As we wrap up the 2023-24 season, I'm excited to share some updates from Water Polo NSW. First, a big thank you to all Clubs and Associations that have completed their annual Membership applications. We've successfully transitioned to the 2024-25 season within the RevSport membership platform.

I'm thrilled to announce some changes to our team, aimed at enhancing our service to you:

Brett Bevan-Olive joins us as GM, Business and Participation

Breanna Baardwijk is our new Coordinator for Member Services, Communications, and Administration

Jordan Smith takes on the role of Coordinator for Events and Regional Development

Also, Harry Sanderson has been promoted to GM, Sport Operations

Please join me in welcoming our new team members, who are eager to meet you and engage with our community in the coming months.

As we look ahead to a fantastic summer, we're working hard to prepare for an exciting year in water polo.

Yours in water polo,

Lucy

As Spring arrives we are gearing up for the new season and some important upcoming events including:

• A sit down with Stingers Head Coach and one of our own Bec Rippon
• National Water Polo Day is fast approaching
• Registrations close soon for the Water Polo Australia Summit on the Gold Coast
• The finals of the Winter Metro competition were played
• NSW athletes are getting ready for the Women’s 18&U World Champs

Let's dive in...

National Water Polo Day is Saturday 14 Sep 2024 from 9:00am until 5:00pm

This celebration of Water Polo across Australia aims to make the sport accessible to as many people as possible. Come celebrate with us at one of our clubs! For more information, please click below.

📅 Date: 1-2 October

📍 Location: Gold Coast

🚨 Registration Deadline: 27^th September

Calling all coaches and referees! This summit is your chance for unparalleled personal and professional growth. Limited spots available – secure yours today!

Why Attend?

Olympic Insights: Learn from Tim Hamill and Rebecca Rippon about the Ord Minnett Aussie Sharks and Stingers' Olympic strategies.

World-Class Refereeing: Gain knowledge from top international referee Boris Margeta.

Coaching Excellence: Join Ashley Ross from Coach Learning Solutions for sessions on:

• "Coaching the Coach and Official"
• "How to Succeed Together"

Tailored Learning: Participate in breakout sessions specific to coaches, officials, and delegates.

Expert Panels:

• Australian Sports Commission discussion
• Athlete panel on the impact of coaches and officials

Don't let this opportunity slip away – register now and elevate your water polo expertise!

🌟 NSW Athletes Shining on the World Stage

We're bursting with pride as our NSW water polo stars make waves both nationally and internationally this September!

Women's 18&U World Championships

 • 6 NSW athletes representing Australia

 • Training camp in Athens, Greece

 • World Championships in China, 15-22 September

Let's cheer on our young Aussies as they take on the world's best!

2024 National State Championships

 • 4 NSW Teams competing

• Gold Coast, 26-30 September

• Weeks of intense preparation

• Facing Australia's top talent

Our teams are primed and ready to showcase NSW's water polo prowess. Let's rally behind them as they compete against the nation's finest!

To our athletes:

Your dedication inspires us all. Go out there, give it your all, and make NSW proud. We're behind you every splash of the way!

As we approach the new season, let's reflect on our commitment to integrity and respect for everyone in water polo. Our recently updated Water Polo NSW Strategic Plan emphasises the importance of positive behaviours throughout our community.

Our Call to Action:

• Players: Compete with fairness and sportsmanship

• Coaches: Lead by example and foster a positive environment

• Referees: Officiate impartially and professionally

• Parents and Spectators: Support positively from the sidelines

Remember: Your words and actions shape our sport's culture. Let's make it one we're proud of!

📚 Integrity Education Update:

• Water Polo NSW is collaborating with Sport Integrity Australia

• We're developing a framework for integrity training and education

• Initial focus: Child Safeguarding

• Stay tuned for more information coming soon!

🔍 Want to Learn More? Explore Sport Integrity Australia's educational resources for all levels of sport via the link below.

Together, we can create a safer, more respectful water polo community for everyone!

Exciting news! The Water Polo NSW Events Calendar for the 2024/25 season is now live.

Get ready for a thrilling year of competitions and championships!

🏆 Season Opener: NSW Junior Country Club Championships

📍 Location: Newcastle

🚀 Team entries opening soon!

Interested in participating?

👉 Contact your Club or Association to express your interest.

👉 Stay tuned for the official launch of team entries in the coming weeks.

🔗 View the Full Events Program via the link below

Don't miss out on any action-packed events this season. Check out the calendar and start planning your water polo year now!

🏆 Winter Metro Competition Wrap-Up

• Over 60 teams competed
• 20 divisions
• 8-week league
• Thrilling finals with close matches

Congratulations to all our medal-winning teams!

🌞 Summer Season Kick-Off

Summer Metro Competition

• Team entries now open

Super League

• Team entries now open
• First round starts October 5^th

Don't miss out on the action! Whether you're a player, coach, or fan, there's plenty of water polo excitement ahead. Get ready to make a splash this summer! 💦

🗓️ Want to plan your competitive season? View our full competitions calendar via the link below.

Water Polo Australia has confirmed the Insurance Webinar for Clubs and Associations will be held on Wednesday 11th September 2024 at 6:30pm.

We encourage you to contact your Club or Association with any insurance questions so they can represent you and bring back further information. The webinar details have been sent to Presidents and Secretaries.

The NSW Office of Sport recently moved the Kids Active Voucher program over to Service NSW.

Information related to the NSW Kids Active and Creative Kids voucher program can be found here: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/active-and-creative-kids-voucher

Kids Active Vouchers can be redeemed by individual organisations (Clubs) by registering as a provider Information on how to register as a provider can be found via the link below:

Leadership Opportunities: Shape the Future of Water Polo

Passionate about water polo? Here's your chance to make a difference at the highest levels:

Sport NSW Elected Director Positions

• Help guide sport across NSW
• Learn More & Apply
• Nominations to be received by 5pm Friday, 13^th September

 Water Polo Australia Non-Executive Director Positions

• Influence the national direction of water polo
• Learn More & Apply
• Nominations to be received by 5pm Monday, 16^th September

Nominations now open for both roles!

Running since 1994, the Sports Awards celebrate the achievements of NSW high performance athletes, coaches, officials, administrators and organisations each year.

Nominations are now open for the 2024 awards, and the competition will be a close one with so many outstanding and memorable performances.

You can find out more via the link below.

📬 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! 🏊‍♂️🏊‍♀️