South Australian coach Anthony Martin is preparing for his long-awaited return to the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships (AYWPC), in Brisbane, Queensland from April 8-12 2026.
Martin will be leading South Australia’s 14&U girls’ team in the green division. A team who are looking to gain valuable experience at the AYWPC.
He acknowledges the team’s youth, and is confident in their desire to grow in development throughout each game they play.
“They are a pretty young side,” said Martin. “But they are all keen to grow as players and are all dedicated to training.”
“For me as a coach it is about extending them in their skill, whilst finding the balance between fitness and conditioning and the nuances of the game,” he said.
The 12-player roster for the 14&U girls is filled by three of the South Australian clubs.
Eight from Henley Sharks, three from St Peter’s Old Collegians (SPOC) and one from Tritons Water Polo.
SPOC player Holly Knights is one of the girls with the most experience in the team and will be a guiding figure in the pool.
“She’s a top age player and a leader in the team,” he said. “She will also be playing in the second part of the tournament with the 16&U girls.”
Younger players on the team have also made considerable impressions on coach Anthony Martin.
Isabelle Bolton with only one and a half seasons under her belt, has taken to the goalkeeper position strongly.
This team also has a family tie to coach Anothony Martin, his daughter Millie Martin will be playing in the team for South Australia.
“She is small, but fierce. A true lover for the game of Water Polo” he said.
As a coach of a young team, goals in the back of the net are one objective, having a strong team culture is another.
“A goal is to make sure they all have a positive experience, and gain valuable competition experience,” he said. “I want them to come back from the Championships with a hunger to train and even more love for water polo.”
This tournament offers players the chance to measure themselves against the best junior talent in the country,playing a pivotal role in the development of athletes in the sport.
The 2026 Australian Youth Water Polo Championships will be held in Brisbane from 8-18 April. For more information on the event – click here