Australian Youth Water Polo Championships a family affair for New Wave Water Polo Club

Among the many long-standing teams and clubs traveling to the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships (AYWPC), the 2024 edition of the event will feature two teams from New Wave Water Polo Club who are traveling interstate to compete for the first time.

The AYWPC will make a stunning return to Brisbane, Queensland in January 2024. From January 5-16, the AYWPC will be held across multiple venues in the Queensland capital, with more than 210 teams set to take part.

Although only in their second year of operation, the community-focused New Wave Water Polo Club from Perth is going from strength to strength, and is thrilled to send two teams to compete at the Championships.

Matt Leonard, AYWPC Coordinator for New Wave, will travel to the AYWPC with his sons Oliver (16&U) and Austin (14&U), and says the growth of the club is a testament to its inclusive nature.

“This year we’ve been able to grow New Wave from three teams to 10, so we’ve now got seven junior teams and three senior teams in the WA state league,” said Leonard.

“We sent our first 14&U team to the AYWPC in Perth last year which was a great experience. It was great to compete against some of the bigger clubs from over east, check how we’re developing and really just get out there and have some fun playing water polo.

“We’ve got a community focus at New Wave and our main priority is that the kids fall in love with the sport and enjoy themselves. 

“For all of our kids, the Championships in January will mark the first time they've ever travelled away to compete, so there’s sure to be some great memories that come out of the trip,” he finished.

Matt, Oliver and Austin Leonard 

Including Oliver and Austin Leonard, the 16&U and 14&U boys teams from New Wave feature four sets of brothers, making the trip east a family affair.

For Oliver, the AYWPC is a great opportunity to spend time with his family and friends and spend as much time in the pool as possible.

“I’m looking forward to traveling over to Queensland with my mates and playing pretty much every day,” said Oliver.

“I’m sure everyone who goes to the AYWPC would like to win, that’s a given, but we’re also just looking forward to having a good time.

“It’ll be extra special to be there with Austin and a good opportunity to watch each other play,” he said.

Younger brother Austin is also stoked to be traveling to Brisbane in January.

“I’m most excited about being able to go to a whole different state with my team and play my favorite sport,” Austin said.

“We’ve been training really hard, we’ve had training every week for the last month or so. Our coach Raul Cicci is very passionate and expressive because he's Italian, he's really good and really encouraging.

“I’m really looking forward to traveling with my brother and my Dad, I think it’s going to be good cause they’re very nice to be around and really supportive. I’m excited to watch my brother play too cause I don’t really get to watch him too much, so when we’re over in Brisbane I’ll be able to watch him play to his full potential with his team.

The AYWPC will take place across various venues in Brisbane from early to mid January 2024. To learn more about the event, visit the website here.

ORD MINNETT TEST MATCH SERIES

The Ord Minnett Aussie Sharks and Aussie Stingers will also be in Brisbane for the AYWPC, playing in a three test match series. Find out more and purchase your tickets here.

TOP 17 THINGS TO DO IN BRISBANE

You’ll have a ball in Brisbane while here for the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships (AYWPC) from 5-16 January. Plunge into the city and surrounds with this list of must-do experiences, from island hopping and adrenaline-fueled fun, to a foodie feast and endless summer sport.

The city will come alive when more than 210 teams from around the country compete in the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships for 12&U, 14&U, 16&U and 18&U divisions. We hope to see you, your team and family out and about exploring Brisbane’s must-do experiences. 

CLICK HERE to find out more