Faversham Swimming Club’s young water polo players impressed during the opening weekend of the summer London League campaign, with both the under-13s and under-15s producing strong performances against clubs from across London and the south east. 

The London League sees teams compete in divisions based on results and ability levels. Division One is the highest level in each age group, while Division Four is the lowest, with promotion and relegation taking place across the season. 

Water polo is a fast-paced team sport played in deep water, combining swimming, ball skills and tactics, with players treading water throughout matches while working together to score goals and defend. 

The under-15s competed in Division Two at the Whitgift School in Croydon and continued their rapid rise through the league structure after climbing from Division Four in just a year. 

Faversham Swimming Club chair and junior water polo lead James Perkins said: “A year ago we were right at the bottom of Division Four and just entering London League to get some extra fixtures for the players who were desperate to play more polo. “To now be competing at this level and seeing the kids play like that was brilliant to watch. We went into the weekend not really knowing how we’d get on after promotion, but they completely rose to the challenge. 

“The standard of polo they’re now capable of playing is incredible. We’re coaching senior-level tactics, we’ve got strength in depth across the squad and newer players are coming in and fitting straight into the team. 

“There’s a real buzz around this group at the moment and honestly, they’re a team to keep an eye on.” 

James also praised the efforts of the club’s volunteers and travelling supporters. He added: “Days like this don’t happen without volunteers. Our coaches and team managers were fantastic, and the parents driving players all over the place to Croydon and Watford deserve a massive thank you too.” 

Meanwhile, the under-13s competed in Division One at Haberdashers’ Boys’ School in Watford and recorded two wins and two losses across the day. 

The side secured a dramatic 4-3 victory over Lewisham thanks to a last-second winner, narrowly lost 4-3 to Otter, were beaten 6-0 by Watford, before finishing strongly with a dominant 7-2 win over Penguin. 

Phoebe Layzell, the mini water polo coach, said: “The under-13s were absolutely brilliant. They worked their socks off all afternoon and never stopped battling for each other. “One of the highlights was beating Lewisham 4-3 with a goal in the final two seconds, which caused huge celebrations poolside. 

“They were taking shots confidently, winning the ball back with steals and constantly swimming for each other. Even in the tougher games their effort never dropped for a second.

“The final match against Penguin was probably our best performance of the day. They completely dominated and it was amazing to watch how much confidence the players had grown into over the course of the afternoon. 

“And a special mention has to go to one of our debut players, who only joined the club a few weeks ago and threw himself straight into it. That’s what this club is all about.” 

The club hopes to arrange more friendly fixtures over the summer as it continues to grow its junior water polo programme. 

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