Girls Making Waves

Introductory water polo skills and team building within a fun, modified environment of inflatable tube water polo for up to 350 girls across NSW will be available this summer.

The practical sessions will focus on girls aged 7-12 developing skills and having fun, and is supported by the Office of Sport Her Sport Her Way grant program. This program provides up to $2.6 million over four years to assist NSW State Sporting Organisations reduce barriers to participation, promote inclusive sport experiences and grow the game for women and girls.

Water Polo NSW secured grant funding to offer a modified version of the traditional game, starting with fundamental movement skills while standing, before progressing to throwing and moving towards the goal while floating in an inflatable tube. Participating in these sessions enables the girls to have an idea of game play, feel empowered in their abilities and socially included when signing up at a club.

Inspiring the girls will be dual Olympian and current Assistant Coach for the Aussie Stingers Rebecca Rippon, who is currently in Sydney preparing the squad for the Tokyo Olympics. With Rebecca involved in Girls Making Waves, WPNSW has an Ambassador of the sport helping to promote social inclusion, and the program coaches alongside her will benefit from her insights as a player and elite-level coach.

‘I’m excited to be an Ambassador for Girls Making Waves, I started playing when I was 14, in the western suburbs of Sydney, and am keen to share my love of the game with a new generation of girls. We’ve got some fun sessions planned, including splashing around in inflatable tubes, and we’re really looking forward to seeing the girls try something new,’ said Rebecca.

Water Polo NSW CEO, Alex Godbold, said ‘Girls Making Waves is about creating a welcoming and enjoyable water polo experience for girls that may not have previously considered the sport, with the goal to give them the confidence to join a club.’

Water Polo NSW is committed to continuing to increase women’s participation beyond the pool, and proud to have over 40% women representation on their Board of Directors, including the first ever Vice President, Suzanne Ramke.