Combining swimming with elements of basketball, water polo is a fun team game that that can be played by all ages and skill levels and junior club Forth Valley welcome new players to try the sport for free for the first four weeks.
Established in 2014, Forth Valley Water Polo Club offer many opportunities from fun games and fitness, to developing leadership and coaching skills, and playing at international level.
Training runs throughout the year during school term times and the club currently hold three sessions a week at Larbert High swimming pool on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Plus, a Sunday session at Strathclyde University.
Club President, Andrew Millar has always been a keen swimmer and was a Scottish champion in his youth. He got back into the pool at master’s level when his children began swimming competitively until his son Hughie wanted to try something new.
Andrew said, “last summer Hughie switched from swimming to water polo. I did a bit of research and came across Forth Valley and he went along for a couple of trials sessions. Inevitably I got involved too, taking on the role of club president, supporting coaches, working with Scottish Swimming and lifeguarding.”
He added, “Water polo is a team sport and Hughie’s really thrived in that that environment. I see the difference in my son and the impact it’s had on his mental health and wellbeing.
"It’s been life changing for us and I know if it's been like that for him, it'll be the same for others, just come along and give a give a try.”
Join a growing community
Forth Valley Water Polo Club and two other clubs recently joined Strathclyde University to support a Direct Club Investment project that has seen full time international level 3 coach Ton Kloosterman from the Netherlands gain employment to support and develop water polo in the West of Scotland.
The club is also supported by the Tryst Community Sports Club, which is part of the national sportscotland community sport hubs network. The network brings together sports clubs and community organisations to improve the contribution sport and physical activity has within communities across Scotland, by linking school pupils and Active Schools with the various opportunities.
Head coach at Forth Valley WPC, Ton said, “Water polo in Scotland is a niche sport, but also a really cool sport. Lots of people like swimming and with water polo it's a team game where you can learn many new skills, not only focused on water polo, but lifelong skills.”
He added, “Our club has a great culture and atmosphere. There’s a range of abilities and ages and the older players naturally support the younger ones. Everyone who is involved from players to volunteers, parents and coaches, they are so passionate and that's really what really stands out for this club.”
Andrew added, “we get valuable support from Scottish Swimming through our Regional Swimming Development Manager Anthony.
As a network, we're keen to see how we can keep people in aquatic sports rather than see them drop out which can be a sideways move to do something a little bit different like water polo.”
Next Generation Olympic Games water polo
Forth Valley Water Polo Club hosted the first ever Next Generation Olympic Games Water Polo at Larbert High swimming pool. The free initiative was designed by head coach Ton and is open to anyone aged under fifteen years old.
At the most recent event, 35 young people from central Scotland took the opportunity to experience water polo for the first time, playing fun games and working as a team.
Ton said, “It’s a lot of fun as newcomers are mixed with and supported by experienced players. We’ve held a series of these events, and each one has been successful. The next one is Tuesday the 25 of February at Larbert High.”
The club also have teams in the girls and boys Scottish leagues and over the last few years, players from Forth Valley WPC have been selected in regional and National squads travelling to tournaments in Spain, Sweden, England and Northern Ireland.
More than a sport
The inclusive nature of water polo means that anyone can give it a try, regardless of their background or experience and at Forth Valley you just need your swimming gear as hats and equipment are provided.
The club also cater for a range of additional needs and can adapt play based on the young people who come along.
One of the most rewarding aspects of water polo is the strong sense of camaraderie and teamwork skills. Players work together to communicate and support each other which leads to lasting friendships and improved personal well-being.
Club President, Andrew Millar, also believes that you can benefit in other ways by playing a niche sport like water polo:
“If anyone asks ‘what sport do you play?’ and you say water polo, you instantly have somebody very interested in what you have to say, especially when it comes to college, university and job interviews in the future and water polo is on your CV, I know that employers really pick up on that because it’s something different.”
The physical benefits of water polo are improving stamina, building muscle strength and enhancing your overall mobility. By treading water and moving around the pool, the sport targets every major muscle group.
