Woodham Sports Academy is about to offer elite coaching in a new sport, water polo. Students are already able to enjoy professional coaching in football, gymnastics, dance, cricket, basketball, table tennis, softball, American Football and swimming.
The idea came from Woodham Academy’s student Governor, Richie Howe. Richie, who lives in Chilton, is a keen water polo player with Sedgefield Water Polo Club and was keen for his classmates to be able to use Woodham’s pool for training. His coach, George Carpenter, will be providing the training.
George has been involved with water polo in the region for over 40 years. He played for the Great British men’s team in 1984 and 1985, becoming the first player ever to score over 100 goals in a season. George founded Sedgefield Water Polo Club in 1997. His teams have won many awards, including four National Junior titles.
Woodham Academy has a long history of producing successful water polo players.
Pictured with Richie is former Woodham student, Angela Winstanley-Smith, who played for Team Great Britain in Women’s Water Polo at the London Olympics. Richie was given the honour of carrying the Olympic torch in recognition of his charity work for Diabetes UK.
Chair of Governors, Christine Robinson, says “We listen carefully to what our students want. Governors are delighted that Woodham Sports Academy is able to give students the chance to experience such an exciting sport.”
