In March it was announced that eight NSW clubs were successful in receiving funding through the NSW Government's Local Sport Grants Program, delivered by the Office of Sport. 

We have caught up with Nash Clark, President of Pool Pirates, to see how the funding will be used and make a difference to the club. 

Can you tell us a bit about Pool Pirates and the community you serve? 
Pool Pirates Water Polo Club has approximately 130 members who compete in the Ovens and Murray Water Polo Association. We place a strong emphasis on junior development and have been consistently successful in this area. The club continues to focus on player retention while providing ongoing support and development opportunities for coaches. 

Why did Pool Pirates apply for funding and what were you hoping to achieve? 
Ovens and Murray Water Polo Association shared this opportunity with local clubs, and attending the Grant Information Session was both insightful and encouraging. Our major sponsor, Sawyer Commercial Construction, also encouraged us to upgrade our facilities at Albury Swim Centre to better reflect the Club’s values and growth. They provided guidance around documentation and council requirements. 

Pool Pirates applied for funding to refurbish the clubrooms, including new flooring, ceiling, change rooms, storage, and improved seating and layout, with the aim of creating a safer, more functional and welcoming space for all members. 

What made you decide to apply for the Local Sport Grant Program? 
The grant presented an opportunity to better serve Pool Pirates members by improving safety and security, while developing a functional clubroom that could better support coaching, player development, and day-to-day club operations. 

What do hope the funding will allow you to do that you couldn't have done otherwise? 
Without the grant, the refurbishment would not have been possible as the overall project cost was beyond the Club’s financial capacity. While we are fortunate to have members who regularly volunteer to maintain facilities, the grant allowed us to move beyond basic repairs and instead develop infrastructure that supports the club’s continued growth. 

How do you hope the project will impact your members? 
Enhanced safety and security are key outcomes of the upgraded clubrooms. Improvements to flooring, lighting, change rooms and screening will create a stronger sense of belonging, confidence and comfort, helping members feel more connected to the club and improving their overall experience. 

What would you say to other water polo clubs across NSW who may be considering applying for a grant like this? 
This grant helped clarify our club’s aspirations to continue providing resources that meet member needs while building pride and distinction. It also energised the broader club community, with many members keen to contribute through fundraising and donated goods, further strengthening the project’s impact. 

Is there anything that surprised you about the process — either the application itself or what came after? 
The application process is detailed and can require the involvement of multiple third parties. We were well supported by the Ovens & Murray Water Polo Association, Aligned Leisure and Albury City Council, reinforcing the importance of strong, positive relationships with key stakeholders. 

What's next for Pool Pirates, and could future grant funding play a part in that? 
Continued membership growth and development remain central goals for Pool Pirates. The success of this grant application will enhance our ability to provide quality coaching and playing environments, improving member enjoyment and performance. Future grant opportunities may play an important role in supporting this ongoing development. 

More information on available grants is in our monthly newsletters.