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Polo Squad

Ainsworth Paddles are delighted to support the Scottish Ladies Canoe Polo Squad for a second year by providing helmets and faceguards at reduced rates. Alistair McKenzie, the squad’s coach said “Many thanks to Ainsworth for their continued support. This kind gesture has enabled the Scottish Ladies squad to establish a team identity and that all–important image.”

Squad Formation

The Scottish Canoe Association ran development sessions to encourage ladies to play canoe polo. The goal: to put together a Scottish Ladies Canoe Polo Squad. The programme was a great success with numbers of players more than doubling within the first year.

The weekly development sessions run over the summer provided an opportunity to enjoy playing polo while improving skills all round. From these sessions, a Scottish Ladies team and a development team were chosen to represent Scotland at tournaments in Liverpool, Hull and Ireland.

2008 Competition Results

17th Merseyside International – June. Both teams trained hard in the weeks leading up to the competition. The squad’s new Ainsworth helmets arrived and boats were freshly re–fabloned with Scotland colours. Despite the wet and very windy conditions, both teams played well over both days. This was the first international tournament for some of the team and the weekend saw great improvements. The ‘A’ team beat the competition to come away with the highest place women’s trophy.

The Hull International – July The team – made up of experienced players and some new to the International scene – played well against such opponents as Dragon Ladies from Wales and New Zealand Ladies who were playing tournaments in Europe before the Worlds in Canada.

The Irish Open, Kilcock – Sept Two teams were selected for this tournament and both performed well. The Scotland A team beat the Russians into 3rd place after a closely fought match which was decided by a sudden death Golden Goal.

Future Plans

2008 has proved to be a good year for the development of Women’s Polo in Scotland. The squad players have now returned to train at their clubs for the winter season ’ several of the players are playing in Division One teams. 2009 will build on the strength of 2008 with the ‘A’ Team planning to compete at a few European tournaments.

Ainsworth Paddles wishes the team every success in 2009: we look forward to keeping you up to date with the team’s progress.

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