Founding member Laura Garlic-Reed states “the only way is up” for the Gloucestershire Barracudas following a historic weekend at The Open League in Italy.
Founding member and community officer Laura Garlic-Reed has been a Barracuda for eight years and has grown to love the sport and community around it.
“I think it’s the best sport in the world but I also think it’s the friendliest sport in the world,” she said.
“Whatever you want from a sport I feel that underwater rugby can offer it, whether it’s friends or a bit of competition.”
The sense of community in the sport has helped the Barracudas to grow, with six new players making the trip to play in an international tournament for the first time.
Garlic-Reed had no doubts over the welcome they’d receive. “I knew going into it that I was confident taking new players, I knew that they would welcome them with open arms.
“They just want to share their experiences also its quite nice that other international teams have new players there.”
The tournament itself is one of the biggest underwater rugby events of the year, as over 20 teams attend from all over Europe.
This competition in particular marked a special moment in the clubs history, “This is the first time we’ve ever taken a full team of barracudas to a international tournament” stated Garlic-Reed.
“I’m chuffed we’ve been going for eight years and this is the first time we’ve ever been able to enter a full team to a tournament.
“I think it’s the biggest and proudest moment of our clubs history so far.”
This was not the only first, its also the first time the Barracudas have been able to compete at The Open League since COVID.
Despite not performing to their expected standard the tournament was a success for the Barracudas, and Garlic-Reed knows there’s more to come from the team.
She claimed: “The only way is up when it comes to performance and as a barracuda from the start its amazing to see.
“I never thought we’d get this far, now next we’re going to win some games at these tournaments.”
The Barracudas next tournament is the European Championships in Athens.
“If you fancy trying underwater rugby do not hesitate,” Garlic-Reed expressed that everyone should give it a go.
“I wouldn’t say I’m a sporty person but I’m a strong swimmer and that’s all you’ve got to be and we can teach you the rest.”
