Nominations for Hunter Hurricanes 2024-25 junior squads are now closed. To enquire about trials or squads please email coaching@hunterhurricanes.com.

The 2024-25 season will see the Hunter Hurricanes support the following squads.

• U12’s boys (born 13, 14)

• U12 Girls (born 13, 14)

• U14’s female (born 11, 12)

• U14’s male (born 11, 12)

• U16’s female (born 09, 10)

• U16’s male (born 09, 10)

• U18’s female (born 07, 08)

• U18’s male (born 07, 08)

Hunter Hurricanes will select junior squads from which tournament teams will be selected. Athletes must nominate for and be selected in the above squads to be eligible for selection in tournament teams. Inclusion in a squad will provide the junior athlete with an opportunity to train and build their skills in water polo for the 2024-25 season and be eligible for selection in tournament teams for State Championships and AYWPC. Inclusion in a squad does not guarantee selection for tournaments.

Athlete Commitment

Hunter Hurricanes are planning on competing in the following events. The following 2024/25 calendar summary is indicative and subject to change. It is provided to allow parents and athletes to be aware of and commit to our season.

1. Canberra Cup (Canberra, 8th - 10th November). Youth: 2011, 2012 & 2013 | Junior: 2008, 2009 and 2010

2. WPNSW state championships (Sydney, 14th - 22nd Dec 2024) (12,14,16,18's)

3. Water Polo Australian Youth Water Polo Championships (Perth). Week 1 | 14th to 18th April 2025 (14&U and 18&U). Week 2 | 20th to 24th April 2025 (12&U and 16&U)

4. U12’s: Orange Festival: 7th – 9th March 2025

5. Other WPNSW run/sanctioned events as identified by the club/coaches

Teams will train and swim each week. Below is an example of potential training commitments for each age group. These are provided as an example and may change once coaches build an understanding of their squad's capability and fitness and we confirm pool availability. Please note, teams are likely to have at least one, maybe two 5:30am sessions per week (age dependent) and/or Sunday training. Lambton pool may not be the only pool used for training, this may include central coast pools, in an environment where pool space is at a premium, with growing demands, all options are on the table.

• U12s: once per week

• U14s: two team sessions and one swim session

• U16s: two team sessions and one swim session

• U18s: It is expected the boys will train at least twice, if not three times per week with a compulsory swim set. For the girls, it will depend on the availability of those completing the HSC. TBD via coach conusltation. (if unsure about balancing school and polo please nominate so we can assess the right structure).

• Red Cap Club: The Hunter Hurricanes are committed to developing elite goal keepers. In order to support these unique individuals who are committed to protecting our goals at all costs, a dedicated skills and fitness session will be run every fortnight and is compulsory for all GKs. 

Athletes who wish to train and develop their skills, who do not intend on competeing at tournaments are encouraged to apply. Should a particular age group have high levels of interest, coaches will run trials during the first weeks of training

Fees

Fees include two components:

1. Trial Fee: nominal fee, registering athletes to the Hunter Hurricanes enabling athletes to trial. 
2. Squad fees: season fee covering training - fees will be the same as 2023-24 season pending training structure as mentioned above
3. Tournament fees: fee's passed on at cost to enter teams into tournaments and competitions

Australian Youth Water Polo Championships

The Australian Youth Water Polo Championships (AYWPC) will be held in Perth in April 2025, please note the following:

• u16's and u18s will travel as squads under the supervision of team staff
• u12's and u14s will travel independantly under supervision of parents or gaurdians
• iTalk Travel @ the junction has secured flights and accomodation for the squads and is sourcing group rates for u12s and u14s athletes / parents / gaurdians
• We have been approached by a sponsor who has expressed intent to subsidise the cost for athletes traveling to Perth, essentially equalising the cost to the equivalent of traveling to Brisbane. Details of which are still being confirmed. 

Timeline

The following is an estimated timeline, things may change

• 17th August EOI closes
• After the 18th August Invitations sent to those who EOI. Athletes to register pre trials*
• 19th August - 15th September Squad trials*
• 16th September squads announced, squad training commences*
• 21st October: State championship teams announced
• 8th November: Canberra Cup
• 14th December: WPNSW club state championships
• 16th February: AYWPC teams announced
• 14th April: AYWPC Perth

*may change after consultation with coaches

Fundraising

The Hunter Hurricanes will pursue a range of fundraising and sponsorship activities to support our season, including fortnightly raffles at the Queens Wharf Hotel, our catering and events sponsor. The money raised goes into a pool that is divided by the number of players participating and funds can be used for tournament & registration fees. Essentially, the more fundraising you do the more your costs are reduced. Please note; if you sign up for this, and are unable to meet your scheduled date, it is your responsibiltiy to organise a replacement or complete your day. 

How to nominate

Nominations are now closed. To enquire about squads or trials please email coaching@hunterhurricanes.com

Policies

Code of conduct

Selection policy