ADELAIDE JUNIORS READY FOR NATIONALS 

When the 14&U Girls Team from Adelaide Jet juniors arrive in Brisbane for the 2019 Australian Youth Water Polo Championships, they know they will have done everything possible to make the most of their nationals campaign.

Coach Millie Lewis, who stepped into the role four months ago, said her side has been training all year for this tournament.

“All of the girls are from Adelaide, but come from different clubs and schools. We have four who are playing their first nationals and they’re a bit nervous, given some of them are quite young.

“Our focus is to play to our strengths… we have a lot of girls with a swimming background so we are focused on being speedy in the water. 

“They’re excited for the tournament especially given all the other age groups are going to be there at once. They are getting involved in everything, including going to Riverlife (Welcome Party).

“We (Adelaide Jets) have an 18&U team which will be in the same hotel, so they’re excited to be going along with the ‘big girls’,” said Lewis.

Keeping it in the family

One of the players in the Adelaide Jets 14&U team, Tayla Dawkins, was always destined to play water polo given the strong involvement her family has within the sport.

With her older brother, mum, uncle and many of her cousins playing water polo, Tayla will be keeping the family tradition alive when she competes with her mates at the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships.

Her skills in the water has also seen her playing up an age group, making this national championship her third in 12 months.

“We have such a great team, all of my friends are in it. A couple of them have been in my team since we started….I started when I was 11 so three years ago.

“I just love water polo… it’s a cracker sport because it has swimming and ball skills, it’s tough and challenges me,” said Dawkins.

Having a new coach in Millie, Dawkins says they are enjoying what she has bought to the team.

“She is a legend, I find it really cool that she has played at quite a high level, shares her wisdom with us and plays in the pool a lot so knows what she is talking about. She’s tough on us but we need it.”

Despite her young age Dawkins already has her sights set high and has a simple goal…. “I want to play for the Aussie Stingers,” she said.

The Adelaide Jets are among the some 170 teams that will take part in the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships that starts on 12 January 2019 in Brisbane.

With teams from across the country set to converge in Queensland, the two week water polo festival is shaping up to be the largest water polo festival Australia has ever seen.

BE PART OF THE EXPERIENCE

Join us at the AYWPC Welcome Functions – click here for tickets.

Pre-purchase your merchandise – click here. 

Teams will have free entry to the first test match between Australia and Japan. Want to come along to the second test match? Purchase your tickets here.

Want to make the most of your time in Brisbane? Find out more - click here to download your FREE guide to Brisbane.