City of Sheffield Junior Water Polo Academy

Goodwin Sports Centre

132, Northumberland Road

Sheffield S10 2TY

Cost £40.00 per child per ten week block (no club membership required)

What is it?

The Academy will provide you with 10 weeks coaching by top City of Sheffield Water Polo club coaches. City of Sheffield is one of the leading water polo clubs in Great Britain and there is a flourishing junior section, based at Pond’s Forge, which supports the rapidly expanding national and international water polo programme. Water Polo is the oldest team game in the Olympics and it is anticipated that there will be a contingent of Sheffield water polo players representing Great Britain in London 2012.

The Academy is run purely by club volunteers and is not supported financially by the City Council.

Who Can Join?

The Academy is open to all young people within Sheffield and the surrounding area provided they meet the following criteria for their age group.

What can I do after the Academy?

At the end of the programme, you may be invited to join the junior section of City of Sheffield Water Polo club which will enable you to progress to regional and national competitions and regional training centres. This is the ‘pathway’ into national and international water polo and so promising young players will have the opportunity to reach the top of this sport.

That’s ok too – you can come to the Academy, enjoy the time that you are here and then return to your local club or continue in a different sport. We will be happy that you have spent some time with us.

What if I’m not invited to join the club straightaway?

 If you have not quite reached the standard required to join the club, you will be invited back to another Academy programme. You could stay in the Academy for up to two years after which time your progress would be reviewed and the most appropriate ‘exit’ route agreed upon.

What if I don’t want to join the club?

That’s ok too – you can come to the Academy, enjoy the time that you are here and then return to your local club or continue in a different sport. We will be happy that you have spent some time with us.

What about my swimming?

All academy players will be required to get involved with swimming so if you are already in a swimming scheme, you will have a head start! If you choose to continue with competitive swimming and play some water polo, that is fine – we will not expect you to make choices until it becomes clear which pathway you want to pursue.

For an informal chat or to find out more, ring Pippa Jones(Coaching and Development Officer, City of Sheffield Water Polo Club) on 07772 108704 or e-mail froghollow@btinternet.com