🤽‍♂️ Bluefins Water Polo Academy — Where Skills Meet the Game

Parent Guide Series

The Bluefins Water Polo Academy is where confidence, teamwork, and skill come together in one exciting, fast-paced sport.

For swimmers aged 9–13, it’s a fun but focused environment — where the energy of play is matched by the same discipline and attention to detail found across all Bluefins squads.

💙 Who It’s For

The Academy is open to any swimmer aged 9–13 who enjoys a challenge, loves working in a team, and wants to experience the excitement of Water Polo.

It’s a perfect fit for:

• Top-end Learn to Swim swimmers working towards or beyond Stages 8–10, confident in deep water and ready for something new.

• Swimmers from Skills Academy Squad 4, Competitive Development, and Club 1 & 2 who want to broaden their skills.

No previous polo experience is needed — just solid swimming ability, enthusiasm, and a positive attitude.

💬 Coach’s View:

“Water Polo teaches swimmers to think differently,” says Coach Youssef Awad.

“It rewards quick reactions, teamwork, and resilience.”

Can Girls Play Water Polo?

Absolutely yes!

Water Polo is mixed at younger ages, and our Academy welcomes both boys and girls to train and compete together.

Everyone learns the same core skills — movement, balance, and tactical awareness — with progress based on effort and teamwork, not size or strength.

Bluefins is actively encouraging more girls to get involved.

It’s a brilliant way to build confidence, stay fit, and enjoy the social side of team sport while keeping a strong swimming base.

From Swim Stages to Game Play

Swim England’s Learn to Swim framework introduces mini-polo at Stages 8–10, giving young swimmers their first taste of teamwork, passing, and movement with a ball.

The Bluefins Water Polo Academy builds directly on that foundation — offering the next step for swimmers who want to explore the game in a structured, age-appropriate setting.

Sessions are fun, fast, and challenging. Players learn to stay high in the water using the eggbeater kick, pass and shoot with control, and think ahead while working together as a team.

If you enjoy training, teamwork, and reacting fast under pressure — Water Polo could be your next step.

Training Focus

Academy sessions combine technical learning with small-sided games that bring skills to life.

Every drill has a clear purpose — developing coordination, awareness, and teamwork in a lively, engaging environment.

Players work on:

• Movement and eggbeater technique for stability and height

• Passing, catching, and shooting accuracy

• Positional play and teamwork under pressure

• Short, game-based challenges that link learning with competition

Each session finishes with controlled match play, giving swimmers a chance to apply new skills and grow in confidence week by week.

Why It Works for Swimmers

Every Bluefins polo player starts as a swimmer — and that’s what makes the crossover so powerful.

• Endurance and fitness from swimming drive high-intensity play.

• Core control and balance improve posture and streamline.

• Awareness and reaction speed sharpen both race craft and game sense.

• Teamwork and communication create confident, adaptable athletes.

Water Polo doesn’t replace swimming — it builds on it.

The best players continue their swim training, using polo to strengthen leg drive, coordination, and tactical awareness.

💬 Coach’s View:

“Swim training complements the game of polo — fast reactions with precision all wrapped up in a competitive environment.” Spencer Turner, Head of Swimming – Basingstoke Bluefins

A Pathway with Purpose

The Academy forms the first stage of the Bluefins Water Polo Pathway, leading to Junior (ages 12–18) and Senior Training.

As part of the Hampshire Water Polo Network (HWPN) — alongside Andover, Southampton, Portsmouth, and Guildford — our players take part in joint sessions, friendlies, and regional development days.

Many Academy swimmers progress to the Bluefins U15s team, competing in the London League and National Conference Junior League.

💙 Ready to Start?

👉 Weekly trials available — just contact our Amazing Ali to book your swimmer’s place. ✨

Bluefins Water Polo Academy — Fun. Focused. Team First.