Bluefins Water Polo Academy - The first step into team-based water polo at Bluefins

Parent Guide Series

The Bluefins Water Polo Academy is where swimmers first experience the game of water polo in a fun, structured and energetic environment.

Water Polo offers something different from lane-based training alone: movement, decision-making, teamwork and competition in the water.

It is fast, demanding and enjoyable, while still grounded in the same standards of learning, behaviour and development that run across the wider Bluefins programme.

Who It’s For

The Academy is open to swimmers aged 9–13 who are confident in deep water, enjoy being active and want to try a team-based water sport.

It is a strong next step for:

• swimmers progressing through Stages 8–10

• swimmers from Skills Academy Squad 4

• swimmers in Competitive Development

• swimmers in Club 1 & 2

No previous water polo experience is needed. Swimmers simply need a solid swimming base, a willingness to learn and the confidence to get involved.

Coach’s View

“Water Polo teaches swimmers to think differently. It rewards quick reactions, teamwork and resilience.”

Youssef Awad, Water Polo Coach

Can Girls Play Water Polo?

Yes. Absolutely.

At Academy level, water polo is mixed and both boys and girls train and compete together.

Everyone develops the same core foundations:

• movement in the water

• balance and body control

• ball handling

• tactical awareness

• teamwork under pressure

Progress is not based on size or strength alone. It is built through skill, confidence, attitude and consistency.

Bluefins actively encourages more girls to get involved because water polo offers a brilliant mix of athletic development, team identity and enjoyment.

From Swim Stages to Game Play

Swim England’s Learn to Swim framework introduces mini-polo through Stages 8–10, giving swimmers early exposure to movement, teamwork and ball skills.

The Bluefins Water Polo Academy builds on that foundation and provides a clear next step for swimmers who want to take it further.

Sessions are lively, varied and age-appropriate. Swimmers begin to learn how to:

stay high in the water using eggbeater kick pass and receive with control

• shoot with confidence

• react quickly in changing situations

• work with teammates in small game scenarios

For many swimmers, it is their first experience of learning how to read play, solve problems and compete as part of a team.

Training Focus

Academy sessions combine technical learning with game-based practice so that skills are developed in a way that feels active, competitive and engaging.

Players work on:

• movement and eggbeater technique for stability and height

• passing, catching and shooting with control

• body position and awareness in contact and transition

• teamwork and decision-making in small-sided games

Sessions usually finish with controlled match play, helping swimmers apply what they have learned and build confidence over time.

Why It Works for Swimmers

Water polo works well because it builds on qualities many young swimmers are already developing.

It can help improve:

• leg strength and water control

• coordination and body awareness

• reaction speed and decision-making

• confidence in competitive environments

• communication and teamwork

Water polo does not replace swimming. It complements it.

For many young athletes, it broadens their physical and sporting development while keeping them active, challenged and engaged in the water.

Coach’s View

“Swim training complements the game of polo. Fast reactions and precision all come together in a competitive environment.”

Spencer Turner, Head of Swimming

A Pathway with Purpose

The Academy is the entry point to the Bluefins Water Polo Pathway, which can lead into:

• Junior Water Polo (12–18)

• Senior Training

Bluefins is part of the Hampshire Water Polo Network (HWPN), alongside clubs including Andover, Southampton, Portsmouth and Guildford.

This gives players access to:

• shared training opportunities

• friendly fixtures

• development days

• a wider water polo environment beyond weekly club sessions

As players grow in confidence and readiness, some move on into junior competition and wider representative opportunities.

Ready to Start?

Trials are available for swimmers who would like to give it a go.

To find out more or book a trial, contact Ali.

Bluefins Water Polo Academy - Fun. Structured. Team First.