The 2026 ACM was held on June 11th 2026.
Video replay here (Password: F&LChM59)
Committee changes:
Mark Thomas stepped down as Treasurer with Scott Westlake elected to the role
Chris Tighe stepped down as National League Organiser, with no volunteers for the position
We thank both Mark and Chris for their commitment to supporting the development and enjoyment of our sport!
The National League Organiser description can be found here, please contact the commitee with your interest: committee@canoepolo.org.uk
The Welfare Officer role is also open for a volunteer.
Meeting Notes:
1. Opening Remarks
Steve Watts opened the meeting and outlined the agenda, including:
• National Committee update
• National Leagues
• Treasurer’s report
• Squads update
• Coaching and development
• Elections
• Open discussion
2. National Committee Update
Spring Lakes Venue
• The transition to Spring Lakes has been completed.
• Feedback on the venue has generally been positive.
• Further development work remains to be done, but the venue is viewed as a significant
improvement.
• Major events have already been successfully hosted there, including National
Championships.
Development of Facilities
• Continued investment has been made in facilities and venue improvements.
• The committee remains committed to improving infrastructure for clubs and
competitions.
3. National Leagues Report
League Scheduling
• Discussion took place regarding league dates, school examinations, and holiday periods.
• Organisers noted that previous scheduling decisions had attracted conflicting feedback
from clubs.
• Members were encouraged to provide advance information on examination periods to
assist future scheduling decisions.
Paddl.es System
• The move to the Paddl.es administration platform has reduced administrative workload.
• Automatic re-entry and improved registration management should simplify future league
administration.
National League Leadership
• Chris is stepping down from the National League Coordinator role after several years of
service.
• The meeting recorded its thanks for his work.
• A replacement volunteer is urgently required.
• Members were warned that continuation of the National League structure depends on
securing sufficient volunteer support.
Youth & Leagues
• Concerns were raised about the strength of Division 3 and the need to strengthen the base
of the competition pyramid.
• Discussion highlighted the lack of formal youth competitions.
• There was support for developing dedicated youth events and building stronger
grassroots participation pathways.
4. Treasurer’s Report
Financial Overview
• Squad competition expenditure was exceptionally high during the year, approaching
£100,000.
• Major costs arose from World Games participation in China, European Championships,
and Spring Lakes venue transition costs.
League Finances
• National League income continues to be protected and used for league operations rather
than squad activities.
• League operations are broadly operating on a break-even basis.
• League fees have remained unchanged for several seasons.
Grants & Equipment
• Grant expenditure shown in the accounts understates the true level of support provided
because some equipment allocations were recorded elsewhere within the accounts.
• Additional support has been provided through equipment replacement and venue
development.
Reserves
• Financial reserves have reduced following venue relocation and related expenditure.
• Reserves are now approximately at the target level previously discussed with Paddle UK.
Treasurer Transition
• Mark confirmed he is stepping down as Treasurer.
• Scott Westlake was elected Treasurer.
• The meeting thanked Mark for his service and support during the handover.
Grassroots Funding Discussion
• Members discussed the possibility of ring-fencing funding for grassroots development.
• General support existed for directing more resources toward participation growth and
development initiatives.
• Further work is needed to identify priorities and create a structured development plan.
5. Squads Report
• Several coaching changes were implemented during the year.
• New coaching personnel have joined and are developing experience within the
programme.
• Kevin and Eddie have taken responsibility for the Under-21 Men’s squad.
• Andy Metcalf and Tamsin led the Under-21 Women’s programme, with Tamsin stepping back during the year due to health circumstances.
• The Men’s programme achieved significant success with a 3rd place finish at the World
Games.
• The Women’s programme experienced substantial progress, supported by new coaching appointments and development initiatives.
• Particular recognition was given to Kirsten’s work in establishing and strengthening the women’s development pathway.
• Thanks were recorded for welfare, administrative and financial support personnel.
• All coaching roles will be advertised as part of the next cycle.
6. Academy & Development Reports
Welsh Academy
• Approximately 40 young athletes participated during the season.
• Three academy teams attended summer competition events.
• A dedicated academy competition is planned, with four teams already entered.
Northern/FOA Academy Report
• Participation numbers have declined slightly but attendance remains above 20
participants per session.
• Greater focus may be needed on younger age groups to improve long-term recruitment.
Under-18 Development
• European Canoe Association discussions are exploring Under-18 competition
opportunities to strengthen youth pathways.
7. Governance, Compliance & Welfare
Event Compliance
• Paddle UK requirements now require event organisers, safety officers and welfare officers.
• Larger events must have these roles held by separate individuals.
• Venue documentation and risk assessments must be completed in advance or events may not be approved.
Welfare Support
• Andy Carden advised that he did not wish to take on the full Welfare Officer role.
• Andy offered to provide support and advice on welfare and safeguarding matters where
required while a longer-term solution is developed.
8. Media, Publicity & Website
•European Championships (photos and article updates) & World Games (PUK writeups)
were well covered, including GB Men Bronze medal.
•A yearly polo volunteer award was run for the first time, with three worthy winners
nominated extensively. Hoping for more nominations next year, particularly for the youth volunteer award.
Grassroots Champion: Paul Manders
Regional Impact: Ross Barron
Volunteer of the Year: Kirsten Tighe
•Livestream coverage for Prem is back running. It is more challenging at spring lakes to locate the camera centrally. Hoping to steadily improve the quality via increased team volunteer awareness each time.
• Website content update is underway, with content being reviewed and updates requested by each committee lead.
•A simple mailing list is currently in testing, to be able to distribute a summary of all posted news on a monthly basis.
•Pitch move to spring lakes was well covered as well as Nat Champs. Excellent BUCS photos via another volunteer.
•Instagram page recently made 1000th post with close to 3k followers! (Marathon 1.5k, slalom 262, PUK 24.5k)
Publicity is only as good as the content shared via committee leads & clubs. Please email
publicity@canoepolo.org.uk or tag us on instagram @canoepolouk!
Volunteers are sought to split role responsibility
Anyone with an interest in the following please contact: publicity@canoepolo.org.uk
Webmaster: Sharing of articles and website management
Photography: Attending National and GB events as a volunteer
Instagram: Resharing club content, as well as creating content
9. Elections & Vacancies
Elections
• Steve Watts was re-elected as Chair.
• Scott Westlake was elected Treasurer following a vote of members.
• No appointment was made to the National League Coordinator position.
Vacancies Identified
• Welfare Officer
• National League Coordinator
• Additional volunteers across multiple areas of the sport
10. Key Actions
• Support Scott Westlake in the transition to Treasurer.
• Recruit National League Coordinator.
• Recruit Welfare Officer.
• Continue planning academy competition.
• Explore formal youth competition structure.
• Develop grassroots funding proposals.
• Support compliance training and documentation for event organisers.
• Continue livestreaming trial and report findings.
• Promote volunteer recruitment through social media and club networks.
Closing Remarks
The meeting closed with thanks to Chris for his work as National League Coordinator, Mark
for his service as Treasurer, and all coaches, welfare officers, administrators and volunteers
across the sport.