Ambitious UTS Balmain Tigers team hunts for gold at AYWPC

While many teams will be looking at the 2022 Australian Youth Water Polo Championships that start tomorrow in Brisbane as an opportunity to improve their game and gain experience at the national level, the girls of 14&U UTS Balmain Tigers are in it to win it, and have got gold in their sights.

The young Sydneysiders look to build upon the tradition of one of Australia’s oldest and most successful water polo clubs and have been working hard in preparation for the AYWPC. With positive results in the Sydney Metro competition to boost their confidence, they’re now set to improve on the bronze medal they claimed at the recent NSW State Championships.

“Everyone is very excited to see what we can achieve through this competition,” said UTS Balmain’s Evelyn O’Neill ahead of her team debut in the 14&U Gold division on Thursday, when the Tigers face off against the Brisbane Girls Grammar School.

“We used the State Championships to build the team’s bond and really prepare for the AYWPC. Now everyone is very excited to test ourselves against the other states,” she said.

The 5-day competition culminates with finals being played on Monday 18 April. O’Neill hopes her team will be in the pool at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre for the gold medal match, and has clear in mind what the Tigers’ objectives are.

“We definitely want to build on our individual performance. And, hopefully, get a gold medal,” she said.

The AYWPC are set to be held from 14-18 April 2022, with teams from across the country converging on Brisbane for five days of water polo fun and action. The draws for all age categories can be viewed here with all the information about the event also available on the event website.

Looking for things to do while in Brisbane for the AYWPC? CLICK HERE to find out more