Masters Tournament: Programme Set and Ready to Go
It’s all coming together - the programme for our 1st Annual Masters Tournament is finalised and we’re ready to go for Saturday 13 June 2026 at Hucknall Leisure Centre. The full running order, team sheets and visitor info are now live on the event page, but here’s a taste of what’s in store.
The competition
Four teams will battle it out across the afternoon: Hucknall, Northern Alliance, South Derbyshire and Southwell/Leander. It’s a round-robin format - running clock, two periods of eight minutes - with the leading sides meeting in the final at 3:50pm and presentations to follow. First in the water are Hucknall, who open against Southwell/Leander at 1:10pm.
You can see the full schedule and every team sheet on the event page.
What it’s all about
This tournament has been set up to do two things: to reengage former players and welcome back those who’ve stepped away over the years, and to recognise the many people who keep the sport going, often in voluntary or developmental roles. Water polo really is a sport for all ages and abilities.
It’s been a genuine pleasure to see so many familiar names on the team lists. The line-ups bring together a remarkable mix - ex-internationals, Olympians, referees, local league players, and even one individual known for swimming oceans for leisure.
Our officials and volunteers
An event like this only happens thanks to a small army of helpers. On the whistle we’re delighted to have Tim Dunsbee, Sam Leveridge and Tom Wall refereeing - and yes, a couple of our very own coaches are picking up the whistle for the day.
Huge thanks also to our table officials - Rachel Leveridge, Kirsten Richards, Jasper Richards, Glyn Horsfield, Tracey Jackson, Archie Jackson and Tony West - to Fran on announcing, Anna on refreshments, Vic for the use of the school facilities, and to Tony for overseeing preparations and keeping everything on track.
Our sponsors and supporters
A massive thank you to Catershield for sponsoring the tournament, covering the cost of the pool for the day and presenting the trophy. Read more about the sponsorship.
We’re also grateful to Nottinghamshire ASA for their generous support - providing new tournament match balls, supporting Swim England registration fees for returning players, and funding the engraved trophy and medals.
The raffle
There’ll be a raffle on the day with a great range of prizes, and all proceeds go towards helping the club run events like this one. Please bring cash. A big thank you to the local businesses who have donated prizes: Inspired Studio, Tesco Trent Bridge, Fruit Corner, Dice & Balls, Tropic Skincare, The Pit Newstead and Arc Cinema Hucknall.
Summer Social
Once the polo wraps up, the day rolls on into our Club Summer Social at Butler’s Hill School - and the whole club is invited, whether you played or not. Everyone playing in the tournament gets a free ticket included in their entry, and additional tickets for friends and family can be bought for £5 from the raffle desk on the day.
More from the club
While you’re here, take a look at our Aquaball sessions - our fun, splashy introduction to water polo for younger players.
And keep an eye out for our Development Days, coming soon: workshops by position (centre forwards, goalkeepers and drivers) and across the main phases of play, led by experienced coaches and international players, and suitable for players, coaches and parents alike. Provisional dates are 5 September 2026, 12 December 2026 and 20 March 2027. If you’re interested, get in touch.
For everything you need on the day - schedule, team sheets, parking, changing and more - head to the Masters Tournament event page.
See you on the 13th!