Empowering Next Generation Water Polo Talent Through Tournament Development Opportunities

Published Wed 26 Jul 2023

What an adrenaline-charged month it's been for our young water polo players, coaches and referees attending the 15&U East Coast Challenge (ECC) in Melbourne and the inaugural WPA 13&U Development Carnival in Hobart. In line with the Performance Pathways Reform strategy, WPNSW has been fostering the growth and potential of our young athletes in recent weeks, providing development opportunities through a series of tournaments. Performance. We are wrapping up a month of impressive aquatic action and it’s time to sit back and soak up the highlights from the 15&U ECC and 13&U Developments Tournaments.

Firstly, let's talk about opportunity and development. These events were more than just tournaments. They were platforms for our athletes, coaches, and referees to hone their skills and gain precious tournament exposure, essential for their evolution as emerging water polo players. From powerful throws, tight defence, to strategic positioning, we witnessed athletes emerging smarter, mentally stronger and more confident with each game.

Of course, it’s not all about the action in the pool.

New friendships were forged, carpool karaoke careers were launched, and a new share ride service was born — Pookies Polo Pick-up! There's no better way to bond than pushing your limits together, celebrating wins and learning from losses together, and at the end of the day, having a laugh together.

Now, about the action in the pool…

We witnessed some impressive performances that have the WPNSW office beaming with pride (and a shiny new shield 😉). Our 15&U NSW Academy teams truly rose to the occasion against State Teams at the ECC Tournament showcasing their tenacity and skills. Hats off to our high-flying boys' teams – the NSW Academy Sea Dragons 🌊🐉, who clinched the ECC Shield, and the Electric Eels ⚡️🐍, who secured third place.

And let's not forget our dazzling girls' teams – the NSW Academy Pearls and Opals 🦪🐚✨, who duelled it out to secure third and fourth places respectively. Their determination, teamwork and resilience under pressure were a sight to behold.

Now, don't think we forgot about our little champs. The inaugural 13&U WPA Development Carnival in Hobart was about sowing seeds for the future of water polo. Today's tadpoles are tomorrow's Stingers or Sharks. This carnival showcased the incredible potential within our younger ranks that will bolster our pathways for 2024 and beyond.

“It was great to see so many of the girls pick up different skills during the tournament challenging themselves to try a different way of defending, driving or shooting. I was also to see a huge improvement of body position in the water and a greater understanding of why you need to have your hips up. Tasmania also provided many of the girls the opportunity to form positive and supportive relationships with people from different clubs. I look forward to seeing all the girls on pool deck soon!”

- Rochelle Hatch - Coach U13 NSW Pearls

These events were more than just tournaments, they were opportunities — steppingstones for our athletes, coaches, and referees, to develop in and out of the pool. These events perfectly encapsulated our reformed Performance Pathways 2023 vision — creating opportunity, fostering development, and accelerating performance. They validate our vision and commitment towards shaping an ecosystem that nurtures competitive excellence while valuing and promoting personal growth. So, raise your water bottles to our determined athletes, diligent coaches and referees, and our dedicated volunteers. Their efforts have laid the foundations for a strong season and a bright future for our Performance Pathways in 2024 and beyond!