PATH TO PERTH - IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY

Matt Martin lives and breathes water polo - how could he not? It is in his blood. 

With close to 300 Australian Water Polo League (AWL) matches to his name and having played at a national level for Australia a number of times, Matt comes from a strong pedigree of water polo players. 

Matt’s mother Jo Martin (nee Courtney)  was a member of the first touring Australian Women’s Water Polo team, while both his brothers Daniel and Nick have also donned the green and gold. 

And it seems that the water polo gene is hereditary, with Matt’s son Jake making his AWL debut this year for the Fremantle Mariners. 

As the current coach of the 2025 Australian Youth Water Polo Championships (AYWPC)  South Australian Girls 16&U team, Matt is looking to give back and help grow the sport in his home state. 

“The whole water polo community in South Australia is around 400 members,” said Matt. “It is a small community and it needs people to come together to help build it up.”

It is for this very reason that the teams heading from SA to the 2025 AYWPC in Perth, will once again compete under the one state banner.

Matt has witnessed first hand the benefits which have been reaped at a local club level off the back of this one club format.

“I think it (the one club format) helps build relationships with players who don’t normally get to play together,” he said. 

The six time AYWPC coach admits that while he always wants his side to win games, most importantly he wants to see his side to experience playing high quality, competitive water polo - which the unique grading system at the AYWPC helps facilitate.  

“The green and gold groupings help ensure that we are playing against teams that are better suited to our level,” he said. “I feel that this is important for the development of our players, as they get an opportunity to play the game properly.” 

Matt is a strong believer that in order for players and teams to grow they need to be challenged. 

“Our local league players in South Australia are quite isolated,” he said.  

“So having a competition like the AYWPC is so important to draw a comparison as to how  you’re going at a club level and at a national level. 

“While it is true that where you have good coaches and good programs you will see improvement, I do believe that competitions like the AYWPC are also a fantastic way to help make improvement happen.”

The 2025 Australian Youth Water Polo Championships will be held in Perth from 14-24 April. For more information on the event - click here.

Passport to Perth

The Australian Youth Water Polo Championships will make a stunning return to Perth / Boorloo, Western Australia in April 2025.

Planning on joining us in Perth / Boorloo? Check out these awesome spots and make your week of water polo one to remember - click here to find out more