The Purnell's Big Orange U12's Festival

Published Mon 13 Mar 2023

The Purnell’s Big Orange U12's Festival took place in Orange this weekend at Orange Aquatic Centre, for the fifth consecutive year. It was a participation focussed tournament designed to wet the appetites of our youngest members. The festival was open to all WPNSW affiliated players, clubs, and associations. There were 35 teams entered in total with 9 teams in the girls division, 11 teams in the boys division and 15 teams in the mixed division. Participants came from all over NSW with teams travelling from Sydney, Central Coast, Newcastle, Wagga Wagga, Tamworth, The Southern Highlands, and ACT to compete in over 100 games.

Water Polo NSW CEO, Alex Godbold said, ““It was great to be back in Orange for the fifth consecutive year for what was the pinnacle of our U12’s events season. This season has included The Tourney Shield in the Southern Highlands, The Banana Bowl in Coffs Harbour and The Narwhal Cup on the Central Coast, as well as festival style rounds in the Sydney Metropolitan Competition. This festival was an opportunity for players, coaches, and referees from both regional and metropolitan areas of NSW to grow and develop in a fun and inclusive environment, with the focus on participation rather than winning.”

Throughout the festival the young players were encouraged to have fun and play their best, regardless of the outcome. Games were closely monitored by experienced coaches and officials who provided constructive feedback and guidance to players and referees throughout the event. In addition to the progression in player ability and confidence, this weekend also saw the accreditation of six new referees from across NSW.

For the second year the event was sponsored by WPNSW medal provider Purnell Trophies. Owner, Shannan Johansen is an avid supporter of grass roots water polo and said, “I am delighted to have been the sponsor of The Purnell’s Big Orange Festival again, it’s great to be able to give back to the sport I love and the water polo community. The U12’s age group is the entry level to our sport; Purnell’s is proud to work alongside WPNSW in ensuring the players and families have a great experience at this event, which for some would have been their first ever water polo tournament.”

Overall, The Purnell’s Big Orange U12's Festival was a great success, promoting participation and development in junior water polo. The event provided a platform for young players to showcase their skills and develop their abilities, while also promoting the values of sportsmanship, teamwork, and fair play. With the success of this event, it is clear that the future of water polo in New South Wales is bright.

It wasn’t just the under 12’s who got to have all the fun at this year’s Purnell’s Big Orange Festival, Water Polo NSW also hosted three sessions for different groups throughout the weekend. Starting on Friday night there was a Fun Fit Come and Try session, Fun Fit is a women’s only program focussed on learning water polo skills in a safe and welcoming environment. On Saturday Cerebral Palsy Alliance clients based in Orange and the surrounding areas were invited to a Flippa Ball Fun session, assisted by the Hunter Hurricanes U12’s teams. Finally on Sunday morning it was the little ones turn, there was a Splash Ball session for children aged 5-8 years, run by Libby Magann of Tamworth Water Polo, focussed on having fun and learning basic water polo skills - ready for their turn at the Festival in a few years time.

A huge thank-you to Orange Water Polo Association, Orange City Council and Orange Aquatic Centre for hosting another fantastic event. Orange Water Polo President, Sarah Sokol said, "We are extremely excited that this event is in its 5th year. It is a great acknowledgement of the energy that Orange Water Polo have invested into growing this sport in the Central West. The Festival gives our U12 juniors the chance to show off their rapidly growing abilities in a fun environment. As their coach it is incredibly rewarding to see the exponential growth in their skills and game knowledge over the three-day festival. This was a great opportunity for other children to see what this sport is all about and the supportive community it provides.”

Thank-you also to all players, coaches, referees, parents and volunteers for contributing to the success of this event and a big well done to the winners:

Boys Division:

🥇Sydney Uni Lions

🥈Highland Bears

🥉Hunter Hurricanes

Girls Division:

🥇Sydney Uni Lionesses

🥈SNB Breakerettes

🥉Balmain/Drummoyne

Mixed Division:

🥇Nordek Nippers

🥈Woy Woy Wombats

🥉Ryde Rhinos