AUSSIE U16 MEN PREPARE FOR INTERNATIONAL DEBUT AT WORLD AQUATICS AGE GROUP WATER POLO CHAMPIONSHIPS

After months of preparation, the Australian 16&U men’s team will take to the pool this week at the World Aquatics Men’s U16 Water Polo Championships 2024 in Malta.

The team have spent the last few weeks training in Europe with the national age group teams from both Serbia and Turkey, the latter of whom they will face in the initial pool stages of the tournament alongside Croatia and Canada.

Contested by 32 nations, the U16 World Championships will provide an opportunity for the next generation of Australian water polo players to test themselves on the world stage.

Captain Lachlan Davies (NSW) says the team is feeling ready for the competition ahead of their first match against Canada.

“Our preparation has been really good since arriving in Europe, we’re all settled in and feeling ready,” Davies said.

“We’ve just come out of a tough but great week of training in Serbia so we’re all feeling really fit and ready to play.”

After five days of training with the Serbian 16&U team, the two teams faced off in a semi official match that saw the Aussies win 19 to 18 in penalties.

“We’re toning down our training a bit now with the start of the World Championships so close, but it was definitely one of the highlights of the trip so far to come away with that win,” said Davies.

Head Coach John Fox is also happy with the team’s preparations for the World Championships, noting they are doing their best to prepare for the level of play they are expecting.

“There is always a period of adaptation when you first arrive and the boys managed to work through this exceptionally well - by the end of our week in Serbia the boys were matching the Serbian team in all aspects of play,” said Fox.

“As a team we have been studying and preparing our game play and tactics for each of the first three teams we know we will face. 

“Whilst everyone is aware that we must finish in top two in our group to progress, we are firmly of the belief that the result will take care of itself if we believe in our system and stick to the process.”

Fox is excited for the team to gain competition experience on the international stage, noting that regardless of the result, this talented group has years of opportunity ahead of them.

“We are a competitive team but no matter the result, I am excited about the future prospects of this team,” said Fox.

“Our team based goals are based on tactical understanding, good team dynamics including developing lifelong friendships, and holistic development as a player both in and out of the water. And of course enjoyment for the journey that they are on,” he finished.

Every game of the World Aquatics Men’s U16 Water Polo Championships 2024 will be streamed LIVE and FREE on the World Aquatics Youtube Channel - click here.

The Aussies will play their first game against Canada on Wednesday 19 June at 12:30am AEST.

Click here for the full schedule.

AUSTRALIAN 16&U MEN’S DRAW

Wednesday 19 June | 12:30am AEST | Australia v Canada

Wednesday 19 June | 6:15pm AEST | Australia v Croatia

Thursday 20 June | 7:30pm AEST | Australia v Turkey