Water Polo Australia (WPA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Nathan Godfrey as Chief Operating Officer (COO), who is set to bring extensive leadership experience across national sporting organisations, major competitions and government.
Godfrey joins WPA following two and a half years as General Manager at Football Australia, where he led the strategic development and delivery of the Australian Championship, a new national league designed to connect the football pyramid across the A-League, Championship and NPL competitions.
Prior to this, Godfrey served as CEO of the Canterbury Rugby Union in New Zealand, an
organisation that has produced over 200 All Black Players and won 19 Championships. His career also includes senior commercial roles with the Adelaide Crows (AFL) and Wellington Phoenix (A-League), showcasing his ability to drive growth and partnerships across multiple codes.
More recently, Godfrey held a public sector leadership role as Director of Programs & Operations at the NSW Government Office of Sport; overseeing grant funding, regulatory functions and service delivery across the state’s sporting system.
Water Polo Australia CEO, Tim Welsford:“Nate’s appointment marks an important step forward for Water Polo Australia. He brings a rare combination of cross-code expertise, strategic capability and operational leadership.
“In particular his expertise in creating programs and opportunities that not only drive commercial outcomes but diversify revenue streams, will help WPA to achieve our new targets outlined in the strategic plan.
“His experience across professional clubs, national sporting organisations and government will be invaluable as Water Polo Australia continues to elevate our sport,” he said.
Water Polo Australia COO, Nathan Godfrey:“The ‘Green and Gold’ pathway to Brisbane 2032 is an exciting prospect, but I’m also acutely aware that this once-in-a-generation opportunity carries immense responsibility.”
“I was attracted to Tim’s bold vision for Water Polo Australia, and having engaged with several members of the WPA Board throughout the recruitment process, I’m confident the organisation and broader water polo community are strategically aligned and primed for future growth,” he said.
Godfrey commenced his role as COO from 1 December 2025.
