New Water Polo Australia Country Working Group helping create player pathways

As the Australian Country Team prepare to compete at the 2018 Princess Chulabhorn Cup in Thailand, WPA is pleased to announce the formation of the new Water Polo Australia Country Working Group.

Previously managed as the Water Polo Australian Country Association, it was decided earlier this year that association would amalgamate with Water Polo Australia in a bid to assist regional players with their pathways into representative teams.

The newly formed Water Polo Australia Country Working Group will consist of regional representatives across the country as well as WPA head office staff, creating greater efficiencies in how the regional programs are delivered.

WPA Country Men’s Team Coach, Al Caldwell, said the new structure is all about providing better opportunities for players.

“The amalgamation of the former WPACA into WPA provides an exciting way forward for the country community.

“Specifically it provides a greater pathway for country athletes and coaches into national teams and exposure to international competitions,” he said.

The WPA Board recently endorsed the establishment of a “Country Working Group” which will consist of the transition team and WPA representatives.

• WPA National Development Manager
• Al Caldwell (NSW)
• Emma Hill (QLD)
• Carrie Fettes (VIC)
• WPA National Competition Manager.

The new working group’s immediate focus is to transition under the WPA brand, confirmation of eligibility rules for country/regional players, scoping the requirements for 2020 National Country Championships as well as on going planning for 2019 Country team tours.

Next up for Australia’s country water polo players is the 2018 Princess Chulabhorn Cup that will kick off with the men’s competition next Wednesday 21 and the women’s kicking off on Thursday 22 November at Bangkok’s Chulabhorn Aquatic Club.

Both the Australian Country men’s and women’s teams will firstly attend a four-day long training camp before the championships begin.

AUSTRALIAN COUNTRY MEN’S PRINCESS CHULABHORN CUP TOURING TEAM: