ASFGB WATER POLO - NATIONAL SQUADS PROGRESSION

After having reviewed the programmes undertaken in recent years by each of the squads in ASFGB and ASA, measured that against success and identified the levels required of the teams to achieve the aims of the ASFGB Board, the following recommendations are made;

·        That all national squads adopt a training based programme;

-         This will ensure that the players increase their base level of fitness and strength and will include land training and conditioning, for these are the main areas of weakness when compared to the competition.

-         This will be implemented not only at squad level, but be expected of all players at a local level, and very clear requirements on the level of training required from each squad will be set.

-         In order to assist the impressionable players mental change to this philosophy and to ensure that the correct methods, mentoring and support is in place, Regional (weekly) Training Centres for the Youth level players will be established – it is hoped that eventually a National Centre will be a viable option.

-         This programme will be monitored through the introduction of players training diaries and regular electronic contact with team staff.

·        That there is increased co-operation between the squad structures;

-         That a defined player pathway is established

-         That the team staff form closer relationships and work to the one plan with the agreed and widely communicated aims and objectives.

The above procedures are already in place in the women’s structure and have proved successful in terms of results, experience gained and providing a more stable base for the future.

Taking into account the experiences gained whilst implementing the above into the women’s structure and the current standing of the men’s teams it has been decided that in order for the men to reach their required objectives the main focus should be the GB programmes and that the ASA ‘senior’ players with suitable skill, fitness and long term possibilities, will be invited to train with the junior GB squad as a Top Squad.  When these players have demonstrated their commitment and skill to the required levels and in accordance with the developing Long Term Athlete Development Plan a senior team should be reintroduced at the appropriate level.

The implications of this for the coming year are that GB/ASA will on the mens side be running only two squads:

-         The Top Squad consisting the current GB Junior Men’s squad and those athletes from the senior men’s squad and the GB team that went to Italy that meet the above-mentioned criteria.  As the squad will be focused on and have a majority of junior members this ‘Top Squad’ will be coached by Norman Leighton and Jerome Read and managed by Howard Cartwright.  Success at Junior level will undoubtedly bring greater justification for re-establishment of a mens team capable of competing successfully in Europe, as well as providing the player pathway necessary to ensure that a long term programme can be supported.

-    The Youth squad, which will be re-organised to run in the same manner as the womens youth programme and have Mike Yates, Tim Dunsbee and Tim Legge as team staff.

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