Matlock Water Polo club has pioneered a ‘five a side’ format of the game of Water Polo for several years.
Designed to provide a fast, team orientated, version of the sport with the additional advantage that it enables two matches to be played simultaneously in the “all deep” main pool at the ARC centre.
The matches are played across the pool and using the teaching pool for mini polo (up to 12 years of age) we can have three games running simultaneously.
Minor changes to the standard rule for the seven a side game ensure that players are able to compete, and develop their skills effectively.
The most recent tournament was held on the 11th of November and this became “three competitions” within the tournament as experienced Juniors competed in one pool, less experienced Juniors in the second and Mini polo players in the third.
With teams from Grantham, South Derbyshire, Leander, Matlock and two local schools competing, more than thirty matches were completed in a 2 and a half hour playing period.
This active an event requires a significant number of support and helpers an we are indebted to all those who supported the event by organising teams, officiating and helping on the day.
Medals were awarded to all the players as a momento of the event with South Derbyshire mini team, and Grantham teams winning both Junior competitions.
Two further tournaments are being organised for 2024.