International Success on the GB Stage
2025 has been another outstanding year for North East athletes representing Great Britain across senior and junior programmes. Amelia continued to compete at the highest level with Senior GB Women while playing abroad, while Callum, Corran and Ben represented Senior GB Men internationally. Ruby also earned selection to the GB U18 programme, demonstrating the continued strength of the North East athlete pathway.
Further national recognition came through GB training squad selections. Amelia Grace represented the Senior GB Women’s programme, while Callum, Corran and Ben remained involved with Senior GB Men. Across the age-group pathway, Laura and Alice earned selection to the 2006 programme, Ruby and Alice to the 2007 programme, and Archie, Mason, Millie, Ellen and Ashton to the 2009 pathway. The region also celebrated coaching representation at national level, with Gabby selected as assistant coach for both the 2006 and 2007 GB programmes.
Talent Centre Continues to Thrive
The Swim England North East Talent Centre has continued to grow from strength to strength during 2025. Six athletes — Ellen H, Millie A, Archie E, Mason L, Aston W and William N — successfully trialled for GB U18s, highlighting the quality of athlete development taking place within the region.
More than 60 North East players represented at Talent Games throughout the year, while athletes also benefited from two elite training camp experiences in Holland led by Olympic gold medal-winning coach Paul Metz.
The Talent Centre Training Squads for both 2024–2025 and 2025–2026 included numerous North East athletes and coaches, demonstrating the region’s increasing influence within the national pathway. Coaches Matt, Dom, Grant, Graham, Gabby, Izzi and Team Manager Sarah all played important roles within the programme.
Regional and Club Competition Success
North East teams delivered impressive performances across regional and national competitions throughout the year. The U16 Girls became Division 2 joint winners, while the U16 Boys secured the Division 2 title outright. The region also fielded competitive U14 Girls and Boys teams, continuing to strengthen the player pathway.
Club performances across league competition were equally encouraging. At National Age Groups, City of Sheffield Girls secured an excellent silver medal in the U19 competition. In the Wakefield and District League, Sheffield finished runners-up in the U16 2009 category, while Sedgefield claimed third place. In the U14 2011 competition, Rotherham finished first, Sheffield second and Sedgefield third. Northern League success followed with Sheffield crowned champions in both the U16 2009 and U14 2011 categories.
Recognition for Outstanding Contributions
Individual excellence and dedication were recognised nationally during 2025. Ben was named Water Polo Athlete of the Year, reflecting his performances and contribution to the sport across the season.
Gabby received both the regional and national Participation and Community Coach of the Year awards — a remarkable achievement that reflects her commitment to growing participation, developing athletes and creating opportunities within the sport across the North East.
Building Strong Foundations for the Future
Regional training opportunities continued to expand, particularly within the younger age groups. Participation numbers for athletes born between 2012 and 2015 increased steadily across the year, helping strengthen the future player pathway within the region.
Although overall numbers remain lower than some larger regions, the North East continues to benefit from a highly committed and motivated core group of players, particularly within the 2009–2011 age groups. A strong programme of 10 dedicated girls’ sessions was delivered throughout the year, combining training, game nights and “Rules 101” educational sessions to support athlete understanding and long-term development.
The region’s dedicated coaching team — Matt, Dom, Izzi, Grant, Graham, Gabby, TMS, Clare, Sarah and Vicki — has been instrumental in driving this progress and creating positive environments for athletes to thrive.
An Exciting Future Ahead
With success visible across every level of the pathway — from grassroots participation to international representation — Swim England North East Water Polo continues to build significant momentum.
With National Championships, British League, Conference League, Inter-Regionals, local leagues, the Junior World Cup and the Mini World Cup all on the horizon, the future looks incredibly exciting for the region.
2025 will be remembered as a year of exceptional progress, opportunity and achievement for North East Water Polo.
