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Welcome to our September newsletter!

A Message From The President

Dear WPNSW Family,

As our clubs and associations gear up for an exciting summer season, there’s real momentum building across our community.

On 23rd August, WPNSW joined WPA at Sydney Olympic Park to launch our Strategic Plans to 2032. It was a fantastic event, thank you to the many clubs represented and our valued partners who attended. You’ll find the plan and media release later on in this newsletter. Our regional service plans are coming together, and I’m excited to see the impact these will have as we work together to strengthen water polo across the whole state.

The roll-over for the 2025-26 season went smoothly, though there’s still much to do as we continue building strong foundations at both club and state levels.

Our WPNSW Competitions & Events calendar for 2025-26 is now live on the website, your one-stop for key dates and information.

Finally, mark your calendars for National Water Polo Day on Saturday 13th September, a great opportunity to celebrate our game at every level.

Here’s to a season of growth, connection, and a lifelong love of water polo.

Warm regards,

Lisa

Water Polo NSW Strategic Plan 2025-2032

Water Polo NSW Strategic Plan 2025–2032

CONNECT – ACTIVATE – THRIVE

We’re proud to launch Water Polo NSW’s Strategic Plan 2025–2032 — a bold roadmap to grow, strengthen, and inspire our community.

Our members are at the heart of the Water Polo NSW Strategic Plan 2025–2032. Shaped by the voices of clubs, associations, players, volunteers, and partners — and supported by the NSW Office of Sport — this plan captures the aspirations of our community.

Our vision is a connected and inclusive water polo community that champions excellence and inspires future generations. Our mission is to foster a lifelong love of water polo. Guided by our values — respect, integrity, curiosity, excellence, resilience, joy, and pride — this plan reflects who we are and what we stand for.

Together, we’ve created a member-owned vision to strengthen connections, welcome new participants, and ensure water polo thrives across NSW for years to come.

Sponsorship Opportunity

Sponsorship & Naming Rights Now Open for WPNSW Super League and Summer Metro Competition

Water Polo NSW is currently seeking sponsorship and naming rights partners for the upcoming 2025/26 WPNSW Super League and Summer Metro Season.

With over 7,000 registered members and a wide reach across clubs, schools, and representative pathways, partnering with us provides a strong platform to showcase your brand while supporting the growth of our sport.

Find out more information on our website, expressions of interest close on Friday 19th September.

Events & Competitions Update

Super League Competition

On Saturday 27th September the 2025/26 edition of the NSW Super League will commence. This season, the competition has expanded to offer a longer competition window that aligns to the Australian Water Polo League and has attracted additional interstate and international competition. Water Polo NSW looks forward to our members competing in the highest level of competition possible.

Watch out for further updates on our social media channels on how to tune into the Super League livestream and stay up to date with all of the latest competition information including insights from our athletes on how they prepare for a match and much, much more!

Water Polo Australia National State Championships

Water Polo NSW would like to wish the best of luck to our athletes, coaches and referees competing at the Water Polo Australia National State Championships held in Canberra from the 30th September - 4th October. These teams under the guidance of their expert coaches have been preparing for several weeks now and are eagerly looking forward to representing NSW with pride.

Winter Metropolitan Competition

Water Polo NSW would like to congratulate all clubs on a successful Winter Metropolitan Season. Team entries increased again this season in what is a positive reflection that the Water Polo community continues to grow in NSW. Click here to read more about the 2025 Winter Metro Grand Final results.

News, Updates and Opportunities

Expressions of Interest - Fun Fit Adult Intro Program

We are looking for four clubs (two metro and two regional) to deliver Fun Fit Water Polo – an adult beginner-friendly program designed to introduce new players to the sport and welcome back those returning.

Thanks to grant funding from WPA, WPNSW will deliver the pilot programs between October and November 2025.

Each selected club will receive:

• A one-off Fun Fit session delivered by WPNSW

• Coach upskilling and resources to run three follow-up sessions

• Ongoing admin and marketing support to help make Fun Fit a sustainable program at your club

• Complimentary equipment package

If you are an enthusiastic club, ready to grow participation, and keen to continue offering Fun Fit into the future please complete the survey on our website by Sunday 21st September.

Meet Lottie

We thrilled to introduce Lottie Walker as our new Member Communications and Marketing Coordinator.

Originally from the UK, Lottie brings nearly ten years of experience in communications, having worked with various organisations, including UK Anti-Doping and most recently NSW Ambulance.

As a former competitive swimmer Lottie now participates in running events and has successfully completed two marathons. She is also a passionate sports enthusiast, attending the Paris 2024 Olympics and the UEFA Women’s Euros 2025.

Lottie understands the power of sport to connect people and build communities. With her background and passion, she’s ready to take our communications to the next level — keeping you informed, engaged, and inspired.

Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Lottie as she becomes part of the Water Polo NSW community!

National Water Polo Day

On Saturday 13th September clubs across Australia will celebrate National Water Polo Day - a day dedicated to all things water polo, the people who make it special, and the next generation ready to dive in

Why Should Your Club Get Involved?

National Water Polo Day isn’t just another date on the calendar, it’s an opportunity to:

Shine a spotlight on your club - put your members, coaches, and players in the national conversation.
Attract new players - open your doors, run a “come and try” session, or showcase what makes your club unique.
Celebrate your community - from juniors to veterans, it’s a day to bring everyone together.
Grow the game - by joining forces nationwide, we show just how strong and vibrant our sport really is.

Sport Awards

2025 NSW Sports Awards

The 2025 NSW Sports Awards are NSW’s highest sports honours with awards presented across 12 categories, and serve to celebrate the achievements of NSW High Performance athletes, coaches, officials, and administrators and organisations on an annual basis. Winners are revealed at the 2025 NSW Champions of Sport Ceremony held on Monday, 24 November 2025 at Doltone House - Jones Bay Wharf, Pyrmont.

Nominations for the 2025 NSW Sports Awards are now open!

Find out more about the categories and how to nominate here.

Grants

Local Sporting Champions Grant

The Local Sporting Champions (LSC) program provides financial assistance for coaches, officials and competitors aged 12-18 participating in state, national or international championships.

If successful, applicants will receive $500-$750 towards the cost of attending their championships.

Applications will close on Friday 31st October.

Sport Integrity

Integrity: Safeguarding Our Community

As we prepare for the 2025/26 season, let’s commit to the highest standards of integrity. Safe and welcoming water polo starts with positive behaviours and strong safeguarding practices.

This season, all clubs and associations must “check the check” — verifying Working With Children Checks (WWCC) for everyone working with children and young people. Coaches, administrators, athletes, volunteers, parents, and officials each play a vital role in keeping our community safe.

Every child deserves to feel supported and protected while enjoying sport. By working together, we can ensure water polo in NSW remains a place of trust, respect, and care.

👉Click here for recommended SIA education and safeguarding resources for clubs and associations

Upcoming Sport Integrity Webinar

Protecting Sport Together

Sport Integrity Australia have recently updated their website for achieving a safe and inclusive environment for at all levels including:

Athletes
Administrators and Volunteers
Coaches and Officials
Parents and Families
Children and Young People
Science and Medicine
Schools and Educators, and
Communities

To access these resources visit the Sport Integrity Australia website.

National Child Protection Week

This year’s National Child Protection Week (NCPW), held from 7-13 September 2025, is themed ‘Shifting Conversation to Action’, highlighting the power we all hold to create safer communities for children and young people. Organised by NAPCAN, the week is a reminder that even small actions can make a big difference—prevention is everyone’s business and each positive step sets off a domino effect for broader change.

Join NAPCAN’s range of free events and access practical resources designed to empower individuals, families, and organisations to turn conversation into tangible action. By working together, we can help ensure every child in Australia grows up safe and supported.

Learn more - https://www.napcan.org.au/ncpw/

Officials

Sport NSW Fast Track Program

The Sport NSW Fast Track Program - Officials is a leadership and development initiative designed to support female and gender diverse officials across New South Wales. The intensive program aims to boost representation, confidence and capability in emerging elite female sports officials.

The program is designed to supplement tactical and technical official training and education provided by State Sporting Organisations with a focus on leadership, communication and female athlete health.

To find out more information and how to sign up, visit the Sport NSW website.

Community Updates

Check out what's happening in the WPNSW Community! Have a good news story or information to share? Let us know by emailing enquiries@waterpolonsw.org.au.

Sydney Stingers Beach Water Polo 4s

SAVE THE DATE! On Sunday 16th November the Stingers are starting summer with a splash with Beach Water Polo!

Beach 4s is always an awesome day on the harbour and a great chance to spend time playing the sport outside the Metro Comp in a fast-paced and fun format.

Grab your team, or register as an individual, and get ready to make a splash with us!

📅 Sunday 16th November 2025
📍 Manly Cove
🤽 Teams of 4 to 8 people, competitive or recreational divisions (both mixed all-gender). You can also register as an individual; if your team isn’t full we might place an individual registrant in your team.
💰 $400 team entry, $70 individual entry
⏳ Look out for registration information in your inboxes, in the October WPNSW newsletter, and on Stingers socials.

Beach Water Polo 4s is a fun, social comp organised by Sydney Stingers Water Polo. Have questions about the event? Reach out to events@sydneystingers.org.au.