Water polo team 'dreaming' of winning top division
Sedgefield Water Polo ClubA men's water polo team will be entering Division One and competing for a place in European competitions after four back to back promotions.
The Sedgefield Water Polo Club will represent their County Durham town and nearby Newton Aycliffe in the top flight of the British Water Polo League from September.
The men's team was created in 2021 and started playing at the bottom of the pyramid in Division Five.
Team captain John Pratt, who lives in Coxhoe near Durham, said the team had grown up together and began playing water polo through swimming classes.
The 26-year-old said: "It has been such a journey, I managed the team when we initially formed and competed in Division Five.
"I put the team together and then I got involved and played."
The dream of playing in the top division was something the group of friends talked about and now they have fulfilled it.
"We have known each other since we were kids and that helps us," Mr Pratt said.
"In other parts of the country, water polo is posher but we got into it through swimming lessons," he added.
Sedgefield Water Polo ClubThey play at the Newton Aycliffe leisure centre and are the only team in Division One from the north-east of England.
"We know it is going to be extremely difficult this season and we are putting ourselves in the best position possible," Mr Pratt said, adding: "We have been dreaming of playing in Division One and winning it."
Of the 23 team members, 21 grew up within 15 miles of the Sedgefield area and they believe that gives them the team spirit and togetherness to keep winning.
They finished the last season second in Division Two and earned automatic promotion.
A spokesperson for the club said: "The success of the Sedgefield national league team is something that should provide huge pride for everyone in Newton Aycliffe, Sedgefield and the surrounding area.
"The success of the club is a testament to what can be achieved when like-minded people put their mind to something and stick together when things get tough.
"A town the size of Newton Aycliffe with a team in the top division of a British sports league is something that should be celebrated, and Sedgefield will hope to continue to punch above their weight in the coming years."