Kiwis excited for new challenge in Brisbane at KAP7 AYWPC

Thousands of competitors and outdoor pools are just two of the new challenges that New Zealand club Tauranga MMC will face when they compete at the 2020 KAP7 Australian Youth Water Polo Championships (AYWPC).

A name synonymous with water polo in New Zealand, the team are going to be led by Danny Kayes, brother of KAP7 Aussie Sharks and Rio Olympian Joe Kayes.

Danny, a past member of the New Zealand national team, said that the experience his team will gain from competing at KAP7 AYWPC will be second to none.

“There are only so many teams in New Zealand so for our girls to be able to experience how the Aussies do it will be so valuable,” Danny said.

“The Australians play a really fit and fast style of water polo, which starts at a junior level and carries through to the world stage, so our girls will definitely experience a different type of opposition and they’ll benefit from that,” he said.

18&U Tauranga Girls

Personally, Danny is excited to return to Brisbane, a place he visited seven years ago on a tour with the New Zealand national team.

“I’m really looking forward to going back and showing my girls round, even to show them the outdoor pools, we don’t really have any of those in New Zealand.”

But the trip across the ditch will hold special meaning, as not only will Danny be coaching his team, but will get to watch brother Joe and his Aussie Sharks team mates take on the USA.

“The last time I watched Joe play live was at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games,” Danny said.

KAP7 Aussie Sharks Joe Kayes pictured with his family Rio 2016 Olympic Games, including brother Danny (left)

“Australia has a good rivalry with the USA and it’ll be great to be able to see Joe in action again.”

The 2020 KAP7 Australian Youth Water Polo Championships are set to kick off in Brisbane on Saturday 11 January.

More than 2000 competitors from 187 teams across Australia and internationally will line up across the two week water polo festival, the largest water polo event in the Southern Hemisphere.

The two week festival of water polo will be complemented by an international test match series, where the Aussie Stingers and KAP7 Aussie Sharks will take on the USA in three official tests at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre on 14, 16 and 18 January.

Tickets are selling fast but are available at https://bit.ly/AUSvUSAtix

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