Why it matters: The event showcases a sport that has been played in Ipswich for over 50 years but remains largely unknown to the wider public, whilst also raising funds for the restoration of the town's grade II listed lido.
The details: The competition runs from 14:30 to 18:00 on Saturday, 7 February, with juniors from Dunstable, Guildford, Ipswich, Isle of Wight, Sawston, Skipton, St Albans, West Wickham and Yorkshire competing across three age groups: under-11s, under-14s and under-16s.
Players will compete in nine-minute matches across two courts over three hours in what organisers describe as "fast and furious and great fun."
What is underwater hockey? Also known as "octopush", underwater hockey is a non-contact team sport played on the bottom of a swimming pool. Two teams of six players use short, handheld sticks to propel a 1.2 kg to 1.5 kg plastic-coated lead puck into the opposing team's goal, with participants diving down and holding their breath to play.
The sport was founded in Portsmouth in 1954 and has been played in Ipswich for over 50 years. There are currently 68 underwater hockey clubs registered in the UK, and the sport is played globally, with the Youth World Championships being held this July in Turkey.
Supporting Broomhill Pool: Ipswich Underwater Hockey Club will contribute proceeds from refreshment sales during Saturday's event towards The Broomhill Pool Trust, which is working to restore Ipswich's iconic grade II listed lido.
The 55-yard by 20-yard pool could double Ipswich's swimming space, providing an ideal venue for all swimming activities, including octopush, water polo, triathlon, swimming lessons, and health and wellbeing programmes.
Broomhill Pool is Britain's deepest outdoor pool and one of 20 listed lidos in the United Kingdom, but the only one not restored or reopened.
The local connection: Ipswich Underwater Hockey Club, home of the Ipswich Seahorses, is a community-based club providing opportunities for both junior and adult players to participate in the sport in a safe, supportive and inclusive environment.
The club welcomes players of all abilities, from beginners with no prior experience to more established players looking to develop their skills through regular training and competitive play, with a clear pathway that supports young players as they progress from introductory sessions into regular training and competing regionally and nationally.
The bottom line: Saturday's competition offers a rare opportunity to watch a lesser-known sport in action whilst supporting the restoration of one of Ipswich's historic swimming facilities.
