South Australian coach celebrating 40 years on the pool deck at the 2024 Australian Youth Water Polo Championships

The Australian Youth Water Polo Championships (AYWPC) will return to Brisbane in 2024, with more than 210 teams set to compete across multiple venues from the 5 to 16 January.

South Australian coach Shaun Baker will be attending the event, in celebration of his 40th year coaching in the sport. 

Coaching the 18&U Gold division boys, one of six teams traveling to the AYWPC from South Australia, Baker is thrilled to be back at the event and leading a team he knows so well.

“I’ve coached this group for around ten years, from when they were little right the way through, so it’ll be really special to return to the Youth Championships with them in January,” said Baker.

“I’ve coached them at both club level at the Adelaide Vikings and at representative level and they’re quite a strong group. A couple of them are Australian squad members and a couple of them have been really close to representative squads and have developed quite well, so I think the team will be quite competitive.

“It’s just really special to have watched the lads fall in love with the sport. They’ve gone from kids to men just about now, so it’s amazing to see the growth and encouraging to see them continuing on with the sport,” he said.

The team from South Australia is feeling prepared for their final challenge at the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships.

“We know it’s going to be physical, but I think this group is one of the best prepared groups I’ve ever sent to the AYWPC from South Australia,” said Baker.

“They’ve got the physicality, they’ve got the smarts and they’re a good swimming group, so I’d expect us to be competitive for sure.

“The boys come from a couple of different schools but when we come together we play as one team. They all know each other really well and they’re all at that stage now where they’re getting their licenses together and doing all that, so their bond is pretty strong, and that’s key as well. 

“From here, some guys go their separate ways and maybe we’ll only see them at club level. It’ll just be good to have this group together one more time, we want to remember this tournament, it’ll be fun,” he said.

Passionate about water polo, Baker played in the national league until the age of 38. He began his coaching journey with school level water polo at the age of 15, and has since rarely missed a season.

For the experienced club coach, it’s his passion for the sport and developing the next generation of players that inspires him.

“I’ve coached for 40 years now and have seen kids go right through, and for me, it’s probably the younger ones coming through that keep me coming back,” said Baker. 

“We have a wonderful U12 team at the Adelaide Vikings and it's always wonderful to see how happy the kids are in the pool and to play a role in their development over the years.

“I think I just like to be busy as well, so I’m pretty fortunate that a heavy training schedule also works for me and my lifestyle.

The AYWPC will take place across various venues in Brisbane from early to mid January 2024. To learn more about the event, visit the website here.

ORD MINNETT TEST MATCH SERIES

The Ord Minnett Aussie Sharks and Aussie Stingers will also be in Brisbane for the AYWPC, playing in a three test match series. Find out more and purchase your tickets here.

TOP 17 THINGS TO DO IN BRISBANE

You’ll have a ball in Brisbane while here for the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships (AYWPC) from 5-16 January. Plunge into the city and surrounds with this list of must-do experiences, from island hopping and adrenaline-fueled fun, to a foodie feast and endless summer sport.
The city will come alive when more than 210 teams from around the country compete in the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships for 12&U, 14&U, 16&U and 18&U divisions. We hope to see you, your team and family out and about exploring Brisbane’s must-do experiences. 

CLICK HERE to find out more