Joining
Can my child try a session before signing up?
Yes - every new player is welcome to come along for two free trial sessions before deciding to join. Get in touch and we’ll let you know which session to come along to first.
What does it cost to join?
See our pricing page for full details on monthly fees and match fees.
Where and when do you train?
All sessions take place at Hucknall Leisure Centre in Nottinghamshire. See our sessions page for the full weekly schedule and a map.
What does my child need to bring?
Ordinary swimwear, a towel, a drink and plenty of enthusiasm. Everything else - balls, caps and coaching - is provided by the club.
Can parents and carers stay and watch?
Absolutely - parents and carers are more than welcome to stay for their child’s session and watch from the balcony. It does get warm up there though, so it’s worth bringing a cold drink along.
My child can’t swim a length yet - is Aquaball still suitable?
Yes - Aquaball welcomes beginners and non-swimmers. Coaches work with each child at their own pace in safe, shallow water.
Is the junior squad suitable for my child?
Junior sessions require players to be confident and comfortable in deep water. Coaches will do a short, friendly check at the first session - if your child isn’t quite ready, we’ll happily point you toward local swimming sessions and welcome them back when they are.
Do you have squads for adults?
Yes - we run mens, womens and masters squads alongside our Aquaball and junior sections. The masters squad is for older players who want to keep playing - or start playing - water polo at a pace that suits them, whether that’s competing, training, or just staying fit.
I haven’t played before - can I still join?
Yes. New players are welcome at every level. For Aquaball and juniors, no prior experience is needed at all. For senior and masters squads, players need to be competent swimmers - coaches will do a short, friendly assessment at the first session to make sure you’re safe to play in deep water. If you’re not quite ready, we’ll happily sign-post you to local swimming clubs and welcome you back when you are.
Squads and Competition
Do your teams compete?
Yes - across most squads. Our mens squad plays in the British Water Polo League and the Notts League, and our womens squad plays in the British Water Polo League and the Wakefield & District League. Junior teams play in regional and league fixtures through the season, and the masters squad takes part in masters tournaments and friendly fixtures throughout the year.
Do I have to compete to play?
No. Plenty of our members come purely for training, fitness and the team atmosphere - this is especially true in the masters squad, where there’s no expectation to play in matches if you’d rather just train. Compete if you want to, or don’t - both are equally welcome.
Do you have university links?
Yes - we have strong links with the water polo clubs at Nottingham University, Loughborough University and Nottingham Trent University, plus connections with the British Army Ladies squad. Students moving to or from these teams are always welcome to train and compete with us alongside their other commitments.
Safeguarding and Welfare
Are your coaches DBS checked?
Yes - all our coaches and volunteers are DBS checked. We’re also an accredited Swim Mark club, the national quality framework for safe, well-run aquatic clubs.
How do you handle photo and video consent?
Photo and video consent is completely optional and opt-in - there’s no obligation to give it, and your child’s place at the club is in no way affected by your choice. We use Spond for club management, and once you join you’ll be invited to your relevant Spond group, where you can give, withdraw or change consent for your child at any time.
If you withdraw consent, just let us know and we’ll endeavour to remove any existing materials featuring your child. Please bear in mind this isn’t always possible - for example, print media that’s already been distributed - but we’ll always do our best.
How do you record medical conditions?
Medical declarations are managed through Spond. Parents and carers enter and update their child’s medical information directly in the app, so the relevant coaches always have what they need.
Who is the club’s welfare officer?
The welfare officer’s contact details are on our contact page, along with external Swim England safeguarding contacts if you’d prefer to raise a concern outside the club.
How do I make a data protection enquiry?
For any data protection or privacy questions - including requests to access, update or delete personal information - please get in touch and we’ll point you to the right person.
Awards and Progression
Do children earn awards?
Our junior and Aquaball sessions follow the Swim England Learn to Swim awards framework for water polo levels 8, 9 and 10. Players progress through the levels as their skills develop, and we hand out physical awards to celebrate every milestone.
Can my child progress from Aquaball to the junior squad?
Yes - Aquaball is a stepping stone into our junior section, and many of our adult players started in Aquaball as children. As children grow in confidence and ability, coaches will invite them to step up.
Communication
How does the club communicate with parents and carers?
Once you’ve joined, day-to-day communication runs through Spond and WhatsApp - including session sign-ups, fixture details and any club announcements. If neither suits you, we’re happy to use email instead - just let us know.
Who do I contact with a question?
Use our contact page to get in touch. Once you’re a member, your group’s coach is the first point of contact for day-to-day matters via Spond.