Rising stars converge for 12&U National Age Champs

From across the country, Water Polo Clubs converged in Wagga Wagga this weekend for the 12&U National Club Championships.

The Australia Day long weekend was celebrated in style as more than 180 youngsters took part in the second installment of the event, which in 2018 was expanded from a ‘festival’ to a National Championships status.

There was plenty to celebrate across the weekend with great sportsmanship and Club spirit on display.

In the Girls competition it was Sydney Uni Lions (NSW) that took home gold after winning the penalty shoot-out against Mermaids (Queensland), with Drummoyne Devils (NSW) rounding out the podium places.

The Boys gold medal match also went to penalty shoot out, with Melbourne Collegians (Victoria) edging out Sydney Uni Lions (NSW), with UWA City Beach (WA) taking the bronze.

The Mixed Teams division saw the Central Coast (NSW) take gold with Sydney Northern Beaches (NSW) and Wagga Wagga Bidgeegators taking silver and bronze respectively.

Water Polo Australia Competitions Manager, Matt Turnbull, said it was a positive weekend of water polo with so many competitors showing the true team spirit.

“Last year WPA held this event as a festival and we were pleased in 2018 to bring it to life as a National Championships.

“It was great to see so many young players working as part of a team and showing their Club spirit.

“Day two we saw some thunderstorms interrupt play, but that didn’t deter the Championship atmosphere and the great finals day we saw today.

“I want to thank all the players, Club management, referees and volunteers who made the Tournament a great weekend of water polo.

“I also want to thank the Wagga Wagga Council, Oasis Regional Leisure Centre, Bar In who provided our goals as well as our proud national partner Delfina Sport,” he said.

Coach for Brisbane team Mermaids, Nicola Johnson, said the weekend provided a great opportunity to keep young players engaged in the sport.

“The Tournament this weekend has been fantastic. It’s great for the kids as they get to develop their skills, meet kids from other States and play against different people, as well as encourage them to get involved in the sport at an early age.

“Here in Wagga is fantastic, it has been a great venue and really good for the kids,” she said.

In 2019 the 12&U National Championships will form part of the recently announced Australian Youth Festival that will be held in January. Dates and venues are still to be confirmed but for details of the event – click here.