Newcastle Women's Social Polo - FunFit

Read on to hear how Newcastle Water Polo Association are successfully growing participation within Water Polo by launching a women’s social training program….  

In Newcastle our junior’s competition has been expanding. With this expansion comes more parents being introduced to the sport. We have a Men’s and Women’s A and B grade competition but no social participation pathway for adults wanting to try out Water Polo in a social, non-competitive environment.  

Kellie Boettcher noticed this gap, as she herself was one of these women.  Kellie has 4 children, 3 of which are very involved in Water Polo. Being around the pool so often she also had the urge to try Water Polo out in the B grade competition but realised after a season she wished there was a pathway for people who are new to the sport and could learn Water Polo in a non-competitive environment, so she designed a program called FunFit Polo. Kellie then teamed up with Megan Sutherland to coach the program. Megan completed her coaching modules and is now the coach for FunFit Polo in Newcastle. Megan is a local water polo player herself for Central Newcastle Water Polo Club.    

“After playing in the only Water Polo competition available in my local area, Women's B, I came away knowing there had to be something else available that bridged the gap between people new to Water Polo like myself, and competitive B grade. I found two things: - Nothing was available; and, I wasn’t the only one who wanted that something else. So, I designed FunFit Polo” 

Kellie Boettcher – Designer of Fun Fit Polo 

This program was brought to the Newcastle Water Polo Association who understood the need to continue to grow and encourage participation within our sport, especially in that age group. Newcastle Water Polo set up a registration class, got the equipment and pool space needed and they were up and running.  

“Fun Fit Water Polo was designed for women who have never played before and may have been nervous to try for fear it was too physical. We provide a program where they can learn the game using water polo drills to increase their fitness levels in a non-competitive, more relaxed environment. Our Fun Fit ladies ages range from 18 to 74 years and every week they turn up eager to get in the pool and learn a new skill.”  

Megan Sutherland - Coach 

The women train Tuesday nights at Speers Point Pool 6:30pm-7:30pm. The drills are mixed between deep water and shallow water, and all are non-contact – which makes it more accessible to everyone and all fitness levels. Drills go from passing and shooting to treading water. FunFit Polo in Newcastle is on break during the Winter months but once Polo season is back up and running you will be able to catch these women down at the pool.  

“As an unfit mum of three, who last played competitive sport over 20 years ago. I’ve always loved swimming but had never played or even watched a game of water polo before. I jumped at the opportunity to join, as a way to get fit, have fun, meet people, and do something for me. I am so glad I did. It’s the best fun I’ve had in a long while. I may not be fit yet, but I’ve made new friends and I’m having the best time.” 

 Derryn, 48. 

This program is a great innovation to get more participation into our sport. It’s a social way to get fit, make new friends and learn new skills.  

If you’re a coach and interested in starting something similar in your region, or even if you would like to attend one of these programs but there isn’t one in your region please reach out. For all enquiries please email – taylah.power@waterpolonsw.org.au.