Olympic athletes from Australia, USA and Japanese have arrived in Perth for the Tri-Nations Water Polo Test Series, looking to not only notch up a few wins but also inspire the next generation.
More than 2000 water polo players from across the country will take part in the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships (AYWPC) over the next two weeks, but will also have the opportunity to see world class water polo live.
Three sold out double header test matches on Wednesday 11th, Friday 13th and Sunday 15th of January - featuring current and future Olympic players - will provide juniors a chance to see their heroes in action.
Australian men’s team captain Nathan Power said the incredible opportunity to play in front of many young fans, on home soil, is not lost on his team.
“It’s awesome to be able to play on home soil. Getting to be amongst the atmosphere of the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships is really cool as well. It’s awesome to see so many people here, who are passionate about the sport," Nathan said.
“We get to play in some awesome places around the world, but getting to play here in front of home fans… it can’t be matched.
“These kids are going to sit there and see however many people in the stadium, all watching us play [Tri-Nations Test Series] and that’s something that’s really cool because it’s going to drive their motivation moving forward as they continue on the path they are on with water polo.
“Brisbane 2032 will be on a lot of people’s minds here at AYWPC and I think that’s a really, really cool thing for them to be looking forward to.”
Perth local and captain of the Australian women’s team Zoe Arancini said her side will be taking in the atmosphere that the Aussie fans will surely provide, especially from enthusiastic youth players.
“It’s really exciting to have the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships here in my home town of Perth, to showcase the great pools and great weather we have here," Zoe said.
“It’s great to see how much water polo has grown, in particular the AYWPC that has been around for a few years now. It’s fantastic to see especially with a home Olympic Games [Brisbane] on the horizon in 2032.
“The opportunity to play international water polo on home soil and for the chance for these kids to see the world’s best, is really great for our sport.”
The Australian Youth Water Polo Championships commenced on Monday 9th of January and continues through Thursday 19th of January. Watch the AYWPC action live and on demand on Kommunity TV.
Tri-Nations Water Polo Test Series Schedule
Wednesday 11 January
6:00pm (AWST) - Aussie Stingers vs USA Women
7:30pm (AWST) - Aussie Sharks vs Japan
Friday 13 January
6:00pm (AWST) - Aussie Sharks vs Japan
7:30pm (AWST) - Aussie Stingers vs USA Women
Sunday 15 January
6:00pm (AWST) - Aussie Stingers vs USA Women
7:30pm (AWST) - Aussie Sharks vs Japan
Water Polo
WHAT IS WATER POLO?
Water Polo is Australia’s most popular aquatic team sport, that is designed for participants of all backgrounds and abilities. Two teams face off across four quarters, with the aim of throwing the ball into your opponent's goal. Each team has seven players, including a goalkeeper, and all play without their feet ever touching the bottom!
WHAT DO I NEED?
Just your swimmers and a towel! When you jump in the water you will be given a cap and a ball to play with your team!
WHO CAN PLAY?
Everyone 5 to 95+ years – water polo is a great sport for all ages, shapes, sizes and abilities focusing on water safety, team spirit and ball handling.
