Volunteer-run Tasmania sending five teams to the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships

As well as developing their broader water polo community, the completely volunteer-run state of Tasmania is making the development of competitive pathways a focus, sending five teams to the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships (AYWPC) in Brisbane this January.

One particular family that is incredibly involved in the water polo community and its development in Tasmania is the Debnam family, having shifted their focus to the game several years ago when their eldest daughter fell in love with the sport.

For father of three and new President of Water Polo Tasmania, Aaron Debnam, the AYWPC is a fantastic opportunity for the young athletes of Tasmania to develop their skills while in a fun, supportive environment.

“We’ve got five teams going from Tassie which is one of the strongest contingents we’ve had in the years I’ve been involved,” said Debnam.

“Developing that competitive pathway in Tasmania is a huge priority for me, I want our kids to have just as much of a chance to play at that top level as kids from other states. A lot of our kids vacate to go elsewhere when they get to that level, so it would be a great thing for Tasmanian Water Polo if we could develop that further.

“We plan to utilise our experience at the Championships as much as a development opportunity for our coaches and players. It’s such a great pathway for the development of a large number of athletes, and the kids love it and have heaps of fun which is what you want.”

There are four pairs of sisters competing in the Tasmanian State Academy teams at the AYWPC

Debnam names his children as his biggest motivation.

“Our kids certainly were the ones who got us into water polo in the first place, we just love seeing what our kids do,” he said.

“Laine, our eldest, just fell in love with the sport and when she played her first season of club five years ago, my wife Imogen and I just looked at each other and thought ‘this is amazing, how great is this sport’. It’s so exciting to watch, it’s never slow, and we’re all hooked now. 

“My two daughters will be competing at the Championships in January and Imogen is also the manager of the 14&U Girls team. Our youngest son, while too young to play at the Championships, also plays and will be traveling up with us, so the whole family is pretty much all in on the water polo thing,” he joked.

In addition to his other roles with Water Polo Tasmania, Debnam will be attending the AYWPC as an assistant coach. He will be coaching his daughter Laine, who is competing in the 16&U Girls Green division. 
For Laine, the AYWPC is a great opportunity to play the sport she loves with her friends and family.

“I’m really excited to get more Championship experience and travel away with my team,” said Laine.

“I fell in love with the sport cause straight away, I really felt like I had found my thing. I’ve played lots of other sports in the past, but nothing ever worked as well as water polo did for me. 

“I’ve also made some really great friends along the way, which was one of the main reasons I wanted to keep coming back at the beginning.

“I think my team is amazing, we’ve all been working really hard at swimming and training and we’re excited to go away together. We’re all really excited for the AYWPC,” she concluded.

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