New and experienced players are welcome at all our training sessions. We also have dedicated Beginner’s Sessions. Please contact us here for details.

You’re able to train in any form of swimwear, however Speedos are ideal. Goggles are not allowed to be worn apart from the warm-up/cool-down or under instruction from the coach. You’ll also need a towel and commitment.

Yes. Manchester Sharks is an all-abilities club for ages 18 and over. We strongly promote water polo and will develop your potential. All we ask is that you can swim with reasonable confidence.

We train in a double-end deep pool (no shallow end), so you must be at ease in deep water and be able to swim a few lengths. Training involves some swimming; if you find it exhausting, you can simply take a break. Given time, your swimming will improve.

Yes. Water polo is a great sport for improving your overall fitness. You may feel tired during your first few sessions, but stick with it, and each session gets easier as you feel fitter. At any time, if you feel tired, you can swim to the edge of the pool and take a breather until you’re ready to join in again.

You’ll be welcomed from your first session. You will be able to train with players of similar ability and fitness. You will be given swim training, along with core water polo skills and a chance to play in a full friendly match, putting these skills into practice. As a team-based sport, it is an excellent way to meet new people and make new friends.

Water polo is a team water sport, and it is the oldest Olympic team sport. The idea is to score goals in a net, similar to football. Click here for more details.

Our main session is every Thursday at 8:30pm - 10pm at East Manchester Leisure Centre. See more information on the /training page.

No, you’re not expected to play in any matches. However, you will be encouraged to take part, and we will make every effort, regardless of your ability, to ensure you’re able to participate.

Fédération Internationale de Natation (FINA), water polo’s world governing body, sets the rules. Check out FINA for details.

Yes. We have players of all ages, from 18 up into their 60s and 70s. Age is no barrier to joining the club.

Absolutely. Your HIV status is not an issue, and you do not need to disclose your status to us.

Of course. At the Sharks, men and women train together; it is about your ability rather than gender. We provide a safe environment for you to train and join in. Over a third of members at the Sharks are women. We have women in our first team, and often the women kick the men’s arses.

Although water polo is a non-contact sport, it can involve close contact in some positions. There is always a referee, so the pool is very well policed, and play is controlled. All players learn to be respectful of differing abilities in the pool.