Working Group to Help Shape Future of Women and Girls Participation in Water Polo in NSW

A Women and Girls Strategy Working Group comprising players, coaches, referees, administrators and a researcher has been formed to help guide the direction of women and girls participation in water polo across NSW.

Our mission at Water Polo NSW is to create engaging, affordable and accessible water polo for all, and the purpose of this group is to explore ways to increase participation of women and girls in our sport.

Water Polo NSW CEO Alex Godbold welcomed the appointments and said it’s vital to give women in water polo a voice on matters that directly relate to them.

"Our sport has come along way since the inclusion of Women's water polo at the 2000 Olympic Games and WPNSW is very proud to continue to provide opportunities for players, coaches, referee's and administrators to have a voice. It is important we listen to our community if we are to continue to grow and develop participation and engagement across the State,"Godbold said.

Suzanne Ramke, Water Polo NSW President, stated the diversity of the group, bringing voices from coaches, officials, administrators and players, is critical to shaping the future of water polo.

“Water Polo NSW is committed to increasing the number of women and girls playing our sport, improving the retention of adolescent girls, and increasing the number of female coaches, officials and leaders. In its first year, our Girls Making Waves program for 7-12 year old girls saw 71% of participants had never played before, and a further 15% had only played once or twice. This working group will help us find new ways to attract, retain and develop women and girls in water polo.” Ramke said. “We want to make sure women and girls' voices are heard and that they feel safe and supported to participate in water polo in ways that are appropriate for them.”

The Working Group will meet over the next 12 months to discuss the direction and issues in line with the WPNSW Strategic Plan and will conduct a number of community consultations.

WPNSW Women and Girls Strategy Working Group: Michaela Dyson, Meg Shaw, Zoe Dowdell, Catriona Rose, Lucy Gower, Suzanne Ramke.