Swim England Water Polo Hub
Water Polo Talent Centre
July 28, 2023At the Water Polo Talent Centres, we are committed to helping young players unlock their full potential. Our centres provide a nurturing and supportive environment where the best players from across England, in the U14 and U16 age groups, can grow and develop their skills.
Those selected to join the programme will have the opportunity to participate in regular coaching sessions, either fortnightly or monthly across each term, led by a team of dedicated coaches. These sessions are designed to help them improve their skills and gain the confidence they need to succeed at the highest levels.
We have thoughtfully designed a national syllabus that equips players with the knowledge and coaching required to thrive in water polo. Our core mission is to help young athletes develop a solid foundation, paving the way for future success in the sport. Ultimately, we aim to provide players with the skills necessary to be considered for selection to represent England and Great Britain at the highest levels in the future.
Age groups
Each summer as the athletes progress, the age groups from September 2025 will be:
- U16 Session- 2010 & 2011 born players
- U14 Session- 2012 & 2013 born players
National talent centre locations
Our six Talent Centres will be located in Bolton/Manchester, Maltby, Croydon, Borehamwood, Bristol and Coventry.
Depending on age group, sessions are either at The Jason Kenny Centre, Moor Lane, Bolton, BL3 5BN or East Manchester Leisure Centre, Grey Mare Lane, Manchester, M11 3ND. This centre will train fortnightly on Friday evenings across 3 terms between September and July. Each term will consist of 5 sessions.
Maltby Leisure Centre, High Street, Maltby, Rotherham, S66 8JE. This centre will train fortnightly on Friday evenings across 3 terms between September and July. Each term will consist of 5 sessions.
The Alan Higgs Centre, Allard Way Coventry, CV3 1HW. This centre will train fortnightly on Friday evenings across 3 terms between September and July. Each term will consist of 5 sessions.
Whitgift School, Haling Park Rd, South Croydon CR2 6YT. This centre will train fortnightly on Friday evenings across 3 terms between September and July. Each term will consist of 5 sessions.
The Haberdashers Boys School, Butterfly Lane, Elstree, Hertfordshire WD6 3AF. This centre will mostly train on Sundays across 3 terms between September and July. Each term will consist of 5 sessions.
Hengrove Park Leisure Centre, Hengrove Promenade, Bristol, BS14 0DE. This centre will mostly train on Sundays across 3 terms between September and July. Each term will consist of 5 sessions.
The Talent Games
At the heart of our program is a commitment to the personal growth and development of each player. While the Talent Games provide an exciting opportunity for players to showcase their skills, the true focus is on the journey of improvement rather than the results themselves. We recognise that every player develops at their own pace, and that growth can look different for each individual. The Talent Games are not just about competition—they are a platform for learning, refining skills, and building confidence, helping players reach their full potential in a supportive environment.
During the first term, the U14 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 Prince of Wales Tournament will be run by our partners at ESSA, whilst the U16 tournament will split geographically and take part in informal development focused tournaments run by our Talent Centre Program coaches.
Following the Easter and Summer terms our six 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 Champions.
Summer Talent Games – 21st & 22nd June – Sandwell Aquatics Centre
See the below video of one of the talent games weekends.
Selection Criteria
Fees
£387 paid as £43 per month for 9 months October – agreed for 25/26 season.
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, September – July, by our experienced coaching teams.
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
Each summer, we hold trials for all players interested in joining our Talent Centre program. The trial fee is £25, and you can register your interest in trialling here. After the sign-up deadline for your centre, we will confirm your registration and ask for payment to be completed for the trial.
Following the trials, the new term will begin in September.
| Region | U14 Trial | U16 Trial | Sign Up Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midlands | Fri 4th July | Fri 4th July | June 20th 2025 |
| North East | Fri 27th June | Fri 4th July | June 20th 2025 |
| London | Fri 5th Sept | Sept – TBC | August 22nd 2025 |
| East | 7th Sept | 7th Sept | August 22nd 2025 |
| South | Sept – TBC | Sept – TBC | August 22nd 2025 |
| North West | Fri 19th Sept | Fri 3rd Oct | Sept 12th 2025 |
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.
Join the Swim England Water Polo Talent Centre Team
Are you passionate about developing young athletes? Interested in taking your coaching or support skills to the next level in a nationally recognised programme? Then Swim England’s Water Polo Talent Centres want to hear from you.