Welcome to Water Polo in the North East!

Water polo is a fast-paced sport played by two teams in a swimming pool. There are goals at each end of the pool and, similar to other sports such as football, the winner of the game is the team that scores the most goals by getting the ball between the posts. Each team is allowed to have seven players in the water at any one time (six ‘out-field’ players and a goalkeeper). Other than the goalkeeper, you will see the other players moving continuously around the pool.

They are not allowed to touch the bottom of the pool and must tread water the entire time – although players use a movement called the egg-beater which is more efficient than the normal action of treading water. Players can move the ball by throwing it to a teammate or swimming while pushing the ball in front of them. They can only hold the ball with one hand, other than the goalkeeper who can use both hands.

A water polo player can cover up to three kilometres in a game. Water polo players need remarkable stamina because of the considerable amount of holding and pushing that occurs during the game. Because it’s such a fast game and can be quite draining, each team is also allowed a maximum of six substitutes.

Under FINA rules, a water polo match is divided into quarters. Each of the four periods is eight minutes long but because the clock is stopped when the ball is not ‘in play’ in real life the average quarter lasts around 12 minutes. Each team is only allowed to hold onto the ball for a maximum of 30 seconds before shooting for the goal. If they haven’t done this then possession passes to the other team.

Water polo can be introduced to young players through Mini Polo and is a fantastic sport to play with young people. For more information on water polo please visit the Swim England website (external site) by clicking here.

Water Polo within the North East region is looked after by the Regional Water Polo Manager. They can be contacted on the following email address: nerwaterpolomanager@asaner.org.uk.

Player development with England Water Polo Talent

Each of the Swim England regions run training sessions for their top Under 14, Under 15 and Under 16 male and female players, culminating in the Inter Regional Competitions. The Swim England Water Polo Talent team deliver high-quality training and competition for the most promising young players in England.

Three levels of the Talent Programme

1. Regional Academy Programme

Through the Regional Academies players will work towards England Water Polo Talent Centre Standards. Head Regional Coaches will assess against these criteria and nominate players to the next step on the pathway. The Under 14 and Under 16 Inter Regional Championships will be used as an additional talent identification opportunity for National Academy Coaches to select from, to ensure no potential talent is missed.

2. National Talent Centre Programme

There are 4 Talent Centres geographically placed across England designed to provide young talented players with weekly access to coaches with a high level of international experience. Selection to a talent centre will be through open trials or subsequent Talent Identification by England Talent Water Polo Coaches at national and regional events.

Players at an England Talent Centre can expect to receive high quality coaching in the skills and tactical foundations they will require to thrive at national team level across 3 x 10 week terms each year

Three times throughout the year, teams from each of our 4 Talent Centres will be selected to represent their Centre at ‘The Talent Games’ Teams will be selected from Each Talent Centre at Under 14 and Under 16. A weekend of full length matches played to LEN competition standards for that age group, and will provide players with experience of competing at an elite level whilst the programme of player and coach education will equip players with a tool kit of practical and psychological skills that they will need to succeed as a national team player in the future.

More information on the National Talent Centre can be found here: National Water Polo Talent Centre.

3. National Squad Programme

The national squads are the top level of the talent pathway in England. Under 17, Under 19 and senior national squads train every month and work towards competing at European and international competitions.

To be selected in a national squad, athletes must be either recommended by their regional coach or be scouted by talent coaches at The Talent Games or other National club or Regional Events. When they attend the trials, they will be selected on a number of physiological, technical, psychological and tactical factors, as well as other elements such as compatibility and work ethic. Athletes and their coaches should have a clear understanding about the commitment required to be part of the national team and the expectations, travel and time required before considering attending the trials.

It is advantageous for the athletes to be known to the national programme staff by taking part in the Talent Games as part of the Talent Centre Programme or other competitions regionally and nationally. Athletes should be competitive and striving for the top level within the sport.

If you become a member of one of the Swim England Water Polo squads, you will continue to work with your home club programme and club coach. It is important for your club coaches to be engaged in your development and the training hours and requirements once you are part of the programme. All training is compulsory and is a mixture of camps and weekends. You can also continue to be a part of your Region.

Results Links

Information on the latest Swim England Water Polo results and Match Sheets can be viewed here: Swim England Water Polo Results and Match Sheets.

Swim England Water Polo Events Calendar

The Swim England Water Polo Calendar can be viewed here.

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