CITY of Hereford Swimming club newly-formed water polo section is beginning to reap the rewards of a close association with Wales.

The club's proximity to the Welsh border means many of their players are eligible to train with the Principality and the relationship was further underlined with the selection of Millie Boucher to represent Wales this week.

Millie, who is 15, has been invited to play for the under-18 junior ladies team in the North Sea Cup.

The competition which is against Scotland, Ireland and Denmark takes place in the international pool at Swansea next month and will signal Millie’s international debut.

Millie, who trains six days a week in Hereford, Cheltenham and Gloucester, as well as regular sessions with the Welsh squad, is currently supported through the Halo Sports Foundation and Ready Steady Win.

“Millie has only been playing competitive water polo for just over 12 months," said Hereford water polo coach Dave Cash. "Her selection for Wales shows what can be achieved with hard work and commitment. It has also inspired others to follow in her footsteps.”

Millie is not the only Hereford player attending the regular monthly Welsh training camps in Cardiff. Other future aspiring internationals include Erin Jones, Joanne Rickards, Megan Jones, Ollie Chilcott and Sophie Cash.

Anyone interested in trying out for the Hereford waterpolo section should contact Dave Cash by emailing waterpolo@swimhereford.co.uk, he will then be able to arrange for an assessment.

The water polo section currently trains on Saturday mornings at 9am with the choice of an additional swimming session run by one of the club’s qualified swimming coaches.