The European title won a few months ago, now the renunciation of the top flight. Smile Cosenza Water Polo will not play the 2026/2027 women’s Serie A1 championship and will start again from Serie B. The decision has been formalized to the Italian Swimming Federation.
The club had initially submitted the registration, with the aim of continuing its path to the top of national and European water polo. However, the organisational, economic and structural conditions necessary to face the season with stability were lacking.
This marks the end of a phase in the company’s history which culminated in the conquest of a continental trophy, achieved through the work of the athletes, the technical staff and the management.
The restart from the youth sector
Waiving A1 will not lead to the cessation of activities. The company has announced a new program that will focus on the financial sustainability and growth of the nursery. The local athletes and the youth sector will be the starting point for rebuilding the team and starting a new cycle in Serie B.
The withdrawal also entails the loss of the opportunity to host international meetings in Cosenza. Qualification for the European competitions would have brought foreign teams and delegations to the city, with possible repercussions on the accommodation facilities and tourism promotion of the area.