Water Polo Talent Centre

At the Water Polo Talent Centres, we are committed to helping young players unlock their full potential. Our centres provide a nurturing and supportive environment where the best players from across England, in the U14 and U16 age groups, can grow and develop their skills.

Those selected to join the programme will have the opportunity to participate in regular coaching sessions, either fortnightly or monthly across each term, led by a team of dedicated coaches. These sessions are designed to help them improve their skills and gain the confidence they need to succeed at the highest levels.

We have thoughtfully designed a national syllabus that equips players with the knowledge and coaching required to thrive in water polo. Our core mission is to help young athletes develop a solid foundation, paving the way for future success in the sport. Ultimately, we aim to provide players with the skills necessary to be considered for selection to represent England and Great Britain at the highest levels in the future.

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 Talent Games

At the heart of our program is a commitment to the personal growth and development of each player. While the Talent Games provide an exciting opportunity for players to showcase their skills, the true focus is on the journey of improvement rather than the results themselves. We recognise that every player develops at their own pace, and that growth can look different for each individual. The Talent Games are not just about competition—they are a platform for learning, refining skills, and building confidence, helping players reach their full potential in a supportive environment.

Each winter, the U14 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 Prince of Wales Tournament will be run by our partners at ESSA, whilst the U16 tournament will split geographically and take part in informal development focused tournaments run 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 Champions.

Easter Talent Games- 29th & 30th March- Ponds Forge, Sheffield

Summer Talent Games- 21st & 22nd June- Sandwell Aquatics Centre

See the below video of one of the talent games weekends.

Selection Criteria

• View the Water Polo Talent Centre Selection Criteria

Fees

£360 paid as £40 per month for 9 months October – agreed for 24/25 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

Please email [email protected] to express an interest in trialling at one of our centres.

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.