Water Polo Australia (WPA) has today launched an innovative and bold participation strategy – Play Well 2032, providing a blueprint to grow the game like never before.
The ambition of Play Well 2032 is clear – to have more people engaging with water polo, in more ways, more often.
Play Well 2032 brings Water Polo Australia’s Strategic Plan to life by uniting collective efforts across three critical areas: Partnerships and People, Pathways, Products and Programs, and Places.
Ultimately, Play Well 2032 is designed to inspire more people to stay involved – as players, coaches, officials, administrators, and volunteers – and to invite many others to experience Water Polo, in its many forms, for the very first time.
Water Polo Australia President Trent Birkett said: “We believe passionately in growing water polo – because to us, it is far more than just a game.
“Participation in water polo builds character and shapes great people. It forges lifelong friendships, unites families and communities, and creates a powerful sense of belonging.
“Water Polo Australia, together with our State and Territory Member Organisations, clubs, and the many people who deliver the game, are proud of all that water polo offers to those who engage with it.
“With this pride comes a deep understanding of our responsibility: to ensure our sport continues to positively influence the lives of as many people as possible. United by this commitment, we are determined to deliver on this vision.
“Water Polo Australia is committed to fulfilling our role and working in partnership with the Australian water polo community. We believe in the purpose of Play Well 2032, in our participation growth priorities, in the success indicators we have set, and in the key initiatives outlined in this Strategy.
“Now, it’s time to deliver.”
Priority Areas
PARTNERSHIPS AND PEOPLE
Strengthening the connectedness, capability, diversity, and scale of Australia’s Water Polo delivery system.
PATHWAYS, PRODUCTS AND PROGRAMS
Expanding access to Water Polo offerings that meet the diverse needs of participants and fuel sustainable growth.
PLACES
Expanding the footprint of Water Polo clubs and facilities across Australia.
Enablers
GROWTH MINDSET
A dynamic, diverse and connected Water Polo delivery system, united by passion to grow the game.
NATIONAL INTEGRITY AND SAFEGUARDING FRAMEWORKS
Ensuring safe, fair, and healthy Water Polo environments for everyone involved.
CULTURE OF INCLUSION
Creating spaces where people of all backgrounds and abilities can access safe, welcoming, and enjoyable Water Polo experiences.
DIGITAL SYSTEMS
Harnessing technology to transform how we connect, communicate, and deliver the sport, while enabling data-driven decision making.
ATHLETES WHO INSPIRE
Our Ord Minnett Aussie Stingers and Ord Minnett Aussie Sharks winning well and inspiring the nation.
Our plan will
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Provide clarity of purpose for WPA, Member Organisations, AWL clubs, community clubs, schools, and other delivery partners – enabling us to work together to grow the game like never before.
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Focus WPA and the broader Water Polo delivery system on the priorities that matter most for growth – recognising that we cannot do everything.
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Support the future growth and capability of an enhanced water polo delivery system.
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Maximise the relevance, visibility, and impact of Water Polo within Australia’s sport and active recreation sector.
WPA and the broader national Water Polo delivery system recognise the critical importance of aligning participation growth initiatives with the Australian Sports Commission’s (ASC) Play Well Strategy.
View the WPA Play Well 2032 – Water Polo Australia’s Participation Strategy 2026-2032 – click here
View the WPA Strategic Plan here. 2032+ Powered by Purpose – click here
