Rochdale underwater hockey team competes in national championships

Rochdale underwater hockey team competes in national championships

Fifteen players from the Rochdale Underwater Hockey Club travelled to Plymouth to take part in the junior national championships.

The club had teams taking part in the Under 11’s and Under 16’s competitions and three players are competing in the Under 14 division alongside players from another club.

The under 16s team of Adam, George, Syd, Mason, Tom, and Joe faced tough competition, losing three games before finally beating the South East team. Despite their hard work, they only managed a draw in the second round, highlighting the importance of teamwork and having substitutes.

The under 14s, combined with another club, saw Seb shine in his first tournament, while Millie and Emily brought their experience. They won three matches, drew one, and lost one. In a crucial match against Yorkshire, they narrowly missed silver, securing bronze with a close 1-0 loss.

The under 11s, featuring Lola, Connor, Ben, Chloe, Toby, Freya, and Josh, started strong with a win but struggled with four consecutive losses before ending on a high with two victories. Fatigue from lack of substitutes was a challenge, but they finished in 5th place.

Underwater hockey is a pool-based team sport played on the bottom of a swimming pool. Players wear a mask, snorkel and fins so they can see underwater and increase their mobility, they use a small bat to push a puck along the pool bottom.

The game requires a high degree of teamwork and is a great sport for people who are confident in the water, but perhaps do not want to just keep swimming lengths.

The "friendly, enthusiastic" club is looking for new members aged 8-14 to join. They are based at Oulder Hill Leisure Centre and meet on Thursday evenings 7.30 to 8.30pm.

Find Rochdale Underwater Hockey Club on Facebook for more details or through the National association www.gbuwh.co.uk/clubs/rochdale