Following an incredible first week, we’ve welcomed 12&U and 16&U teams from across the country and overseas to Brisbane as they play their first matches for the 2026 Australian Youth Water Polo Championships.
Water polo action is being streamed across three pools on KommunityTV all week long in Brisbane. Watch the replays for 12&U and 16&U matches from day one here.
With many 12&U teams competing in their first AYWPC event, it’s been less daunting for RiverCity Sharks players Hazel Larard and Charlotte Chao.
“It’s definitely fun to have it here in Brisbane. We have played here (Brisbane Aquatic Centre) as well,” Larard said.
Her teammate also echoed her and said it’s nice playing a tournament like this in her hometown.
“AYC has been very lively and I’m enjoying it so far. It’s much more fun and also more convenient. We don’t have to go flying around the state,” Chao said.
Larard said the team is excited to get their campaign underway.
“I’m looking forward to playing some fun games and also some hard games as well, just to keep it even. Definitely trying to get a medal.”
“It’s definitely exciting to have people from other states because it’s a new experience for both us and them,” she said.
For other 12&U teams, their adventure to Brisbane has been an exciting one so far. For Logan Burke, he’s been enjoying his first AYWPC so far with pocketing a win already today.
“I’ve had a lot of fun playing with friends from the coast. We just won our first game.”
Burke looks to be out on a mission to secure a medal at his first AYWPC by the end of this week.
“I’m looking forward to winning a couple more games, trying to make it to the finals and playing with my friends in my team.”
“We’re going to try and win the gold. Our competition is tough,” he said.
Another team who secured their first win was the 12&U St Andrews Girls team from the Sunshine Coast. Player Phiippa Gahan said she’s proud of the team’s effort so far.
“In our first game, I think we did quite well. We won and we did really well on defence.”
“This is my first AYC. I’m really looking forward to playing lots of games and hanging out with my team,” she said.
Her teammate Stella Sparling, who scored five goals in their 9-2 win over St Rita’s College, commended the other players taking part in their first AYC.
“The kids here are doing a good job, because this is one of their first competitions and they played really good,” she said.
One of the teams who have made their journey to Brisbane is the 16&U Tasmania Girls team. While many in her team travelled by plane, Tasmania player Bridgett Macqueen travelled by car with her mum.
“I had an eight hour drive up here. It was a long drive but it’s worth it,” Macqueen said. “It’s been very good and we’re having a fun time.”
Her teammate Maggie Lucas is also enjoying her first AYC experience on the road with her team.
“It’s nice and warm compared to Tassie – it’s freezing down there,” Lucas said.
“It’s a really good experience. It’s been fun so far.”
The team racked up their first AYWPC win of the week, beating Geraldton 11-8 earlier in the day. When it comes to teams they are looking forward to playing Macqueen was quick to answer.
“It’s been amazing playing clubs from across the country. We’re looking forward to playing Mermaids – we like their name!”
For all the results from day one of week two of the 2026 Australian Youth Water Polo Championships, click here.
Looking to make the most of your trip to Brisbane? We’ve got you covered. Explore the river city and find all the best things to do in Brisbane here.
