The North East Girls 2011 Water Polo Team produced a remarkable performance at the Inter Regional Championships at Liverpool Aquatics Centre, securing promotion to Division 1 for the first time since the North East’s highly successful 2006 age group.

After an outstanding opening day of competition, the girls narrowly missed out on a place in the top-four play-offs by the smallest of margins – just a single goal. While the disappointment could easily have affected the team, they responded in the best possible way, demonstrating resilience, determination and exceptional team spirit.

The defining moment came in the 5th/6th place play-off against London. Facing a three-goal deficit going into the final quarter, the North East girls showed incredible composure when it mattered most. Refusing to give up, they dug deep and mounted a remarkable comeback, scoring four goals while restricting London to just one.

With the scores level at the final whistle, the match headed to a dramatic penalty shootout. The North East players held their nerve under pressure, delivering a memorable victory that secured both the win and promotion to Division 1.

The achievement marks a significant milestone for the region, with this being the first North East Girls team to reach Division 1 since the 2006 age group. It is a testament to the hard work, commitment and belief shown by the players throughout the competition.

There was also individual recognition for Isla Plume, who was voted Most Valuable Player (MVP) by the other competing teams. This reflected her outstanding performances throughout the tournament. Isla was instrumental across all matches, and played a crucial role in the dramatic 5th/6th place play-off against London, producing a vital penalty save during the decisive shootout to help secure victory.

The team’s success was supported by a dedicated coaching and management team. Head Coach Gabby Williams, Assistant Coach Clara Cormack and Team Manager Clare Henry played a vital role in guiding the squad through a challenging weekend of competition. The players were also backed by fantastic support from parents and families in the stands.

This promotion is a huge achievement for North East water polo and provides an exciting platform for the future. To secure promotion in such dramatic fashion, coming from three goals down in the final quarter and then winning a penalty shootout, showcases the character and potential of this talented group of athletes.