Swim England Water Polo Hub
Water Polo Talent Centre
July 28, 2023The Talent Centres launched in January 2023 and have been a huge success, offering elite coaching to players across England for the U14 and U16 age groups.
Those selected will receive weekly or fortnightly coaching from our team of experienced international coaches. Centres follow an agreed national syllabus designed to equip players with all they will need to thrive on the international level in the future.
Our key objective is to improve performance of England and Great Britain sides in international competition. To do that the first goal is to improve the frequency of high-quality training and coaching that is available to our youngest talent, which in turn will drive improved competitive international results.
Six Talent Centres
There is a new Midland Talent centre opening in September 2024.
U14 Habawaba tournament
We were delighted with the outcome of our January 2024 trip to the U14 Habawaba tournament in Spain. 41 talented young athletes travelled as English Lions, Eagles and Roses.
Quotes from parents about the tournament:
“I would totally support T in more adventures like this, the action in the water is only one part of it, the team building and overall experience is the rest, and of equal importance in my opinion thoroughly enjoyable in lots of ways. Taught valuable life skills, not just improvements in water polo knowledge.”
“My daughter had an amazing time, she got to play the sport she loves abroad and in a different environment . She has made new friends and has treasured memories.”
Age groups
Each summer as the athletes progress, the age groups from September 2024 will be:
- U16 Session- 2009 & 2010 born players
- U14 Session- 2011 & 2012 born players
National talent centre locations
From September 24 our six Talent Centres will be located in Bolton, Maltby, Croydon, Borehamwood, Bristol and Coventry.
The Jason Kenny Centre, Moor Lane, Bolton, BL3 5BN. This centre will train fortnightly on Friday evenings across 3 terms between September 2023 and July 2024. 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 2023 and July 2024. 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 2023 and July 2024. 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 2023 and July 2024. Each term will consist of 5 sessions.
The Talent Games
In the winter, 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 tournament will be run by our partners at ESSA, whilst the U16 tournament will be run as a festival 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 Champion.
See the below video of one of the talent games weekends.
Selection Criteria
Fees
£360 paid as £40 per month for 9 months October – agreed for 23/24 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
| Talent Centre | Address | Trial Dates | Registration Closing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| North West | The Jason Kenny Centre, Moor Lane, Bolton, BL3 5BN | U14 – Sunday 16th June (9:00-12:00) U16 – To be agreed following registration | Sunday 9th June |
| London | Whitgift School, Haling Park Rd, South Croydon CR2 6YT | U14 – Sunday 16th June (15:30-18:00) U16 – To be agreed following registration | Sunday 9th June |
| North East | Maltby Leisure Centre, High Street, Maltby, Rotherham, S66 8JE | U14 – Friday 21st June (19:30-22.00) U16 – Friday 28th June (19:30-22.00) | Sunday 9th June |
| Midland | The Alan Higgs Centre, Allard Way Coventry, CV3 1HW | U14 & U16 Trials to take place 6th September, 20:00 – 22:00 | Sunday 14th July |
| East | The Haberdashers Boys School, Butterfly Lane, Elstree, Hertfordshire WD6 3AF | U14 – Sunday 8th September (Timings TBC) U16 – To be agreed following registration | Sunday 14th July |
| South | Hengrove Park Leisure Centre, Hengrove Promenade, Bristol, BS14 0DE | U14 – Sunday 8th September (Timings TBC) U16 – To be agreed following registration | Sunday 14th July |
Please complete the following link to sign up for a trial for a place at the U14 or U16 sessions at any of our centres from September 2024. Please note athletes who already have a place at the Talent Centres do not need to re-trial. If you wish to change centres please contact your centre administrator.
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. A link for payment will be sent following by one of our Talent Team.