Water Polo is an aquatic ball game which requires strength and speed to play at the highest level.  With a squad of thirteen players, seven in the water at any one time, teamwork is crucial to success.  The Region has a Water Polo Manager, Chris Stephens, who oversees the Water Polo Committee, who all promote the sport in their respective counties.  There are various Leagues and Inter-club competitions in the Region, alongside an annual Junior and Senior Championship.  There is an introductory game for younger players called mini-polo! which is a great introduction to the game, and can be played in school swimming sessions, learn to swim programmes and club sessions. For players aged 11-14 there is a Regional Training Centre held every Sunday at Bedford Modern School, as part of British Water Polo’s player development programme.  Officials are vital to Water Polo to ensure fair play, the main official in Water Polo is the Referee, and there are also Table Officials who record details of the game such as who has scored a goal!  In order to develop, players need coaches who can impart technical knowledge, devise tactics and train players to improve their skills.