Did you know that Bournemouth is one of the key hubs of underwater hockey in the United Kingdom?
Underwater hockey, also known as Octopush, was created by a team of divers in 1954, and it has grown along the south coast, with Southsea being the dominant force within the sport.
Bournemouth and Southampton have had their own club since the 1950s, and it is open for anyone over 16 to join.
Phillip McConnell, a lecturer at Bournemouth University, is a regular at the club and recalls he joined in after being recommended by a friend.
“I moved to the area about 20 years ago and I was a diver, and I went to a local club,” McConnell explained.
“One of the divers said to me, you should come along tomorrow night, we play this unusual sport called underwater hockey and I think you’d really enjoy it.
“So, I did, I went to the swimming pool on the following night and playing underwater hockey and haven’t stopped.”
McConnell also revealed that his daughter now plays the sport alongside him as it is welcoming to people of all ages and genders.
When asked why people should join the team: “It’s a good icebreaker.
“Whenever you start a new job, go on a course, whenever you start uni, there’s always that icebreaker.
“You might do horse riding or have a nice car or a lovely Caribbean holiday, but the minute you come up with underwater hockey it’s like wow, what’s that about?”
“It opens up a whole new conversation and that’s a good reason to give it a go since not many people have heard of it.”
Winterwatch in Dorset; RSPB Arne