One Week to go until Australia take on USA on the Sunshine Coast

The countdown to the Australia vs USA test match series on the Sunshine Coast is on, with just on a week to go until the teams converge at Kawana Waters for a training camp and two test match Series.

A powerhouse water polo nation, USA have named strong playing squads as both sides look to prepare for the FINA World League Intercontinental Tournament in New Zealand next month.

The Sunshine Coast is expected to come out in force to support the Aussie Sharks and Stingers, with the region known for producing strong water polo Clubs and players.

Water Polo Australia (WPA) CEO Christian Renford says it is exciting to host the USA water polo teams in Queensland's Sunshine Coast for the two test match series and extended training camp.

“Kawana Aquatics Centre have world class facilities and it’s a place where our athletes can train and prepare which is important as both teams focus on the FINA World League Intercontinental Tournament held during the following week.

“This is a great opportunity for the local area which is known for producing quality water polo players to support their national teams and we are also pleased to have our partners OVO Mobile live streaming both games for fans across Australia to see their teams in action on home soil.”

“We want to the thank the Sunshine Coast Council who have invested in bringing international water polo competition to the region to help promote and grow the sport at the grassroots level as well as promote our national teams,” he said.

Water Polo Queensland’s Executive Officer, Robert Donaghue is excited for what next weeks event means to the Sunshine Coast.

“The Sunshine Coast is definitely one of our State’s strongest regional centres, they have an established schools competition which has led to their regional teams performing well on State and National levels.

“This event gives us the opportunity to showcase the international side of the game and continue to raise awareness of the sport in this region which that has a strong water polo interest,” he said.

As part of next week’s training camp and test match series, all four head coaches (Elvis Fatovic, Sakis Kechagias, Dejan Udovičić and Adam Krikorian) will open up their training sessions to all members of the public, followed by a free Q&A session on Monday March 26.

To view Q&A event details click here, or to register your attendance click here.

Donaghue recognises this as an opportunity for local coaches in the region and general water polo fans to gain an insight into an international coaches mind.

“They are four very different water polo coaches who have all had successes at coaching on the international stage.

“People will be particularly excited to speak with Adam after his performances at the last two Olympic Games and about the culture he has created in his team.

“I think participants can expect a variety of different ways of thinking about water polo given that you have Adam with his Olympics successes and then you have the Europeans with different styles from different parts of Europe,” said Donaghue.

Australia face USA as part of a two test match series and training camp at Kawana Aquatics Centre on the Sunshine Coach from March 26-31.

To view Aussie Sharks and Stingers squads please click here.

FIRST TEST MATCH

Thursday, March 29
Women: 12:30-2:00pm AEST
Men: 2:30-4:00pm AEST

SECOND TEST MATCH

Friday, March 30
Women: 5:00-6:30pm AEST
Men: 6:30-8:00pm AEST

Tickets are available at the gate for just $5 for adults and $2 for children, alternatively you can watch the test match series live streamed via OVOPlay.