CITY water polo players Connie McGregor and Rachel Ward have taken their first steps towards a place on the Great Britain team – after only a year in the game.

The two Devonport Royal players have been invited to join the water polo national talent programme, which will mean travelling to Cardiff to train for the next six months.

Another Royal rising star, Alex Wilson, has been picked to play for the West's under-15s in the regional championships next month.

The city youngster has made his mark after bouncing back from a shoulder injury.

The club's head water polo coach, Roger Bossom, said he was delighted with the teenagers' efforts.

He said: "This is a tremendous achievement for the girls as they have just completed their first year in water polo.

"They had to go through a selection weekend and were up against girls with far more experience.

"We will continue to offer them our full support, but it is now up to them to prove their worth.

"Their selection also recognises the work put in by our coaching team to bring them to this level so quickly."

He added: "They put a lot of effort in – we don't take any prisoners in training, because you don't get anywhere without working hard and they have responded with enthusiasm."

Bossom also praised Wilson for his dedication.

He said: "Considering Alex wasn't playing 12 months ago due to a shoulder injury sustained playing rugby, this is a fantastic achievement and just reward for the progress he has made."

The work of Royals' water polo development programme has been recognised by the sport's governing body, the Amateur Swimming Association.

The association has awarded the club major funding – £40,000 – over the next two years to help them keep up the good work.

The funding was only given to three clubs in Great Britain.

Bossom welcomed the funding and added: "I don't like standing still – we want to continue to drive forward."

POTENTIAL players can find out more about the club at www.devonportroyal.com