Michael makes splash on international scene
YOUNG water polo player has been picked to represent Great Britain after years of dedication to the sport.
Michael Patterson was selected to represent the country in the LEN U17 EU waterpolo qualifying tournament in May.
The team came third in their group, beating Israel and Lithuania. They narrowly lost out to two very strong teams, Ukraine and Romania.
Michael, who turns 17 tomorrow, has been swimming since he was just four years old.
Whilst at primary school, he joined Aquabears Swimming Club in Castleton and swam most days.
Four years ago he decided to try water polo. He joined ORCA Royton and quickly found he had a natural talent for the sport. He went on to play for the City of Manchester team and was then selected to represent the north west.
Mike has now received four national caps in the sport. He plays centre forward, a very physically demanding role.
In April 2016, he was selected for the England Squad at the EU Junior Men’s Waterpolo Tournament being held in Vienna. In October 2016, he was selected for the England Squad for the ESSA Tournament in Malta.
He recently received his third cap for representing England in BRNO, Czech Republic, in the EU junior men’s waterpolo tournament.
Here he won a silver medal, coming second out of 12 countries, narrowly losing out to Switzerland in the final.
Michael’s mum Catherine said: “This amazing achievement is testament to Michael’s years of hard work and dedication, training in the pool four times a week and in the gym three times a week.”
Michael, who is one of three brothers, juggles his training around his studies, while also volunteering and teaching three to seven-year -olds to swim, at Chamber Swim School in Oldham.
Michael, who plays for City of Manchester Senior Men’s Team and hopes to make the U19 GB Squad, currently has to pay all his own costs to represent his country and train at the level of an elite athlete.
Now his family is trying to raise funding and awareness to support Michael and his squad.
To help with sponsorship, contact Catherine on 07443546743.