U19s head to Italy for European Champs

Included in the team are City of Manchester players Rosie Huck and Katy Andrew who made their GBR senior international debuts earlier this season playing in the World League. U19s captain Lauren Tasker, Honor Grimes and Huck also competed at the 2014 Commonwealth Water Polo Championships in Aberdeen where they won gold playing as England.

Head Coach Theo Nousios said: “There is a lot of depth to this young squad with some players having been involved in previous Championships while for others it will be their first European’s.

“Although there are still question marks over the future of water polo in the UK, these young players continue to be extremely committed and have done all that they can to make sure they are ready to compete at these Championships.”

The squad has spent the summer making final preparations for the Championships. In July they gained match experience playing in a tournament in Holland, and last month they played matches against Serbia, Romania and Hungary where they concentrated on fine tuning tactics and getting match ready. 

Nousios added: “These Championships will be a great experience for all the players, especially those who are looking to continue their water polo careers in America and Europe, and we are looking forward to playing our opening match on Sunday.”

British Gas GBR Women’s U19 Water Polo team:

• Megan Gaunt (City of Manchester)
• Lauren Tasker (captain) (Liverpool Lizards)
• Katy Andrew (City of Manchester )
• Izzy Howe (City of Manchester)
• Honor Grimes (City of Manchester)
• Kate Parkin (Sheffield) 
• Rosie Huck (City of Manchester)
• Brooke Tafazolli (London Otter)
• Rhianne Oscroft (Coventry)
• Tilda Williams (London Otter)
• Kathy Rogers (London Otter)
• Hannah Patchett (London Otter)
• Kate Read (Liverpool Lizards/Cheltenham)