Water Polo Australia (WPA) is pleased to confirm the preliminary National U16 and U18 Development Squads following the recent 2025 National State Championships that were held in Canberra.
WPA recently announced changes to the delivery of the National U16 and U18 Development Program to align with and deliver on the WPA 2024-2032 High Performance Strategy.
Andrew Pratley, WPA High Performance Director, congratulated athletes who have been chosen in the squads.
“Congratulations to all athletes that have been selected as part of these squads.
“We know the hard work and determination athletes put into their development, as well as the work and efforts from local clubs, coaches and parents to support these athletes.
“In line with Water Polo Australia’s High Performance Strategy, we are excited to be working in closer collaboration with the States to broaden the support for athletes through ongoing, regionally delivered development activities deeper in our sport’s pathway.
“These activities will be critical in building foundations that underpin other more targeted activity at national and international level and will better support athletes to grow and be ready for potential representative opportunities, whether that is at a regional, State or national level,” he said.
Water Polo Australia would like to congratulate the following athletes on their selection:
Female National U16 Development Squad 1
Female National U16 Development Squad 2
Female National U18 Development Squad 1
Female National U18 Development Squad 2
Male National U16 Development Squad 1
Male National U16 Development Squad 2
Male National U18 Development Squad 1
Male National U18 Development Squad 2
About the Squads
The National U16 and U18 Development Squads are made up of two tiers, selected to recognise both the current performance levels and developmental needs of various athletes.
It is important to note that these squads are not fixed, with the ability for athletes to transition in and out of certain squads, and equally for athletes not currently selected to squads to be added should they perform at a level or show potential that warrants their inclusion.
The intentions of these squads are outlined below:
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Squad 1 – Athletes that National Age Group coaches, following performance observations and state coaching consultations, have identified as having an elevated current level of performance and readiness for heightened development activity.
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Squad 2 – Athletes that National Age Group coaches, following performance observations and state coaching consultations, have identified as having future potential and that would benefit from ongoing engagement with targeted state program activity with the possibility for transition into higher squads and exposure to heightened development activity.
