Sun, swimwear and stunning goals at Salford Quays water polo festival

Some of England’s top water polo players took to the water off Manchester’s iconic Media City, Salford Quays for a festival of outdoor water polo on Saturday. 

The Packaworld-sponsored event, played in brilliant sunshine, was the third and final event on the 2019 MANUP! Water Polo calendar.

MANUP! Water Polo Co-founder Craig Stowell said eight men’s teams and four women’s teams took to the water for the festival, competing in six-a-side matches to be crowned champions.

At the end of the men’s competition defending champions Castleford emerged victorious, beating Sedgefield in the final. Tournament newcomers City of Manchester won the women’s competition with a victory over Liverpool.

“The day was a big success, helped by our fantastic sponsors, the enthusiasm of the players, the spectacular venue and the sunny summer weather.”

Mr Stowell said portable Water Polo Packagoals were used to provide a high-quality experience for players. The innovative goals were simple to transport and quick to set up, making life easy for organisers, he said.

Music and enthusiastic travelling supporters helped to create a festival atmosphere that drew hundreds of local spectators throughout the day.

Packaworld Chief Executive Peter Roberts said outdoor water polo events like those run by MANUP! provided visibility for the sport and helped to grow the game.

“Craig and his team do an amazing job of showcasing the sport we all love while providing outstanding opportunities for the players to experience water polo in new and exciting locations. Outdoor and beach water polo are gaining popularity around the world and that can only be good for the indoor game as well.”

Mr Stowell said the success of the Manchester tournament would see it repeated next year.
MANUP! Water Polo is a new event series that brings water polo from the confines of indoor swimming pools into the open air.

Other MANUP! events held this year included a youth festival at Nantwich Outdoor Pool in Cheshire and an ocean tournament at the Royal Albert Dock in Liverpool.

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