Posted by Sue Seagroatt
Our Juniors’ summer term came to a close on 15 July 2017 with a Fun Tournament followed by a party and prize giving
Fun Tournament
Attendance was high enough to make five teams to compete in the Fun Tournament. The team captains did an excellent job of selecting players, leading to a very close competition. Our new water polo caps, paid for by the London Borough of Hillingdon, were very useful in identifying the teams.
Results (position and cap colour/captain): 1st White/Anderson (see photo), 2nd Navy/Michael, 3rd Pea Green/Luke LC, 4th Purple/Ilyas, 5th Mint Green/David.
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| Winners: Team White. |
Club awards
There were many awards at the party afterwards:
The Under 13s team were applauded for their tenacity in tournaments over the year where, initially they were mostly beaten, but have recently have started winning and currently lie in 3rd place in the London League.
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| Under 13s team, June 2017. |
Other awards for the period Jan-July 2017 were split into the three groups in which the children train, with winners selected by their coaches.
Development Group, awarded by Shaun (who was disappointed not to be present, but was away on his stag do).
- Coach’s Player: Alessandro Accogli is passionate and has the potential play in the Under 14s team.
Most Improved: Anderson Jolly is a leader who has improved so much that he has progressed to the Advanced Group.
Best Sportsman: Alvaro Aranda is refreshing to coach and happy to take on feedback.
Best Newcomer: Bailey Sapsed is a respectful and takes this new sport in his stride, setting an amazing example and earmarked to become the Under 12s goal keeper.
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Intermediate Group, awarded by Claudio
- Coach’s Player: Abelardo Cardenas has made great progress and is a vital part of the Under 13 team’s success.
Most Improved: Audrey Tala’s improvement in swimming and water polo skills is evident to everyone, she also has a very mature attitude.
Best Sportsman: Shaun McHugh is a great team player and diplomat, always there to encourage players and support the coach.
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Advanced Group, awarded by Rosario
- Coach’s Player: David Reynard is a role model for all, trains until he is exhausted, and is kind, caring and great fun.
Most Improved: Joseph Rodgers has made impressive progress.
Best Sportsman: Luke Lee Cairns is not only keen to develop his own water polo skills, but has volunteered many hours to patiently coach.
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Great parental support
The party was organised by Sam who has been planning since the start of the summer term. Mike was a great support in buying everything. A big thank you to Youguang for his photographs. This was the best attended party to date, and the parents provided an amazing spread of food, not forgetting Massimo’s scrumscious homemade pizza.
Goodbye
Sadly we must say goodbye to Aleks Kozlowski who is leaving us for a gap year followed by university. We will all miss Aleks’s positive attitude.
See you next term!
Wishing everyone a great summer, and see you in September with renewed enthusiasm to take on the London League!