LEN EUROPEAN NATIONS TROPHY SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED
The competition schedule for the LEN European Nations Trophy
to be held in Manchester in July has been announced. Manchester
Aquatic Centre (MAC) will play host to 12 of Europe's leading
water polo nations as they battle it out for a European title
from 8-15 July. Great Britain will be in action on the first
day against Israel at 7pm. Kicking off the competition will
see Malta take on Belgium, with both teams wanting to get
off to a winning start. Tournament favourite's Montenegro
play the final match on day one when they take on Turkey.
Great Britain are drawn against France, Poland, Ukraine, Israel
and Ireland in Group B, whilst Montenegro are in Group A with
Belarus, Turkey, Malta, Belgium and Macedonia. Eight days
of competition consist of a preliminary round, quarter finals,
semi finals and the final. Each team will play one match per
day with the winner being declared on the final day of competition.
The tournament was awarded to the UK in 2005, and plays a
vital role in water polo's development now that additional
funding has been given to the sport following the awarding
of the 2012 Olympics to London.
The LEN European Nations Trophy is critical in the development
of the British men's team for London 2012 and provides an
opportunity to give British officials and volunteers the chance
to experience international competition as the nation prepares
to host the Olympics in just over five year's time.
It is the largest international men's tournament to have
ever been held in the UK, and a legacy has been designed to
further build on the positive effects brought about by hosting
such a prestigious event. Manchester Aquatic Centre is renowned
for hosting successful international events, and both the
competition and training will be hosted there. The 2002 Commonwealth
Games venue is Europe's largest community swimming pools complex,
is a regular venue for a number of national events for the
national governing body and it now the unofficial home for
British Water Polo. The LEN European Nations Trophy has been
part funded by UK Sport's National Lottery-funded World Class
Events Programme, which aims to secure events of strategic
importance that deliver a range of lasting benefits, and Manchester
City Council. A legacy programme has been designed to get
more young children involved in the sport through introducing
them to mini-polo, encouraging participation. The programme
was put together by a number of organisations and partners.
British Swimming, Manchester Water Polo, Serco, regional competition
managers and local coaches and swimming coordinators have
all contributed to the legacy to help inspire children to
get active through water polo, with support from the Manchester
Evening News.
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