Fundraising to support the training of World-class Canoe Polo Players

Cam Fletcher has just returned from the 2026 Canoe Polo World Championships in Duisberg, Germany, where he represented Great Britain in the GB U21 Men’s team, coming a respectable 10th out of 20 teams. Cam was a key member of the team and was honoured by carrying the GB team flag in the opening ceremony and went on to score five goals during the tournament. In the group stages the GB U21s Men’s team drew with eventual winners France; showing just how close many of the matches were.

Cam was supported for his trip to Germany by PaddleCumbria who are the Regional Support group whose goal is developing and supporting all aspects of paddlesport within the North Lancashire & Cumbria areas.

Cam (who has just finished at QEGS and is off to Manchester University) started learning to play canoe polo at Penrith Canoe Club at the age of 11. His enthusiasm and motivation grew with his ability and for the last two years he has been training with the GB National squad along with fellow Penrith teammates Noah Rankin, Lucas Bailie & Jethro Carrott. These young people follow in the footsteps of past Penrith & GB Team members Katie Farley & Caitlin Fox who achieved European & World medals with the Women's U21s team. Cam trains on the water & in the Gym every day and has been to four international tournaments this year - as well as competing in the Premier League of the National Polo series & at several home internationals; all in the lead up to the Worlds; quite a lot to fit in around his A levels!

“The sheer scale of the venue, the organisation, the number of spectators, competitors and teams, along with the live stream media coverage was way more than any other tournament I had ever been to. An incredible experience” said Cam. Fellow Canoe Club Members - and other pupils at QEGS were cheering him on whilst they watched the games live-streamed on YouTube during their lunchbreak!

Penrith Canoe Club is a thriving, welcoming, friendly & inclusive canoe club - based in the town with over 50 members, but also punches above its weight in the Canoe Polo world with a string of elite-level paddlers. To help train and develop even more world class players in the future, the club has been given use of an outdoor lake at Greystoke Castle. To make this into a canoe polo venue capable of hosting league tournaments & where future players can develop their skills to a high level, the club is fundraising to buy pontoons to go alongside the floating pitch. These will give a platform for coaches & referees to operate from as well as for assisting capsized players back into their kayaks.

The club has a crowdfunding page for the endeavor, so please help and donate if you can, using either the QR code or the web address. Lots of small donations can make a big impact.

Any local businesses who would be willing to sponsor the club or teams, please get in touch via the email info@penrithcanoeclub.co.uk to discuss how we can best publicise your sponsorship.

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/greystoke-castle-canoe-polo-venue