Ella ‘shattered’ as cut hits home

ELLA CHADDERTON: devastated by funding cut

Water polo:

ROYTON’S Ella Chadderton is trying to stay positive after UK Sport decided to withdraw funding for the Great Britain’s women’s water polo team.

The news came as a blow to the 20 year old and her GB colleagues, who held aspirations of qualifying for future Olympic Games.

But Chadderton says those dreams have been shattered, unless the decision can be reversed.

A member of the City of Manchester team, Chadderton said: ““The funding ends on May 6 — that is our last training session — and I don’t know what will happen after that. I may have to play abroad..

“This past week or so has been really hard. It’s important we don’t lose our heads. British Swimming has notified UK Sports of its intention to appeal; hopefully we’ll get a positive outcome.

Twelve months ago, water polo was awarded increased funding for the Rio Olympic cycle (2013-17) to the previous four-year term. This equated to £4.54 million.

The sport had made strong representations to UK Sport prior to the funding cut announcement. These were based on the performances of the past 12 months as well as plans going forward to Rio and then the Tokyo Games in 2020.

All were in vain. Chadderton went on: “The decision is so confusing. We work really hard. We’ve met the targets. We’ve qualified for the European ‘A’ Championships, we’ve progressed as a country in the sport and the juniors have broken into the top eight in the world.”

April brings the Commonwealths in Aberdeen, at which Chadderton is hoping to secure a place in the England team.