Exciting development as club looks to field its first-ever women's team

Spalding Water Polo are about to head into a new and exciting stage of the club's development. The Castle Sports-based club are looking to field their first-ever women's team and have launched a recruitment drive to attract new players. The Spalding club already has a wide group of players with men, women and juniors of all abilities taking part and are encouraging others to join up to boost the ladies section.

Current team member Ellie Pettitt explained: "I started playing water polo 18 years ago. "It's a brilliant sport for both endurance and strength training as there's so many elements to the game. "It's quite a unique sport too, so a great conversation starter.



One of the best parts about playing a team sport is the social side. "I'd love to raise the profile of the sport and encourage more women to join." Her thoughts were echoed by team-mate Paige Cheek.

She added: "Water polo is a great sport to build your strength and stamina and is fantastic exercise for your whole body. "I joined as a complete novice knowing nothing about the sport and everyone was so helpful and supportive, welcoming me and my sister immediately. "We would love for more women to get involved and join the team for a splash.

" Rachel Vidler highlighted the team spirit within the Spalding camp in her plea for more players to join. She said: "Spalding Water Polo is one of the most welcoming clubs and sports that I have played. "There's a real team spirit at the club, both in the water and at social events.

"Everyone is so supportive of developing the players and the sport so being a completely new player was not an issue at all." Each game lasts 32 minutes and players aren't allowed to touch the floor or the side so the club does require players to be competent swimmers with a minimum of eight lengths without stopping. The ball is thrown with one hand so players need to be able to catch and throw while treading water.

Holly Cheek, Paige's sister, commented: "I'm an avid swimmer and I am always looking for new ways to challenge myself in the water. "Water polo with Spalding has been a fantastic and a fun way to challenge myself and the club have been incredibly supportive, even as a completely new player. "Playing water polo is hard work, but you wouldn't notice it between all the laughter.

" The club meets every Tuesday night at 8pm at the Castle Sports Swimming Pool and can be contacted through their Facebook page..