalkeepers and in March he finished his Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting Excellence (AASE) course.

“I feel honoured to have received this award,” Dylan said. “It’s great that all my hard work over the past 12 months is being recognised.

“Winning gold and representing England at the Exiles Invitational Tournament in Malta was a great experience and I feel that I am constantly developing a better understanding of what is expected in international matches.

“Next year I am going to work towards selection on to the team heading to the European U19 Championships Qualification Tournament and then hopefully head to the Netherlands to compete at the championships.”

Adam Paker, Chief Executive of the ASA said: “These awards are an opportunity for the ASA to celebrate the outstanding achievements of the aquatics community over the past 12 months from athletes and coaches to volunteers and facility operators, all of whom play an important role in leading our sport.

“We have heard some truly inspiring stories today and, on behalf of the ASA, I would like to thank everyone linked to this event for their ongoing commitment and for being such incredible ambassadors for swimming and aquatics.”

The Awards were presented by British diver and Commonwealth bronze medallist in the 3m Synchro, Freddie Woodward.

He said: “I’m honoured to have been asked to present these awards. The achievement and dedication of all the finalists is amazing and I am very pleased to have been part of this very special event.”