is not just successful, it is varied and a vital constituent in the fabric of Dulwich life. In such a vast and sprawling environment, co-curricular activities provide a sense of place and belonging for those involved. For me this has come through my involvement in music, whatever form it may take. I cannot thank each and every staff member enough for their dedication, enthusiasm and skill, without which I and many others would not have enjoyed such wonderful opportunities. WaterPolo-NoahCooperY13 *Joined 2007. *Swim Squad 2007-13. *Water Polo 2013-present. These figures represent 11 years of pool time and as far as Water Polo is concerned include two visits to Walsall (Birmingham), one visit to LA (America), circa fifty visits to Alleyn’s (down the road); three Youth Games gold medals, two National Schools top six finishes, at least 100 backhand goals. I write these numbers not to reminisce however, nor to boast, nor as an example of particularly uninspired journalism but instead in the hope that they will provide a representative view of what playing Dulwich water polo looks like. If my account were compared with those of others, we would see some clear trends, namely the progression
from ‘backstroke A’ to ‘pit A’, in that the majority of any Dulwich water polo squad is comprised of ex-swimmers. It seems that for the most of us, there is a limit to the number of times we can follow a blue-tiled line at the bottom of the pool, swimming length after length. Fortunately, in water polo we only swim widths, though this is by no means to say that water polo is a cop out option for the weak-willed swimmer. Treading water for seven minutes straight, four times over, in a double deep pool whilst a hairy mutant from the Midlands/Northwest tries to get his hand down your trunks isn’t easy. To answer why we play, there might be mention of the opportunity for niche stash (kit), the potential to win national titles, the universal attraction of budgies. But in reality, this doesn’t account for the fraternal attitude engendered by the sport: case in point, sharing beds on tour and sharing trunks on the regular. There’s something to be said for the evident commitment and collaboration demonstrated by 13 boys, prepared to strip down and toil, any time, any place. Something must also be said of the unquestionable dedication shown by our coaching staff: Ms Palmer, Mr Kis, Sñr de Lera
Calero, Mr Whibley and recently, Mr Kendall. Credit must go also to those who have supported us throughout on various excursions: Mr Greenaway, Mr Burdekin, Dr Hulls and Mr Wakely amongst others. Now in year 13, size ‘XL’ trunks and working diligently in my role as captain (shallow end), I look back at what we have achieved in the pool, as individuals, as a year group - thanks to Josh ‘Goodie’ Gooding (deep end captain) and Jack ‘lamb sauce’ Ramsay (swimming vice capt.) - and as a school, building off a legacy started primarily by Oli Kebble (09- 11), but popularised by the successes of recent years. I remember fondly, our trips across the country and globe and the Hungarian aphorisms of Mr Kis, who is now in charge of Hungary’s prestigious National Youth Team, but moreover I look forward to the season ahead of us, with good prospects of a successful national campaign, both at Senior and U16 level. Looking at the strongly promising talent which the youngers are now showing, it’s heartening to see the impact such a parochial and physical sport has had on Dulwich College and the potential for massive future success.
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