Bolton School’s U13 girls’ water polo squad made history at the ESSA National Finals in Northampton, winning both the Junior Female Championship and the Junior Mixed Championship in a remarkable two days of competition.
In the girls’ competition, the team successfully defended their national title, becoming U13 girls’ national champions for only the third time in the School’s history. They were dominant throughout the finals, winning all four matches, scoring 40 goals and conceding only two. In the knockout stages, they defeated Notting Hill & Ealing 13–2 in the semi-final before beating Colfe’s School 7–0 in the final.
The following day, the same squad achieved something unprecedented. Having become the first all-female team ever to qualify for the National Finals of either the boys’/mixed Plate or Championship competition, they went on to win the Junior Mixed Championship. Competing against boys’ and mixed teams, they beat KCS Wimbledon 8–3 and Haberdashers’ Boys 8–2 in the group stage, defeated Eltham College 5–1 in the semi-final and then overcame Dulwich College 5–0 in the final.
The victories followed an intensive Easter training camp in Malta, where the squad trained in outdoor facilities and played fixtures against local opposition as part of their preparation for the latter stages of the national competitions.
Mr Teasdale, Head of Foundation Water Polo, said: “This is an extraordinary achievement by a very special group of pupils. To defend the girls’ national title was impressive in itself, but to then win the mixed national championship against boys’ and mixed teams is genuinely historic.
What has impressed me most is not only the quality of their water polo, but also the resilience, togetherness and maturity they have shown. They have worked incredibly hard over the past two years and these results are a reflection of their commitment, trust in one another and willingness to compete for the team.”
Mr Brown, Head Coach of the U13 girls, said: “I could not be prouder of this group. They have shown outstanding commitment, character and team spirit throughout the season. They have listened, learned, improved and supported one another, and it has been a privilege to coach them.”
Despite Bolton School’s impressive reputation as a leading school for water polo, this is the first time since 2022 that any team in the Foundation has won a boys’ national championship title and the first time since 2017 that Bolton School has won the U13 boys’/mixed championship.
Congratulations go to all the players involved, with thanks also to Mr Brown and Mrs James for their outstanding coaching, organisation and support throughout the season.
