Here we go for a new season! The board are delighted to welcome St Catherine's Aquatics Water Polo Club to our community for their inaugural summer of water polo.

Congratulations to our U15 and U17 girls and boys, along with their dedicated coaches and managers, for their outstanding performances at the National State Championships on the Gold Coast. Our referees also deserve special mention for their important work during the competition.

Our operations team has been hard at work on our strategic re-set projects CLICK HERE. We're making great strides, particularly with the recent training and education from the WPA insurance webinar CLICK HERE  and the upcoming sessions focused on integrity for our members.

We welcome the recent NSW Government announcement of the increase to funding for grassroots sporting organisations. We’ve recently reviewed our constitution to ensure our governance framework remains relevant, aligns with current best practices, and effectively supports our mission and evolving needs. The release of the National Gender Equity in Sports Governance Policy is a significant milestone CLICK HERE.

As a board, we're committed to maintaining and enhancing our gender equity to comply with this new policy. There has also been an update to the date of the 2024 AGM which will now be held on Saturday 30th November.

Thank you all for your continued support for the sport we love.

As the season kicks off we are gearing up for some important upcoming events including:

• Super League has kicked off the season 
• Sport Integrity Australia is attending the NSW State Championships
• Upcoming Sport Safety Integity Webinars 
• Pride in Sport Festival 
• NSW athletes selected for WPA National Age Group Program Squad 2025

Let's get into it...

🌟 $60,000 Funding Available: Australian Pride in Sport Festival - Promoting LGBTQ+ Inclusion in Water Polo!

Attention all water polo clubs and organisations! Be part of a nationwide celebration promoting inclusivity in sport. The Australian Pride in Sport Festival is offering an incredible opportunity to enhance LGBTQ+ inclusion in our sport and secure valuable funding.

Key Details:

- Total Funding Pool: $60,000

- Additional Resources: Over $30,000 worth of support available

- Application Deadline: 11:59pm AEDT Sunday 20 October 2024

Why Participate?

- Secure funding to enhance your inclusive initiatives

- Access expert resources and support

- Be part of a national calendar of LGBTQ+ led activities

- Help welcome new participants into water polo

This is your chance to make a significant impact on diversity and inclusion within water polo. We encourage all clubs and organisations to apply and showcase their commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all athletes.

"We are redefining participation to be more than just competing. It is about creating safe, welcoming and inclusive spaces where everyone can belong and thrive." ~ Kieren Perkins, CEO Australian Sports Commission

For more information and to submit your application, visit the Pride in Sport Festival website.

🌟 NSW Athletes Shining on the World Stage

In September, Water Polo NSW had 6 athletes represent Australia at the 18&U World Aquatics World Championships securing a phenomenal 5^th place result. 

A special congratulations to our athletes:

- Christina DiGiandomenico – Drummoyne

- Charley Stephens – Drummoyne

- Chelsea Isaac – UNSW

- Saskia Dunn – UTS Balmain Tigers

- Indiana Smith – UTS Balmain Tigers

- Matilda Waugh – UTS Balmain Tigers

National State Championships

The 2024 National State Championships took place from September 26th to 30th on the Gold Coast. Water Polo NSW congratulates all players, coaches, and support staff on their outstanding performance and sportsmanship during the event. We are thrilled to announce that our NSW teams won multiple medals.

- 15&U Boys: Silver - National Champions

- 15&U Girls: Gold - National Champions

- 17&U Boys: Silver

- 17&U Girls: Silver

WPA National Age Group Program Squad 2025

Congratulations to NSW Athletes Selected for WPA National Age Group Program Squads 2025

16&U Girls

- Alannah Paul - Sydney Northern Beaches

- Madeleine Hook - Drummoyne

- Emily Broadbent - Balmain

- Mia Akhurst - Sydney Northern Beaches

- Lilly Allen - Wyong

- Evelyn O'Neill - Balmain

- Harlei Kricak - Gosford

- Isabella Parkes - Sydney Northern Beaches

- Maya Mattes - Drummoyne

- Jade Visch - Sydney University

- Nikita Muriti - Sydney Northern Beaches

16&U Boys

- Nate Kell - Cronulla

- Nathaniel Santos - Sydney University

- Henry Akhurst - Sydney Northern Beaches

- Orson Owen-Jones - Sydney University

- Toby Gould - Ovens & Murray

- Seth Booth - Ovens & Murray

- Christian Digiandomenico - Balmain

- Flynn Visch - Sydney University

- Kosta Tsiaousis - Sydney Northern Beaches

- Cooper Semmens - Sydney Northern Beaches

18&U Girls

- Abigail Oates - Sydney University

- Amy Somboli - Balmain

- Annabel Lynch - Sydney University

- Annabelle Waugh - Balmain

- Christina DiGiandomenico - Drummoyne

- Indiana Smith - Balmain

- Kate Duffy - Drummoyne

- Keira Rippon - Sydney University

- Kiera Mironova - Sydney University

- Lilly Wirth - Cronulla

- Minty Welsh - UNSW

- Saskia Dunn - Balmain

- Sophia Cooper - Sydney Northern Beaches

- Sophie Pethers - Balmain

- Zara Cooke - Sydney Northern Beaches

18&U Boys

- Alex Woolfe - Sydney Northern Beaches

- Brandon Liu - Ryde

- Campbell Warren - Sydney University

- Charlie Murphy - Balmain

- Cillian McGrath - Sydney University

- Declan McGregor - UNSW

- Jake Cox - Sydney University

- Jett Semmens - Sydney Northern Beaches

- Joshua Gould - Ovens & Murray

- Lachlan Davies - Sydney Northern Beaches

- Orlando Mina - Sydney University

- Savo Todic - UNSW

- Taj Young - Sydney University

Water Polo NSW extends its warmest congratulations to these talented young athletes on their selection for the WPA National Age Group Program Squad 2025. This achievement is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and exceptional skills in the pool. We are proud to see such strong representation from our NSW clubs and look forward to following their progress in the national program. Well done to all selected players, their families, and their coaches who have supported their journey thus far!

Sport Integrity Australia to Attend NSW State Championships

We are pleased to announce that representatives from Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) will be present at the upcoming NSW State Championships, scheduled for December 14th - 22nd, 2024. The exact date of their attendance will be advised closer to the event.

Sport Integrity Australia plays a crucial role in protecting the integrity of Australian sport through education, policy, and monitoring. Their presence at our championships underscores the importance of maintaining fair play and ethical standards in water polo.

During their visit, SIA representatives will be available to:

- Provide information on anti-doping regulations and procedures

- Offer guidance on reporting match-fixing and other integrity issues

- Answer questions about SIA's role in protecting Australian sport

We encourage all athletes, coaches, and officials to take advantage of this opportunity to engage with SIA and learn more about maintaining the integrity of our sport.

For more information about Sport Integrity Australia and their mission, visit their website: CLICK HERE

Stay tuned for more details about SIA's specific schedule during the NSW State Championships. Let's work together to protect the integrity of water polo and ensure a fair and ethical competitive environment for all.

WPNSW's Commitment to Sport Safety: Upcoming Webinars

At Water Polo NSW, we are deeply committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants in our sport. As part of our ongoing efforts to create a secure and positive environment, we are excited to announce a series of upcoming webinars focused on various aspects of sport safety.

These webinars will cover crucial topics such as:

- Child safeguarding in water polo

- Fostering a safe and inclusive sport environment

- Mental health awareness for athletes and coaches

- Injury prevention and management

We believe that education is key to maintaining a safe and enjoyable sport for everyone. These webinars will provide valuable insights, practical tips and up-to-date information to help our community stay informed and proactive about sport safety.

🔍 Stay tuned for dates and registration details for these webinars will be announced soon. We encourage all members, coaches, officials and parents to participate in these sessions.

Upcoming Events: Mark Your Calendars!

Get ready for an exciting summer season full of events and competitions! Don't miss out on the action - check our events calendar for the latest updates and registration deadlines. HERE

Team entries are opening soon for the first event of the season: NSW Junior Country Club Championships

📝 Team Entry Opens: October 21st, 2024

📅 Event Date: November 15th–17th, 2024

📍 Location: Newcastle

🚫 Team Entry Closes: 3rd November 2024

Following the with NSW State Championships entries opening the 1st of November!

📝 Team Entry Opens: 1st November 2024

📅 Event Date: 14th – 22nd December 2024

📍 Locations: Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre & Pymble Ladies College

🚫 Team Entry Closes: 10th November 2024

The 2024/25 Season kicked off with the Super League Competition on October 3rd. We're excited to announce a record-breaking 210 team entries this year, representing a 16% increase from the previous season. Stay updated with your team's fixtures and results on our WEBSITE.

Get ready for an exhilarating display of water polo prowess as teams from across NSW, ACT, and New Zealand dive into fierce competition.

Here are the Men's Round 1 Results:

•  Thu 03 Oct: Cronulla SL Men vs New Zealand 17 – 7
•  Fri 04 Oct: UTS Balmain vs New Zealand 12 – 11
•  Sat 05 Oct: Drummoyne vs New Zealand 11 – 7
• Sun 06 Oct: Hunter Hurricanes vs New Zealand 7-14

Not to be forgotten about: We also had over the weekend the kick-off of Division 1, JNR Metro and Division 2.
 

CHECK OUT THE RESULTS HERE

The NSW Office of Sport has recently transitioned the Kids Active Voucher program to Service NSW. This change brings new opportunities for clubs and organisations to directly participate in the program. Here's what you need to know:

Program Information: For details about the NSW Kids Active and Creative Kids voucher program, visit the Service NSW Active and Creative Kids Voucher page HERE

Direct Redemption: Individual organisations (Clubs) can now redeem Kids Active Vouchers by registering as a provider with Service NSW.

How to Register as a Provider:

    - Visit the Service NSW Provider Registration page HERE

    - Click on 'Apply online'

    - Log in to your MyServiceNSW Account or create one if you don't have it

    - Follow the prompts to complete the application

    - Provide necessary documentation, including ABN and bank details

    - Submit your application for review

After Registration: Once registered and approved by Service NSW, clubs can upload and redeem vouchers directly through the Service NSW platform.

Important Note: There is no need to provide voucher numbers to Water Polo NSW. All transactions will be handled directly through Service NSW.

We encourage all eligible clubs to register as providers to take advantage of this program and make water polo more accessible to young athletes across NSW.

Don't miss your chance to recognise outstanding achievements in water polo! The nominations for the 2024 NSW Sports Awards close today.

🕒 Deadline: 5:00 PM AEDT, October 8, 2024

Categories include:

- Athlete of the Year

- Young Athlete of the Year

- Team of the Year

- Coach of the Year

- Official of the Year

- Administrator of the Year

Submit your nominations now using the link below 

Our WPNSW executive staff recently attended the WPA Summitt on the Gold Coast. The conference focussed on personal and professional development of coaches and referees of all levels. Our purpose on attending was to bring back any learnings on how to better deliver opportunities for growth of coaches and officials in NSW.

I can report the time was well invested and the sessions from one of the world’s top referees Boris Margeta, and Stingers and Sharks National head coaches Bec Rippon and Tim Hammil were excellent. There was also a thought-provoking session by Ashley Ross from Coach Learning Solutions on "Coaching the Coach and Official” and "How to Succeed Together." We need to work together respectfully to deliver a high performing environment for players, coaches, referees and importantly the spectators and fans of water polo.

WPNSW is now looking at the potential of delivering a similar workshop and learning opportunity for coaches and referees in NSW during the coming season. Watch this space for further updates shortly.

All the best to everyone for the start of the season.

Yours in water polo

Lucy

📬 Stay Connected: We Want to Hear from You!

Got news to share? Questions on your mind? We're all ears!

🗣️ Speak Up:

• Share your water polo stories

• Ask us anything

• Provide valuable feedback

👉 Reach out easily: Via this quick form

We'll dive right in and get back to you as soon as possible!

Thanks for being part of our water polo community. See you poolside next month! 🏊‍♂️🏊‍♀️