Our Fun Tournament and Christmas party in Uxbridge on Saturday 7 December wound up a particularly successful year for Hillingdon Penguin water polo. Sue Seagroatt, who manages this section, explains more…
This branch of the Club is flourishing thanks to the dynamic coaching team of Shaun, Adam, Mickey and Will, with occasional backup from Michael. Each coach works with a dedicated group of players in their own pool space, but they also collaborate to support each other and ensure the development of every child. We are especially excited to have welcomed Will this term, who has settled right in.
Fun Tournament
We were honoured that Martin Waller made space in his ridiculously busy schedule to referee and hand out the awards. Congratulations to the Red Team who won the tournament.
Party
Somehow Sam managed to put on the party, despite having flu that day. She claims each party is easier than the last, which is a reflection of her organisation skills. We are truly grateful for all her efforts, assisted by Emma, Keith, Miri and Heidi. The parents had brought an amazing spread ranging from sushi, vegetarian pasta/biryani and pizza to cakes, millionaires shortcake, pastries, cheese and fruit.
Awards September to December 2019
As always, it was difficult to make individual awards as the teams have all performed so well and we’ve seen many players improve and exceed expectations this term.
Development Group – nominated and presented by their coach Mickey Tritto
- Coach’s Player: Thomas Baldwin
- Most Improved: Kefren Scarmel
- Most Valuable Player: Vicky Mouratidi
Intermediate Group – nominated and presented by their coach Shaun Hill
- Best Newcomer: Scarlett Sills (pictured further down the page)
- Most Improved: Thalia Ross and Lize Crone
Shaun gave a special mention to Hadi, who has been selected to represent London at Under 14, meaning he was away competing in the Inter Regional Championships, so unable to attend today; and Bailey for his club swimming.
Martin awarded bronze medals to Bailey and Sam who played in the Middlesex U14 team in the Inter Counties in September. Their teammates Hadi and Alex R could not attend.
Advanced Groups: U16s & Above – nominated and presented by their coach Adam Maidment
- Coach’s Player: Luke Wang – gives 100% in every session and is always well disciplined
- Most Improved: Jay Melvin – she has really improved since joining in the spring and has shown great spirit in the U16s team
Adam is very proud of this group as a whole and how their fitness has improved. He specifically mentioned the Under 19s performance in the December Friendly, and Amber who is competing with the Penguin senior women’s water polo team.
Thank you to all our parents
The speeches ended with resounding thank yous to the parents. Sam’s organisation of the party today is just one of her contributions this term, and Ruth and Emma have helped with ordering kit. We are also indebted to Amazing Anton, Youguang for the photographs and everyone who has been co-opted into running the table at competitions.
See you all in 2020, when training restarts on Saturday 4 January and the Hillingdon Penguin U12s compete for the first time on Sunday 5 January in the London Water Polo League.