Woodham Academy student Ben Stephenson has been selected for a GB squad after he became a national champion representing Sedgefield Water Polo Club Under 15’s at Manchester Aquatic Centre in October.
After playing in the Under 14’s Inter Regions competition for the North East in December, Ben was awarded The Most Valuable Player Award, following which he was invited to the GB trials in January.
The trials were held at Cardiff International Pool and were spread over a weekend where Ben spent 9 hours in the pool being assessed alongside all the major under 13’s water polo players from England, Scotland and Wales.
Ben this month received confirmation of his place in the GB squad and the training camp schedule for the year ahead starting with the Great Britain Talent Water Polo Training Camp on 7th and 8th February at Cardiff.
Ben will also be attending a week long GB training camp in August at Millfield School in Somerset.
Ben spends 14 hours a week attending training as well as attending sports academies and completing school work.
He is a member of Woodham Water Polo Academy, which trains every Monday in the school’s swimming pool.
Last year he was the first player to ever be chosen three times in one year to represent the North East district, playing for the Under 18’s, Under 16’s and Under 14’s teams.
