With just six weeks left until the LEN Women’s European Nations trophy, Manchester is gearing itself up to welcome the top water polo talent from around the continent. Below are ten facts that you should know prior to one of the year’s most prestigious events.
Fiona McCann/photo Gbswimstars
The state-of-the-art Manchester Aquatics Centre will host eight of Europe’s most promising water polo nations at the LEN European Nations Trophy, which will take place from 7th – 12th July 2009. There has never been a better chance to see Great Britain’s leading players battling it out against the world’s best in this exciting and dynamic sport.
Teams from Belarus, Croatia, Czech Republic, Portugal, Slovakia, Switzerland and Ukraine will join Great Britain in the LEN official draw which is scheduled to take place on 30th May in Lugano, Switzerland. North West sports fans have the chance to see the best the sport has to offer right on their doorstep.
What is water polo? Here are some interesting facts:
- England is the birthplace of water polo and Manchester’s famed ‘Osborne Swimming Club’ were the first British representatives on an Olympic stage
- A water polo team consists of seven players, one goalkeeper and six outfield players with a maximum of six substitutes
- Water polo requires a high level of skill and only one hand may be used when dribbling and catching the ball. The only exception to this rule is for goalkeepers
- Water polo is a very physical sport and defensive techniques such as ducking opponents are permitted. Ducking involves submerging an opposition player under water
- The goalkeeper always wears the number one and their cap is red, no matter what colour their teammates wear
- Water polo features a method of treading water called the ‘Egg Beater’. This technique involves players taking up a vertical position in the water. One foot moves in a clockwise direction while the other does an anticlockwise motion. This method is preferred as is allows players’ hands to be free with little vertical movement of the body
- Water polo has a rich Olympic heritage and was first played during the 1900 Paris Games and has been contested at every Games since 1908 making it the longest continually running Olympic team sport
- Women's water polo made its Olympic debut during the 2000 Sydney Games. The Australian team became the first to win gold in this new event
- The first international water polo committee was formed in 1929, consisting of representatives from Great Britain and FINA, World Swimming Governing Body
- More than 200 people will be involved in the Manchester event, which is expected to attract in the region of a quarter of a million pounds revenue to the city
For further information and ticketing, please visit www.manchester2009.com
2009-05-27
