The big day for the finals of the 2000s 5-a-side competition finally came.    These young ones, many of whom had not played official games only months ago thrilled the crowds and improved rapidly over the course of the four tournaments.   The aggressive physicality of the sport was clearly something they were picking up.   As yesterdays tournament director Rob Tate suggested they are more than ready for 7-a-side and need two referees.

This was the first time the tournament had a bracket format.    In the plate competition Falkirk and Stirling went head to head and provided one heck of a game with Falkirk getting the edge at last 11-10.    In the plate 3rd place game Dunfermline B excelled over a very young Stirling B 12-0.   Hamilton and Portobello advanced to the Championship 3rd place game and it too was a crowd pleaser with a very tight win to Hamilton 6-5.    Dunfermline and Warrender were in the Championship Final and once again, it was close though this time Warrender managed a two goal victory 5-3.

Well done to all the players, thanks to the volunteers and congratulations to the winners.

UPdated Links below to information and registration (bottom link) for the Great Britain National Water Polo Trials to be held on 11th and 12th January 2014.  Trials will be take place at Cardiff International Pool, Olympian Drive, Cardiff CF 11 0JS for boys and girls aged 1998/1999, 2000 and 2001.    The born 2000 and 2001 from Scotland will trial only on Saturday January 11th, while the 1998 & 1999 ages will trial both days.

Training dates for the rest of 2013 are Feb 1&2, March 8&9, April 12&13, May 3&4, June 21&22.   General information about GB camp weekends: http://www.swimming.org/britishswimming/water-polo/national-training-camps/

Please note that the Age Groups have changed!!!  No more 1996/1997 trials at this date.   Also, note our Academy is the Scottish equivalent of the RTC, if you want to be part of GB in these age groups, you will have to join the Academy if you are not already a member or have a special exemption from Neal Rayner due to special circumstances.

There is a minimum standard for swimming speed and eggbeater test required as well as coaches evaluation on playing ability.     Although the document refers to England Talent the N.P.D. has made it clear that it is GB Talent as operated by England Talent.

Updated Files Invitation Document (Doc) Invitation Document (pdf)

Link to IOS Booking page

The Under 14s played their third Five-a-side tournament of the Autumn and the level of play has improved rapidly.   It was a packed house at the National Swim Academy and the crowds were cheering on their favorites.     It was great to see so many parent volunteers chipping in to help coach and officiate the tables.

On this night 21 games were played by 10 squads; everyone played at least 4 games of two five minute running periods.

Next Saturday December 7th 4:00-6:30PM will be a finals day with two prizes, a championship for the top teams and a plate competition for the other teams.   However, it's important to remember this competition is truly learning to play the game and having fun.   I hope you'll join us in cheering on the players.

RESULTS -  MINI PITCH:  Warrender Sharks 6 - 4 Portobello, Warrender Sharks 11 - 0 Stirling Selkies, Dunfermline Minis 3 - 6 Portobello, Dunfermline Minis 7 - 0 Stirling Selkies, Dunfermline Beavers 3 - 4 Hamilton, Warrender Whales 12- 0 Stirling Swans, Dunfermline Dolphins 4 - 4 Portobello;    MIDDLE PITCH:  Dunfermline Dolphins 1 - 8 Warrender Whales,                                    Dunfermline Beavers 1 - 3  Warrender Whales, Warrender Sharks 6 - 2 Falkirk, Dunfermline Dolphins 8 - 4 Stirling Swans, Hamilton 5 - 4 Dunfermline Dolphins, Dunfermline Beavers 6 - 2 Warrender Sharks, Stirling Selkies 0 - 4 Falkirk;    SCOREBOARD PITCH:  Dunfermline Beavers 6 - 1 Stirling Swans, Dunfermline Minis 3 - 5 Falkirk, Hamilton 4 - 1 Stirling Swans, Portobello 10 - 4 Falkirk, Warrender Sharks 6 - 1 Dunfermline Minis,       Portobello 8 - 0 Stirling Selkies,  Warrender Whales 4 - 4 Hamilton

Montrose Seals have started a water polo section, starting with about a dozen kids aged 10-17 that are currently training in a small pool adjacent to their larger pool.    They have a 2 hour polo training on Sundays from 5-7PM.    They have started the polo section with the building of the new pool in Montrose which is a 6 lane by 25 Meter pool ranging from 1.2 - 2.0 Meters deep and fitted with full senior legal polo goals.    Head Coach Heather MacCallum and former club President and current coach John Dykes have both successfully completed the Level 1 course delivered in Montrose along with a number of swim teachers from across Angus.    In 2014, some regional competitions will be held in Montrose.   Look for more information or contact them directly under the club section.