Building opportunities across NSW water polo

October has been a busy month, with a focus on delivering our competitions and progressing the longer-term work needed to strengthen water polo across NSW.

Our aim is straightforward: to help more people enjoy the sport, support those seeking to progress, and give our clubs, coaches, officials and volunteers the backing they need.

One of the most significant proposals developed this month concerns support for NSW athletes selected in Australian age teams. Representing Australia is an outstanding achievement, but the associated costs can place considerable pressure on athletes and their families.

We are developing a proposal for an Australian Age Team Athlete Support Fund, with the ambitious goal of covering approved compulsory participation costs for eligible NSW athletes. The proposed eligibility framework includes residence in NSW for at least three completed seasons.

Achieving this goal will require a sustained community effort involving sponsors, donors, clubs, districts and supporters. The proposal explores a pooled fundraising approach so that assistance would not depend on an individual athlete’s fundraising connections or their family’s capacity to contribute.

We are also developing arrangements for an oversight committee to help guide the initiative. Final eligibility rules, funding arrangements and implementation remain subject to Board approval and securing the necessary resources. This is a significant undertaking, but one I believe is well worth pursuing.

Another major focus has been reviewing how our athlete and coach pathways connect. We want players and coaches to understand the opportunities available to them and how they can progress from club and regional water polo into state and national programs.

During October, we have been developing options to strengthen technical leadership across our performance pathways. We are proud to announce the appointment of Dudi Krstic as our new Pathways Manager, alongside Vedran Cirkovic’s move into the new role of Men’s Talent Development Coach. These changes aim to bring athlete development, talent identification, coaching standards and program delivery into a more coordinated structure.

Working closely with Water Polo Australia, its national coaches, the NSW Institute of Sport and our clubs will be central to this work. We also need a pathway that recognises regional athletes, late developers and players whose potential emerges at different stages.

Coach development is equally important. Strong athlete pathways depend on capable, supported coaches at every level. Our planning therefore includes education, mentoring, practical experience and opportunities for coaches to prepare for greater responsibilities within NSW and, where opportunities arise, national programs.

Our new Referees Committee is actively working to introduce a Referee Mentoring Program, through which all referees across the state will have access to a mentor. The program will be rolled out over the next month, providing support for referees as they build their skills, confidence and experience.

Behind the scenes, work has continued on reviewing our Constitution and preparing for our Annual General Meeting. This provides an opportunity to consider how our governance arrangements can better support a modern sporting organisation. Any proposed constitutional changes will follow the required Board and member processes, with clear information provided to members.

We are also working on a new WPNSW website, which we expect to launch in late November. The site is being designed to be easier to use and more relevant to the current needs of our water polo family, helping members find the information they need.

As competitions continue, I want to acknowledge the people whose contribution makes our sport possible. Club committees, referees, coaches, team managers, volunteers and parents put in countless hours, often alongside demanding work and family commitments. Your efforts create opportunities for others to play, develop and remain connected to water polo.

Our priorities are closely linked: accessible participation, stronger development opportunities, well-supported people and sound governance. Progress will depend on listening to our community and working together.

On a personal note, I have appreciated the opportunity to meet with many club committees and will continue these visits across metropolitan and country areas. These conversations give members a direct opportunity to share their particular challenges, ideas and opportunities with WPNSW, helping us understand where we can assist in making their water polo experience more enjoyable and successful. My aim is to attend at least one committee meeting of every Club and District each year.

Finally, I would like to thank Jacob Balenzuela, who left the organisation in October. Jacob contributed to building a strong competitions section within WPNSW. On behalf of the organisation and the wider water polo community, I thank him for his contribution to our sport and wish him well in his future endeavours.

Thank you to everyone in our water polo family for your contribution throughout October. I look forward to sharing further updates as these initiatives develop.

Noel Harrod
General Manager
Water Polo NSW