A MILLENNIUM grant has enabled Radcliffe Swimming Club to stir up interest again in junior water polo.

The club has operated a water polo team for most of its 100-year history but the popularity of the game had decreased over recent years with many swimming clubs giving up the sport.

Similar effects were seen at Radcliffe, where only a senior team had been functioning and where existing players could not be replaced as the supply of new players diminished.

So, when the opportunity arose, the club's committee applied for a Millennium Festival Awards for All grant to fund the redevelopment of junior water polo. The award was approved late last year and £1,462 has now been released and used in a number of ways, from buying equipment and training teachers to subsidising pool hire time.

The game is played across the width of the baths with reduced sized goals and ball. Mini water polo has a simplified set of rules which are gradually adapted to incorporate the laws of the senior game as the players' performance improves.

A course leading to the Amateur Swimming Association assistant teacher qualification in water polo has been run at the club. Under the tuition of top water polo coaches, Pippa Jones and Mike Glover, seven club members have gained the award: Barry Carr, John Gardner, Sean Grimes, Hayden Howard, Alison Mather, Richard Matthews and Neil McCheyne. These members, plus several other keen parents, form the basis of the teaching and coaching personnel available to instruct.

Under the direction of Neil McCheyne, the club's water polo secretary for the last two years, the competitive side of the sport has developed rapidly. Besides a senior team, the club now fields an under 15s side, an under 16s and an under 18s side.

Experienced players of all levels are now required for these teams as well as newcomers to the sport. If you are over ten years of age, male or female, and are a good swimmer and would like to try this most enjoyable sport, contact Neil McCheyne on 724 9223.