MENS WATER POLO


The Men's Water polo first team is probably the most successful team at Bristol University. This was emphasised at the Athletic Union Awards in 2008 where, after winning the BUCS (formally BUSA) competition, they were awarded the title 'Team of the Year' while player Joel Thomas was named 'Bristol Sports Person of the Year' and Men's Water Polo Coach, Mark Taylor, was named 'Coach of the Year'.

Elliot Murphy

"All in all the Water polo team is both successful and tremendous fun to be involved with; it has certainly shaped my years at Bristol in a hugely positive way."

Elliot Murphy - Mens Water Polo Captain 2008-2009

Coaching

The Men's Water polo team is coached by Commonwealth medal winning, former Great Britain coach Mark Taylor and boasts several players and alumni that have played Water polo at an international level.

Training

Training for those wanting to be involved in the first team is physically demanding and very high quality. Those in the first team set-up are required to attend three Water polo sessions a week, as well as attending swimming sessions for fitness and land training for specific Water polo exercises. Players are also encouraged to hit the gym in small groups outside the main sessions of the week.

Socials

The team has a strong social ethos, with the water polo boys forming the social backbone of UBSWPC. Socials are every other Wednesday and often have a theme associated with them. Of course, we always celebrate in a big way after a successful competition!

Joel Thomas

Competitions

The main competition for the Men's first team is the BUCS competition which mainly runs in the spring term.

The first team also compete in the local Bristol and West Water Polo League, usually placing highly within Division I. This wide reaching and highly competitive league is mainly played between February and June.

First Team players are also encouraged to play National League Water Polo, either through their home clubs or through Bristol University's National League Team, which consists of students, alumni, and non-student players. The National League runs from September through to December and provides high quality games for players during the Autumn Term.

Recent Performances

The performance of the team in the BUCS competition in recent years is shown below:

Season
BUCS (BUSA)
2009/2010
3rd (C'ship)
2008/2009
3rd (C'ship)
2007/2008
1st (C'ship)
2006/2007
Semi Finals (C'ship)
2005/2006
2nd (C'ship)
2004/2005

2nd (C'ship)
2003/2004

1st (C'ship)