Two local water polo players from Sedgefield Water Polo Club – based at Newton Aycliffe – were selected to play in the prestigious ESSA (English Schools Swimming Association) Duke of Cambridge Cup Tournament in Manchester recently.
Poppy Stephenson of Newton Aycliffe was part of the girl’s team “Spitfire” who came a very respectable second place in which she plays in a defensive position and scored a very well taken penalty. Poppy has since been selected to travel to Hungary in October to represent ESSA (English Schools) 2003 born girls team.
Matthew Taylor of Chilton was part of the overall winning boys team “Vulcan” in which he scored some thrilling goals.
Parents Mel and Sharron said “We are extremely proud of Poppy and Matthew who both attend National Academy. They have worked extremely hard to get this far in the sport and train up to 6 times a week. All credit to them for their dedication and love of the game”.
It was a fantastic day at Manchester Aquatic centre where the best players in the country played against each other making for some thrilling high action water polo with lots of shots, saves and close calls in the pool.
Credit goes to all who made this tournament possible as it was a brilliant day. A big thank you goes out to all the coaches and players at Sedgefield and Durham Institute of Sport for their great support in getting our young athletes in top physical condition to play at this level.
For a free try at this very exciting sport, please come along to our Saturday session at Newton Aycliffe leisure centre 4pm, boys and girls welcomed from ages 8+.
Contact us via Facebook, phone 07579 030598 or email sedgefieldwp@hotmail.com for more info.
