The Manheim Township Recreation and Park Planning (MTRPP) Department recognizes that everyone is unique and has different interests. That’s why it offers a wide range of programs, one of which is water polo.
Instructors Mike McKenna (left) and Chris Flores teach fundamentals to participants in Manheim Township’s water polo program.
“I think it gives kids an outlet to try something they haven’t tried before,” says Matt Hutchison, Manheim Township’s assistant director of recreation. “A lot of our programs are like that. It’s an opportunity to learn a new game or sport, and you might pick up a new friend along the way.”
MTRPP sponsors and organizes two instructional and recreational water polo sessions. The first is conducted at Manheim Township High School’s (MTHS) indoor pool from March to May, while the other is held outdoors at Overlook Park Pool and runs through the end of July. “[The program] gives youths of all ages a chance to learn the game,” Hutchison notes. “It’s a lot of instructional time and learning the rules. It’s a recreational program. It’s really conducive to beginners and learners.”
MTRPP’s water polo program, which is now in its sixth year, is designed for both township and non-township youths ages 14 through college. The two-hour sessions consist of learning fundamentals, the rules of the game and basic strategies, as well as putting those basics into practice in the form of scrimmages. (Participants do not compete against clubs or teams outside of Manheim Township.) About 13 students were involved with MTRPP’s water polo program this spring; the summer program attracts 15 to 20 participants. Chris Flores serves as the program’s instructor.
Water polo is an aquatic sport played in an all-deep pool between teams each consisting of seven players – six field players and one goalie. The players swim or tread water and employ passing, teamwork, shooting and strategy to score goals. “It’s [for] kids who can swim and want something different from the swim team,” Hutchison says. “It’s something new that they can’t get anywhere else. There’s a curiosity piece to it. People who play need to be really good swimmers and need endurance and strength. You can’t be a poor swimmer and be a water polo player.”
“A lot of these kids have never played water polo before,” he added. “We have enough kids to run the program. But if we had more kids, we might be able to do more with the program; it could evolve into something else.”
Some Background
Water polo was developed in the British Isles during the mid-1800s. It became a popular part of water and running events that were staged at county fairs and festivals in England and Scotland. Originally known as aquatic football, then water rugby and finally, water polo, it became a men’s team sport during the 1900 Olympic Games. Women’s water polo was added to the Olympic schedule in 2000. Since its introduction, Hungary’s men’s team has emerged as a powerhouse, winning nine gold medals, as well as three silver and three bronze. Among the women, Spain, Australia, the Netherlands and the United States dominate the sport.
Like other sports, Olympic coverage of water polo has increased interest in the United States, resulting in teams and clubs that span all age groups. Water polo is especially popular on the West Coast (namely California), where pool access is more widely available. It’s popularity in the state is reflected on the NCAA level, where UC-Berkeley is the winningest college team, with 14 championships. The next 10 winningest colleges/universities are based in California, as well.
Water polo is also making an impact on the high school level, with an estimated 40,000+ boys and girls participating nationwide. In Pennsylvania, the sport is sanctioned by the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA). Of the 22 sanctioned programs (all of which have both boy’s and girl’s teams), a majority are in District 1 (Philly area) and District 3 (Berks, York, Harrisburg area). Thus far, no schools in Lancaster County offer water polo as a varsity sport.
As for the future of MTRPP’s water polo program, Hutchinson is hopeful. “We think it’s a neat little program. We’d like to see it grow. It’s got its own little niche. People want to know what it is and how to play it,” he says of water polo.
For more information, visit manheimtownship.org
Jeff Falk writes for the community newspapers – Merchandiser, Advertiser, and Pennysaver – that are published by Engle Printing & Publishing, Townlively.com.
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