Welcome to Barts and The London Water Polo Club
We are a Water Polo Club in East London formed by students and alumni of Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, and we're a constituent sports club of Barts and The London Students' Association. The club is headed up by a committee formed of 12 current students at Barts and The London, and our Staff President - a graduate of The London Hospital Medical College.
We have teams competing in British University Colleges Sport (BUCS), London Universities Sports Leagues (LUSL), and the United Hospitals Water Polo Cup. To find out more about our club, click on the links above.
Testimonials
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James - second year
Joining Bart’s I knew I wanted to try a new sport and I am so glad I chose waterpolo. The club is extremely welcoming to all new individuals of any ability and I thoroughly enjoyed my first year at BLWP. With training twice a week, many matches through the year, and weekly socials there is always something exciting going on. The club is a great way to catch up with friends, escape academic uni life and I would highly recommend joining!
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Hyma - Second year
I’ve always loved being in the water but for me, uni was where I wanted to try something a little bit different. Waterpolo is the perfect balance of exercise & fun, with the people I play alongside making it infinitely better. Regular trainings are a highlight of my weeks & everyone really puts in their all both in the social scene and when matches come round. I love being part of BLWP and look forward to being a part of it for the rest of my time at Bart’s.
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Dimitrios - Computer Science student
Water polo is a unique mix of aerobic and anaerobic exercise, combined with the thrill of strategy and teamwork. But what really makes it special is how it lets you switch off from the stresses of everyday life. In the pool, you get the best of both worlds: time to clear your head and focus, and time to laugh, train, and bond with friends who’ve always got your back.
As an international student, joining BLWP has been one of the best choices I’ve made since moving to the UK. It’s given me a place to connect—with people who are up for fun, drinks, and all kinds of activities, but who are also there for deep conversations and genuine advice.
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Holly - Fourth year
Having never played much sport in school I was open to trying something new when joining Bart’s. From the day I moved in, the water polo lot were so friendly and welcoming that I ended up at their Fresher’s curry. I told myself that I would try a variety of different societies before settling on one, but after one water polo tables I never looked back! Although I’d never played water polo before everyone was so welcoming and the club were great at teaching us all the basics. I’ve had such a fun three years and can’t wait for 2 more!
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Josie - Physics student
When I started university, I knew that I wanted to play waterpolo, as I have played for a large portion of my life and joining BLWP was probably the best decision I made last year. BLWP has a great social scene which allowed me to make amazing friends and memories. Aside from the socials, there is so much training available, along with matches. Being able to play in both BUCS and LUSL matches allows everyone to get plenty of match time and also gain experience.
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Balint - Masters student
I loved being part of BLWP last year. As a part time masters student I don't really get the usual 'university experience', but joining BLWP helped me feel part of the uni community. What stands out for me about BLWP is how well it is organized and the strength of the community they have built.
The team caters well for both experienced players and complete beginners and takes part in several competitions throughout the year to keep things exciting. Bring on the next season!
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Martha - Intercalating
For a few years at school I swam competitively before I realised it wasn’t for me. Coming to uni, I really wanted to get into a sport but didn’t know where to start. Waterpolo seemed like a fun one to try, and, after the first few sessions, I decided to look no further than this wonderful club. Everyone was so welcoming, not just in the pool, but at socials and just bumping into someone in the library. I can’t count the number of times this waterpolo family has helped me get through a tough day.
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Brandon - Fourth Year
I’m now going into my third year of BLWP and have thoroughly enjoyed my time so far! Being completely new to the sport, I really appreciated how the club is open to anyone, of any ability and how more experienced players will always help you to learn the sport.
Weekly socials are always fun and are a great opportunity to catch up with everyone outside of the pool and have a break from studying. The club also offers a national and international tour, which are always really well planned and great fun!
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Kate - Final year
My journey through university would certainly be different had I not joined BLWP. It has been my support network over the past three years of uni and is sure to be for my final two. Having never thrown a water polo ball and having poor swimming skills, this did not hold me back as BLWP has a fantastic mixed ability team with coached sessions to support all the players levels of ability. I encourage anyone to join water polo that wants to try a new sport or gain new skills and fitness. Alongside training, the club has a great social network either that being club run socials or members spending their free time together. Joining BLWP has been one of the best decisions I have made at uni and I encourage everyone to make the leap and try something new - the club will support you every step of the way.
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Marina - Fourth year
This is my third year with BLWP, and it's been such a huge part of my university experience. I joined with no water polo background—just a love for swimming when I was younger—and I instantly felt supported, both in training and matches. But what truly sets BLWP apart are the people and the socials . Everyone is so welcoming and friendly, and the weekly socials and annual tours are unmatched. The club has supported me beyond the sport, too, with academic help like weekly teaching sessions and pre-OSCE practice. I couldn't imagine uni without BLWP!