Local club in a rage at decision

MEMBERS of Menzieshill Whitehall water polo club are up in arms at a decision by the sport’s governing body which has put paid to youngsters competing in major tournaments.

Scottish Swimming’s water polo committee has withdrawn its support in helping the national junior boys team take part in international competition, leaving it down to the clubs to arrange.

With the squad set to be scrapped for most of the year, long-time coach Brian Campbell is planning to stand down after 14 years in the role.

Menzieshill Whitehall, and other clubs across the country, are furious at the decision, saying they do not possess the ability or resources to organise such trips on a regular basis.

Although the clubs already self-finance, chiefs at Menzieshill are concerned the governing body have the power to stop the Scotland squad from meeting up, training with coach Campbell, competing abroad at the highest level and thus hindering their development.

The reasons for the decision remain unclear. However, in response, team member Josh Muir has set up an online petition demanding Scottish Swimming reverses its call.

At a tournament in Prague last weekend, where Scotland beat Auld Enemy England for the first time in three years, the boys wore t-shirts paying tribute to Campbell and want to continue to learn under him.

Tele water polo correspondent and club member Frank Jordan said: “It’s a big hinderance to the boys’ development.

“Brian is an outstanding coach.

“It’s a great sport for companionship, especially when you go all over Europe.

“When I was playing the furthest you’d get is Inverness and it can’t go back to that.”