See below how Team Great Britain member Fergal has found the 2022-2023 Canoe Polo season with Team Great Britain and Ulster Canoe Polo Club where he details his training regime and his teams performances throughout the season.

2022 - 2023 Canoe Polo Season

Training

This year, my training regime has reached unprecedented levels of intensity, all in preparation for the highly anticipated Canoe Polo Europeans inBrandenburg,Berlin. With unwavering determination, I've embarked on a rigorous training journey that has pushed both my physical and mental limits. Each day has been a deliberate step towards honing my skills, strengthening my endurance, and perfecting mytactics.My training sessions have been meticulously designed to simulate the demanding conditions of the tournament. From gruelling paddling drills to strategic team simulations, every aspect of the game has been dissected and fine-tuned. Early mornings and late evenings have become the norm as I've dedicated countless hours to mastering my strokes, perfecting my ball-handling, and enhancing my teamwork dynamics. This intense training hasn't only tested my physical capabilities but has also fortified my mental resilience. Overcoming challenges and setbacks has become integral to my journey,fostering a mindset of adaptability and perseverance.

Great Britian

As the Canoe Polo Europeans in Brandenburg, Berlin draws near, I stand ready to showcase the results of this relentless training. My commitment to pushing boundaries, both within myself and the sport,is a testament to the passion I holdfor canoe polo. With unwavering focus, I eagerly anticipate stepping onto the European stage, knowing that every drop of sweat shed in training has been a step towards achieving excellence in Berlin.Embarking on a remarkable journey, I've proudly represented the GB Canoe Polo Squad, etching a trail of excellence in the sport. As a dedicated member of the squad, I've seamlessly woven skill, strategy, and determination into my canoe polo career. From the spirited camaraderie of training camps to the intensity of international competitions, every moment has been a testament to my unwavering commitment.My journey with the GB squad has been punctuated by victories, teamwork, and growth. Shoulder to shoulder with fellow athletes, we've forged a bond that goes beyond the game, propelling each other towards success. Countless hours of practice, analysis,and adaptation have fine-tuned my skills and elevated my understanding of the sport.Stepping onto the international stage, adorned with the GB emblem, has been a privilege I hold dear.Every match is an opportunity to exemplify the spirit of teamwork, agility, and sportsmanship that defines our squad. As my canoe polo career continues to unfold, I'm driven by a resolute aim to bring glory to the GB colours, leaving an indelible mark on the world of this exhilarating sport.Despite our valiant efforts, the podium has eluded us this year so far, leaving us with commendable 4th-place finishes. However, these near misses have only ignited our resolve. With unshakable belief in our capabilities and the lessons drawn from our experiences, we stand on the precipice of the Europeans.Armed with unwavering teamwork and honed skills, we're primed to break through the barrier and claim our rightful place on the podium, showcasing our journey's culmination in a triumphant display of determination and prowess.

Ulster Canoe Polo Club

At the club level, we embody the spirit of a vibrant and determined team on the ascent. Youthful and hungry for success, we've continuously elevated our performance year after year. Our dedication to improvement is unwavering, propelling us forward with each practice, match, and competition. Witha collective thirst for growth, we're forging a path of resilience and achievement. As we push our boundaries and embrace challenges, our dynamic progression remains evident, signifying a team that's not only evolving but also leaving an indelible mark on the competitive landscape. This will be shown in the European Club Championships (ECC) in Argos, Spain in October. This will be our 4th ECCas a club and we intent to break into the top 8 this year.

Results – European Championships

Brandenburg In our inaugural group stage fixture at the Canoe Polo European Championship, our group consisted of formidable competitors, namely Denmark, Poland, and France. The significance of our initial encounter with Denmark cannot be understated, as it set the tone for our campaign. Regrettably, we faltered in this opening match, conceding a 5-2 defeat. It was evident that we could have performed at a higher level.With the weight of the previous result bearing down on us, our focus shifted to the subsequent contests. Our engagement with Poland proved to be nothing short of exhilarating,culminating in a resounding victory of 7-3. This triumph rekindled our aspirations and set the stage forour decisive encounter against France. Facing France was no small feat, given their status as a perennial powerhouse in our sport. Over the course of the year, we had crossed paths with the French team on multiple occasions, consistently acknowledging their exceptional prowess. Consequently, our preparation leading up to this critical fixture was meticulous, and our determination unwavering. In a pivotal moment during the match, I managed to secure the opener with a skilful inside shot. However,the French team countered with two consecutive goals, escalating the intensity of the contest. As the clock ticked down to the final minute, our relentless pressing tactics yielded a decisive turnover. With a mere 40 seconds remaining, we capitalized on this opportunity,levellingthe score at 2-2.This hard-fought draw against France not only showcased our tenacity but also secured our position as thesecond-place finisher in the group. This achievement paved the way for our advancement to the subsequent stage of the competition, instilling a renewed sense of purpose and determination within our team.

In the subsequent phase of the competition, we found ourselves placed in a group alongside Germany and Spain, reigning as the current world numbers one and two, respectively. Our objective was to secure a top-two finish in this group in order to advance to the semifinals. Our first challenge in this group came in the form of Spain, a team that had previously bested us in competitions throughout the year. Renowned for their exceptional speed and unwavering aggression, we recognized the imperative need to deliver a performance of the highest calibre. The match ultimately culminated in a hard-fought 3-3 draw, showcasing our determination and resilience. Our subsequent opponent, Germany, posedan even more formidable test. As the reigning European champions and two-time world champions,they were an imposing adversary. The prior clash between Spain and Germany saw the former concedea 3-0 loss. Consequently, our task was clear: we needed to secure a victory, a draw, or a loss by a margin of fewer than three goals to secure our place in the semifinals. The first half of our match against Germany was nothing short of spectacular, as we found ourselves in a commanding position, leading 3-1. However, as the second half unfolded, the cumulative fatigue of the tournament and the sheer strength of the German side began to exert its influence. The final scoreline stood at 6-3, ultimately securing our progression to the semifinals.

In the semifinal encounter against Denmark, we confronted a formidable opponent, marked by their imposing physical stature, with an average weight of 100 kilograms per player. This characteristic casta palpable aura of physicality over the impending match, leaving no room for doubt that we were embarking on an arduous and demanding contest. Our prior meeting with Denmark during the group stage had culminated in a humbling defeat. Yet, from that setback, we gleaned invaluable insights,prompting a strategic recalibration that would prove pivotal in our semifinal pursuit. Approaching the semi-final showdown, we were acutely conscious of the need to fortify our tactics, physicality, andresolve. With a steely determination, we entered the match, ready to navigate the tumultuous waters of competition. The contest unfolded with both sides engaged in an intense and fiercely contested struggle for supremacy. As the minutes ticked away, the scoreboard remained a testament to the closely matched nature of the competition, culminating in a 1-1 tie at the conclusion of regulation time. The resolute deadlock forced the proceedings into an additional phase, the fabled "golden goal"period, where the margin for error became exceedingly narrow, and the stakes exponentially higher.The golden goal phase unfolded in a dramatic and high-pressure fashion. Three successive rounds of extra play ensued, each filled with heart-stopping moments and intense exchanges. It was a testament to the unwavering spirit of competition displayed by both sides, as well as the magnitude of the occasion. Ultimately, it was the collective strength, tenacity, and well-honed skills of the Danish contingent that prevailed, securing their berth in the highly coveted final match. While our journey in the semifinals concluded with this hard-fought defeat, it was a test of our mettle, and we emerged from the encounter with a deeper understanding of our capabilities and areas for growth.

In the third-place playoff match, we encountered a formidable adversary in the Italian team, a familiar foe with whom we had crossed paths before on the international stage. Our previous encounter with Italy had occurred during the World Championship's third-place playoff the previous year, a bout that had concluded in disappointment for us with a loss. This encounter with the Italians thus carried the weight of history and the desire for redemption. As the match unfolded, both teams engaged in a fierce battle, marked by a palpable sense of rivalry and an unyielding determination to secure the coveted third-place position. The contest was characterized by intense exchanges and strategic manoeuvres,as each side sought to outwit and outplay the other. Despite our best efforts and a valiant display of skill and athleticism, we were unable to emerge victorious, concluding the match with a result that was not in our Favor. While the outcome was not what we had hoped for, we found solace in the knowledge that we had given our all, leaving nothing to chance. Our performance in the competition,from the group stage through the semifinals and ultimately the third-place playoff, served as a testament to our growth and resilience as a team. This experience, though marked by challenges and setbacks, would serve as a wellspring of motivation for our future endeavours. It reinforced our commitment to returning stronger and faster in the coming year, armed with the lessons learned from this competition. Our sights are firmly set on the podium, and we are determined to channel our disappointment into a relentless pursuit of excellence. As we reflect on our journey in this competition,we do so with a sense of pride in our accomplishments and a resolute determination to build upon them. The lessons from this experience will be instrumental in shaping our preparations for the future,ensuring that we return to the international stage with renewed Vigor and a steadfast commitment to achieving our goals.