In our second edition of the all-new Water Polo NSW (WPNSW) monthly newsletter I would like to start by acknowledging all the families who enable the players, coaches, and officials to participate and enjoy our sport. We have a great community and if you want to get more involved, please reach out to your local Club/Association or WPNSW because there is a role for everyone.

This month WPNSW has one Women’s Team and one Men’s Team selected to represent NSW at the upcoming Australian Country Championships hosted by WPQ from 8-11 May at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre. WPNSW wish to extend our support and well wishes to both NSW Country Team’s and thank our Head Coaches Shannon Jones and Jarad Tobin for their leadership.

Changing seasons and new beginnings:

The highlights of this month include hosting the NSW Junior State Championships from the 15-23 April, and having eight Club performances in the Australian Water Polo League (AWL) that resulted in three Women’s team’s (Balmain, Drummoyne and Sydney Uni), and five Men’s Team’s (Balmain, Cronulla, Drummoyne, Wests and Sydney Uni) in the final six AWL teams for each of the Women's and Men's finals in Sydney.

Congratulations to the Drummoyne Water Polo Club men's team who won the gold medal and their first AWL title, with Sydney Uni winning silver and Balmain winning bronze.

In the Women’s it was the Queensland Thunder Water Polo who won gold, Fremantle won silver and Balmain bronze.

There's plenty more great updates and information below including:

• The latest news regarding our Development Academy
• WPNSW's commitment to a safe, fair and inclusive environment
• Results from the NSW Junior State Champs
• Registrations are open for the 2024 Winter Metro Competition 
• Ord Minnet Aussie Stingers in action against the USA

In April 2024, Water Polo NSW (WPNSW) launched the “Development Academy”.

This development program, for 13&U and 15&U athletes, is focused on improving the foundation skills and giving exposure to a range of different game scenarios. Lead by our experienced coaches, the Development Academy runs across Term 2 and Term 3 and will provide athletes with the opportunity to train in a different environment with athletes, coaches, and support staff from across NSW. The purpose of the program is to produce performance ready athletes who are eligible for selection in the 15&U NSW State Team Program.

To help drive the development program we are delighted to welcome Pip Pipkin as the new Assistant Coach at NSWIS.

You can read more about the academy through the link below.

In April we hosted the 2024 NSW Junior State Championships across 9 days at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre. The Water Polo NSW (WPNSW) event played host to 74 Teams, approximately 880 athletes, 280 games and included approximately 2,500 spectators. We were excited to see such a vibrance of activity and competition throughout the tournament.

A special congratulations must go to our division winners:

- 14&U Boys - Syndey University Lions

- 14&U Women - Sydney University Lionesses

- 16&U Boys - SNB Breakers

- 16&U Women - SNB Breakers

- 18&U Boys - Sydney University Lions

- 18&U Women - UTS Balmain Tigers

Water Polo NSW (WPNSW) is committed to safety, both in and out of the pool. WPNSW has a zero-tolerance policy to the abuse of officials, team officials, game officials, players or spectators. We must have positive behaviour, enjoy the game and lead by example. WPNSW reminds members of their rights and responsibilities under Water Polo Australia (WPA)/WPNSW integrity, disciplinary and grievance policies which you can find by following the links below:

• National Integrity Framework – click HERE to view introductory video

 • Code of Conduct – click HERE

• Personal Grievances Policy – click HERE

You can also find out more about what we are doing to help create a safe, fair and inclusive environment in the latest update to our Info Hub

With winter fast approaching WPNSW staff and the Winter Metro Competition Working Group are finalising all the details for the 2024 Winter Metro Competition. WPNSW has sent an information pack to the Clubs.

Details of the competition include.

Team Entry Fee: $450.00.

Entries Close: 5pm Sunday 5th May 2024

Team Entries Here

Start dates:

Junior: 26th May

Men: 28th May

Women: 29th May

Finals:

Junior: 25th August

Men: 20th August

Women: 21st August

Divisions

12&U Boys and Girls

14&U Boys and Girls

16&U Boys and Girls

18&U Boys and Girls Division

1 Men & Women Division

2 Men & Women

Please contact your Club/Association in the first instance for further information. Any other inquiries please email competitions@waterpolonsw.org.au

WPNSW wish to thank the Winter Competitions Working Group who have worked hard these past few months to review and prepare for the 2024 Winter Competition.

With the Olympic squad announcements due Thursday 9th May, several NSW athletes were in action with the Ord Minnett Aussie Stingers against world champs the USA. The 3 match series took place in California as part of their Olympic preparations.

We're anticipating fantastic representation from NSW athletes in the women’s and men’s Olympic squads and we'll be releasing the full details as soon as the announcements are made.

You can find out more about the Stingers series in the USA via the link below.

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