The North East Water Polo Talent Centre has been thriving since its relocation from Hucknall to Maltby in January. The programme welcomed Matt Birch as its new Head Coach, a move that has brought fresh energy and ambition to the region’s water polo scene.
One of the latest highlights from the Talent Centre is the remarkable performance of the Rotherham Metro U15 girls’ team at the National Championships in Coventry. The squad, made up of talented players from across the Region, competed as a united team and delivered an impressive showing. Winning half of their games, they secured 6th place nationally – a fantastic achievement against some of the toughest teams in the country.
Girls’ Team Roster:
- Jess (Captain)
- Ellen (Vice Captain)
- Harriet
- India
- Kara
- Reka
- Rosie
- De’Anna
- Emily
- Lillie
- Freya
- Eva
Boys’ Teams Shine at Nationals
The boys’ teams also demonstrated their strength and resilience at the national championships over the weekend. Rotherham Metro secured a very respectable 9th place finish, while Sheffield came in just behind at 10th. Both teams displayed determination and teamwork, underscoring the Region’s depth of talent in water polo.
Rotherham Metro Team
- Oliver
- Oli
- Ray
- Sam B
- Freddie
- Sam E
- Adam
- Alex
- Harry
- Thomas
- Will
- Ethan
- Bram
Sheffield Team
- Cam
- Fin
- Ronnie
- Seb
- Gethin
- Jamie
- Ernesto
- Elias
- Euan
- Ben
- Oscar
- Harry
Developing Talent On and Off the Poolside
The North East Water Polo Talent Centre is not just a hub for player development but also an excellent platform for nurturing the Region’s most talented coaches. The Centre is proud to support these dedicated individuals who are instrumental in shaping the future of water polo:
- Gabby Williams – U16 Girls Coach
- Dom Epton – U16 Girls Assistant Coach
- Joe Leveridge – U16 Boys Coach
- Mil Stewart – U14 Girls Coach
- Izzy Olcer – U14 Girls Assistant
- Jordan Elliott – U14 Boys Coach
- Gareth Chen-Rees – U14 Boys Assistant
Upcoming Event in December
The North East Water Polo Talent Centre is keeping the momentum going, with an exciting event planned for December. This will provide another opportunity for the region’s players to showcase their skills, come together as a team, and build on their successes. Stay tuned for more details about this event, which promises to be a thrilling occasion for water polo enthusiasts across the North East.
The North East Water Polo Talent Centre continues to foster a strong sense of community and competitiveness, ensuring the North East remains a powerhouse in the water polo world. The ongoing success of its players, teams, and coaches is a testament to the Centre’s dedication to excellence.
