2024 AUSTRALIAN YOUTH WATER POLO CHAMPIONSHIPS - DAY 1 WRAP

Pools across Brisbane were buzzing as the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships made it’s return to the river city.

More than 210 teams from across the country will join the festival of water polo over the next two weeks, with seven pools across Brisbane to feature the action.

For all the replays and live stream from day one - click here

Week one features the 18&U and 14&U teams, with plenty of quality competition making for a thrilling opening day. 

Making the trip across the ditch, New Zealand’s Marist 18&U Boys made a strong start to their AYWPC campaign.

Marist’s Max Duder said he was proud of his team’s efforts on day one.

“The boys pulled through, played some good defence and came out with a win in our first game which is great,” Duder said.

“We’ve got a long way to go until the end of the tournament, but we haven’t come all this way just for a holiday.

“The competition and the number of teams is much stronger than what we have in New Zealand, and we love being here,” he said.

Brisbane is Duder’s second AYWPC experience, and he said so far the team has been enjoying their time in the sunshine state.

“Me and a couple of other boys played at the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships last year and came ninth, so we’re definitely trying to build on that,” Duder said.

“This tournament is a learning experience, learning from the Australian playing style.

“We went to Southbank yesterday and that was really cool. Playing in this pool (All Hallows) it’s not very often you play in a pool surrounded by this amazing skyline. We love coming here and seeing the sights of Brisbane,” he said.

Tasmania have also sent a contingent north for the AYWPC, with 14&U Girls player Naelys Mancini saying her team are looking forward to embracing the competition.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to come and play in Brisbane with my team and all my friends,” Mancini said. 

“It’s my first time playing water polo in Brisbane and it’s definitely warmer than what we’re used to but that also makes jumping in the pool nicer for the girls.

“Our first game went well, we played really well and had a lot of releases and a lot of shots. We really enjoyed it and can’t wait for the rest of the week.

“I’ve been really excited for this week, to come away with my friends and experience the competition atmosphere with everyone. 

“We’re going to see the Stingers and Sharks play which we’re really excited about too,” she said.

After a big pre-season training and preparing in Sydney, Drummoyne 18&U Girls were happy to start the 2024 AYWPC with a win. Charlie Stevens Drummoyne

“Really happy with that win. It’s always a bit nerve racking going into the first game, you never know what’s going to happen, especially when we’re playing New Zealand as it’s a team that we’ve never really seen before,” Drummoyne’s Charley Stephens said.

“We’ve been working really hard through the Sydney Metro season to come together as a team, we’ve got a lot of new players to the club so we’ve all been trying to build our connections,” she said.

Stephens said although this will be her last AYWPC, she’s keen to make the most of the opportunity and spend time with her team. 

“I started in 14&U with SNB Breakers, so I’ve been playing at AYC since then and this is my last year which is a bit sad,” Stephens said.

“But I just love the team culture, being away with the teams, getting to know your team mates better and becoming good friends with everyone.

“It’s so nice to be in Brisbane, I love all of the outdoor pools here they are all really nice to play in…it’s good to be back,” she said.

Nordek 14&U Boys player Alex Punzmann said his team made the road trip up from Canberra and are loving being in Brisbane.

“We had a great start to the competition this morning, it was good to be back in the water. We’re on holidays so haven’t been doing our usual training, but we played well,” Punzmann said.

“We drove up from Canberra for this so there was a lot of time spent in the car, but it’s so worth it to be here with the team. I’m looking forward to playing every day, all the team dinners and spending time with the boys.

“We’d like to make it to the finals, finish nice and high and show that Canberra has talent. No matter what, we’re all going to have fun and enjoy playing as part of the team,” he said.

For all the results from day one and upcoming draw - click here

ORD MINNETT TEST MATCH SERIES

The Ord Minnett Aussie Sharks and Aussie Stingers will also be in Brisbane for the AYWPC, playing in a three test match series. Find out more and purchase your tickets here.

TOP 17 THINGS TO DO IN BRISBANE

You’ll have a ball in Brisbane while here for the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships (AYWPC). Plunge into the city and surrounds with this list of must-do experiences, from island hopping and adrenaline-fueled fun, to a foodie feast and endless summer sport.

We hope to see you, your team and family out and about exploring Brisbane’s must-do experiences. 

CLICK HERE to find out more.