Dear Members of the Water polo Community in South Australia,
 
Water Polo Australia is keen to ensure that players have the opportunity to compete against team from around Australia and overseas. This year the structure changed from competitions during the term holidays to an all inclusive Australian Youth Championships. These were held in Brisbane in January 2019 and WPA plans to run the event again at the same time in 2020. This is considered a “Participation” event where teams of all levels are encouraged to enter and seeding of teams is aimed to ensure games are competitive and fun. 
 
The second event is the Interstate Championships which were due to be held in July 2019 however due to budget and other reasons WPA cancelled the competition this year. This competition was aimed at stronger teams with limits on entries. National Coaches would then have a good look at players in a tough competitive environment. 
In its place the States have worked with Tasmania and NSW to put on the Interstate Championships which will be held as follows:
  • Under 14: - 6-12 July Hobart
  • Under 16: - 8 - 11 July Sydney
  • Under 18: - 12 - 14 July Sydney 
  • Under 22: - 8 -10 July  Sydney
 
We expect more details of these events shortly from NSW and TAS.
 
The Interstate Championships are aimed at a “ High Performance” level so the team will be limited and the competition stronger than the AYC. We have asked the coaches to suggest the teams we should be sending. It may be the we will not send teams in all age groups.
 
We are working with WPA to put together a calendar of future events to give us certainty and the ability to plan. Our aim is to provide all players with opportunities to compete whatever their level in the sport.
 
We will keep you informed.
Peter Cleary
President – Water Polo SA