Matthew Spurr, Class of 2000

I left Trinity to study Engineering Science at Oxford, moved into investment banking for 15 years, and am now a government adviser.

What initially drew you to water polo, and when did you start playing?

I enjoyed swimming and team sports. When I was at primary school, a few older boys who used to swim at the same club used to talk about water polo at Trinity. I started playing when I went to Trinity

How did you balance your academic and athletic commitments during your time as a student-athlete?

Once I reached Fifth Form, I decided which sports I wanted to pursue and which I didn’t. Ultimately, there’s no time to do everything so, at some point, you have to choose not to spread yourself too thinly.

Can you share a memorable moment or game from your water polo career?

The U16 final against King’s Grantham. One of our strongest players didn’t make it past the first quarter, so we had the reserve goalkeeper playing outfield once exclusions started racking up. But we dug deep to pull off victory.

What specific skills or attributes do you think contributed most to your success in water polo?

You need a level of swimming confidence and fitness, but the technical skills for water polo have a very high bar. Lots of people can just pick up and kick around a football or rugby ball, but the basic skills for water polo - mainly to do with body position in the water - take years to develop.

How did you overcome setbacks or failures along the way?

Perseverance and persistence. Also, disappointment at youth level can seem enormous at the time, but the support of friends and family can help put things in perspective.

Can you describe the camaraderie and team dynamics within your water polo team?

We were a good bunch of friends most of the time. Arguments on the training field weren’t that common, but they did happen.

What role did your coaches play in your development as a water polo player?

Ian Marsh taught so many of us how to play water polo. Given what I wrote earlier - that water polo technical skills take years to develop compared to some other sports - a coach who can impart the fundamentals to complete beginners was so important.

What changes would you like to see in the development of water polo, particularly at the grassroots level?

It comes down to water time, good quality pools and enough coaches. If water polo is going to grow, we need to find a way to offer at least three to four sessions a week for junior players.

What were some of the most memorable lessons you learnt from your water polo career?

I don’t think it’s specific to water polo. Team sports in particular can give a lot back. When in the moment, sport - especially at youth/junior level - feels as though it’s all about the result. But the journey and the process are the things that stay with you longer.

How has your experience in water polo influenced your life beyond the pool?

I still have friends I made from water polo, including those in rival school teams. After some time away from water polo, I have started playing, coaching and refereeing again and am enjoying it.