Australian 16&U coaches announced

Published Fri 13 Mar 2020

Water Polo Australia is pleased to announce the coaching group for the 16&U squads for 2020.

With a wealth of experience, 12 coaches have been selected to lead the 16&U male and female squads as they work towards 2020 FINA 16&U Water Polo World Championships in Larissa/Volos (GRE) and 2020 Pan Pacific Youth Water Polo Festival in Auckland (NZL), both to be held in July this year.

Water Polo Australia Chief Executive Officer Richard McInnes said the coaches will play a key role in the development of the 16&U players.

"While it is too early to say how many of the 16&U squad members are likely to progress through to senior and international teams, these competitions provide us with a great opportunity to assess the talent, character and attitude of these young players," McInnes said.

"The 12 coaches selected boast a range of both playing and coachign knowledge, which to our 16&U athletes will be invaluable," he said.

"The coaches will work closely with their playing groups for the next few months, before the final squads are selected following the National Championships in May."

"In the same way that we are trying to increase the talent pool of players, it is important for us to have a strong pool of aspiring and capable coaches that can support our junior athletes coming through the water polo pathways, it's critical for our sport as part of our long term planning."

The following coaches have been appointed:

Men's 16&U Coaches

Tim Hamill (NSW)

Joel DiMartino (VIC)

Sam Negus (NSW)

Steven O'Keefe (NSW)

Harry Sanderson (NSW)

Andrew Yanitsas (NSW)

Women's 16&U Coaches

Taryn Woods (NSW)

Scott Henderson (NSW)

Lance Johnson (QLD)