Dulwich Water Polo Power in the pool
U13 Water Polo The U13 team enjoyed an outstanding season marked by consistent growth, teamwork, and a dramatic route to the ESSA National Finals. The team began the year with friendly matches across South London, focusing on building tactical understanding and match confidence. Strong performances in training and competition laid the groundwork for the ESSA semi-finals, hosted at Dulwich. Wins over Churcher’s College and St Paul’s set up a tense final group match against Colfe’s, where a last-second equaliser from Alessandro Minarik secured qualification and sparked jubilant celebrations. In the national finals, Dulwich faced top-tier opposition. A hard-fought win over Trinity followed an opening loss to eventual finalists Bolton. In the crossover match, a narrow defeat to St Ambrose left the team just short of the podium, finishing fourth overall. To place among the top four U13 teams in the country is a superb achievement and a testament to the squad’s hard work and unity. Special credit goes to Alessandro Minarik for his leadership in key moments and the entire team’s commitment throughout the season. U15 Water Polo The U15 squad entered the season with experience and ambition, aiming for ESSA National Finals qualification. The year began with a training tour to Croatia, where players trained with the Rijeka water polo club. This international exposure raised both technical standards and team cohesion. Back home, several friendly wins boosted confidence ahead of the semi-finals. Despite key player Max Count’s untimely injury, the team responded well. Leaders Joe Beckett-Aller, Milo Jones, and Leo Guide — the GB Water Polo Talent Centre members — stepped up, guiding the group to a dominant semi-final performance and a place in the finals. At the national finals, Dulwich opened with a win over Alleyn’s and a draw against St Ambrose
College. However, a slow start against Whitgift led to a narrow 3–2 defeat in the crossover match. The team ultimately placed fourth, which was an impressive finish, though slightly below expectations. The boys gained valuable experience and demon- strated strength in adversity. Their determination, guided by experienced leadership, suggests great potential for the future. U18 Water Polo The U18 team, comprising mainly Year 11 and 12 players, tackled the 2024/25 season with maturity and intent, targeting ESSA Finals qualification. An October training tour to Croatia provided intense preparation and vital experience against international opposition. Matches with the Rijeka water polo club improved tactical awareness and team bonding. Returning to the UK, Dulwich faced a tough semi- final group featuring four of last year’s top six teams. A well-contested draw against Manchester Grammar opened the campaign, followed by a tough loss to a dominant Trinity team. In a spirited performance in the final group game, Dulwich edged past City of London. Despite finishing level on points with Manchester, Dulwich missed finals qualification on goal diff- erence by an agonisingly narrow margin. The team’s progress and resilience, however, were evident throughout. Special thanks go to our Year 13 leavers, Andrea Kokini (captain), Isaac McConnell, and Ariyan Haji, for their leadership and service to the sport. Their legacy leaves the U19 programme in a strong position moving forward. ◎
by Tracy Palmer, Head of Aquatics
W ater polo at Dulwich continues to grow in strength and depth, with nine teams now running from Year 5 through to Year 13. We have an increasing number of players engaging in high-level compe- tition, specialist coaching, and national pathway programmes. A highlight of the season was the October training camp in Croatia, which provided a unique opportunity for development both in and out of the water. During the half-term break, 30 students travelled to Opatija, on the Kvarner Riviera, for a week of intensive training hosted by the prestigious Rijeka water polo club. Players benefited from daily sessions in Olympic-standard facilities and played matches against strong local teams, gaining valuable experience in a more physical, European style of play. Beyond the pool, students enjoyed cold-water immersion in the Adriatic Sea and explored the local area, which contributed to their physical resilience and team spirit. The trip also strengthened bonds between age groups, with senior players taking on active mentoring roles and supporting younger teammates both tactically and socially. Now in its fourth year, the Croatia training camp has become a central feature of the Dulwich Water Polo calendar. Its combination of elite coaching, cultural enrichment, and team-building ensures its continued value in developing future squads.
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THE ALLEYNIAN 713
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