Tiegan Alexander, 18 and Ella Tomlinson, 15 have been selected for Team GB’s women’s under 19s squad.   Both Tiegan and Ella joined the Rochdale Underwater Hockey Club at ages 10 and 9 respectively and have played for Rochdale’s junior teams, and also the Manchester C team and Lancashire Ladies in recent years.

Isaac Rhodes-Dawson, 17 has also been selected for the men’s under 19s squad.  Isaac joined Rochdale club when he was 9, and more recently plays for the Manchester A team at the highest level of competition.

Tiegan, Ella and Isaac must focus on their fitness and skills training in the run up to the start of the Underwater Hockey Age Group World Championships hosted by CMAS and GBUWH (BOA) in Sheffield in August of this year.   The tournament will bring hundreds of players from across the world to compete in four categories for the chance to take home a gold medal.  For more info on the tournament visit. sheffielduwh2019.co.uk.

With less than 60 days to go, Tiegan, Ella and Isaac are focusing on training to represent their country.

Rochdale Underwater Hockey Club coach Mick Hyde has also been selected as the Assistant Coach for the men’s under 19s squad.  Mick has been playing and coaching at RUWHC for the last 38 years helping to develop players from their first taste of underwater hockey, to national and international standards.

The British Navy invented underwater hockey in the 1950’s to keep their divers fit and improve their ability to move and work efficiently under water.   It has since evolved into a fast, dynamic sport played in more than 20 countries.

Rochdale Underwater Hockey beginners and junior’s meets every Thursdays 7.30-9pm at OHLC.  Starter equipment is provided for new members; just bring your cossie and a towel!  All instructors hold DBS clearance.   Anyone is welcome provided they can swim at least two lengths and are confident in the water.  These sessions are also suitable for adult beginners and any other players who wish to improve their fitness or practice skills.  Find out more at ohlc.co.uk/clubs.html

Great Britain Underwater Hockey is a self-funded international team with 8 different squads.   You can support GBUWH (gbuwh.co.uk/) and their athletes by doing your everyday online shopping and no additional cost to yourself, every transaction raises much needed funds for the team.  easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/gbunderwaterhockey/