Water Polo Talent Centre

The Talent Centres launched in January 2023 and have been a huge success, offering elite coaching to players across England for the U14 and U16 age groups.

Those selected will receive weekly or fortnightly coaching from our team of experienced international coaches. Centres will follow an agreed national syllabus designed to equip players with all they will need to thrive on the international level in the future.

Our key objective is to improve performance of England and Great Britain sides in international competition. To do that the first goal is to improve the frequency of high-quality training and coaching that is available to our youngest talent, which in turn will drive improved competitive international results.

Five Talent Centres

The new east Talent centre opened in September 2023. There are ongoing plans to further develop the network of Talent Centres to reach outlier locations.

U14 Habawaba tournament

We were delighted with the outcome of our January 2024 trip to the U14 Habawaba tournament in Spain. 41 talented young athletes travelled as English Lions, Eagles and Roses.

Quotes from parents about the tournament:

“I would totally support T in more adventures like this, the action in the water is only one part of it, the team building and overall experience is the rest, and of equal importance in my opinion thoroughly enjoyable in lots of ways. Taught valuable life skills, not just improvements in water polo knowledge.”

“My daughter had an amazing time, she got to play the sport she loves abroad and in a different environment . She has made new friends and has treasured memories.”

Age groups

Each summer as the athletes progress, the current (Feb 24) age groups are:

• U16 Session- 2008 & 2009 born players
• U14 Session- 2010 & 2011 born players

Players born in 2008 who are selected to join the Great Britain squad will not be expected to be a part of the Talent Centre Program at the same time.

National talent centre locations

Our five talent centres are located in Bolton, Maltby, Croydon, Borehamwood, and Bristol with full details of the locations below.

The Talent Games

In the winter, players will gather for a tournament with a twist. Players will be selected from each centre, to compete in mixed teams, giving them an opportunity to play with peers from across the country. The U14 tournament will be the Duke of Cambridge Cup run by our partners at ESSA, whilst the U16 tournament will be run as a festival by our Talent Centre Program coaches.

Following the Easter and Summer terms our five talent centres will compete at the Talent Games, an opportunity for players to play at the highest level possible for this age group in England. Players will also take part in both pool and classroom education workshops with invited deliverers before competing to be crowned National Talent Centre Champion.

See the below video of one of the talent games weekends.

Fees

£360 paid as £40 per month for 9 months October – June 2023 (inclusive).

For this fee players will receive:

• Starter kit pack for new players including branded costume/ trunks as well as a branded t-shirt.
• 15 water polo sessions, January – July, by internationally experienced coaches.

If selected this fee will also include the below for no additional charge:

• Attendance at Easter and Summer Talent Games and Winter U16 festival.

Fees are reviewed annually.

How to trial

Please complete the following link to sign up for a trial for the U14 or U16 sessions at any of our centres. Please note athletes who already have a place at the Talent Centres do not need to re trial.

Trial cost £25. The Swim England Water Polo Talent Team and our talent centre coaches look forward to welcoming you to our centres and helping you to achieve your full potential in our amazing sport. A link for payment will be sent following by one of our Talent Team.