WEEK 2 OF THE AUSTRALIAN YOUTH WATER POLO CHAMPIONSHIPS LIGHTS UP POOLS ACROSS BRISBANE
Published Fri 12 Jan 2024
Week two of the 2024 Australian Youth Water Polo Championships got underway today, with 12&U and 16&U teams from across the country jumping into pools across Brisbane.
For all the replays and live stream from day one - click here
For some, it was their first time playing at the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships, while for others it also offered a new experience to travel to Brisbane with their teammates for the event.
Melville Sharks 12&U Boys got off to a great start, playing their first game at Brisbane Aquatic Centre.
Team mates Jax Richardson and Mitchell Oberman said this week has been a long time coming for their team.
“It’s really good to be in the pool, I’ve been waiting for this all week. I had to watch the 18s last week, so it’s finally our turn now,” Richardson said.
“I was really excited to get out here with the boys again, it’s been about a month and a half since we played our last game, so it’s really enjoyable to play with the boys again,” added Oberman.
As the youngest age group at the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships, there was plenty of excitement on day one.
“I’m looking forward to just playing games and playing water polo,” Richardson said.
“I think the boys are going to push for a medal, so that’s going to be a journey but we’ll try and get there,” Oberman said.
For others who call Brisbane home, the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships is a great chance to play against teams from right across the country.
All Hallow’s Blue team mates Phoebe Robertson and Anne Greenaway said it’s a unique experience and they’re looking forward to the challenges ahead.
“It was good to be back in the pool, especially after the Christmas holidays,” Greenaway said.
“It’s good to be back playing with our team as well. We had a good game and a lot of fun,” Robertson said.
“The competition is a bit harder, because there’s lots of teams here that we’ve never played against before,” she said.
“It’s good to see how other clubs play and their tactics,” Greenaway added.
Drummoyne Devils Red 16&U Girls had some mixed results on day one, but player Madeleine Hook said her team are happy to finish day one on top of the table.
“We did pretty well - we drew one game and won our other game so we’re pretty happy,” Hook said.
“The AYC is just a really good environment, with support from coaches and getting to spend lots of time with your team mates and making new friends…it’s just a lot of fun.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how well our team can go, because we really want to win. We want to see how much we’ve improved and how we can come together as a team.
“I love this event, I love the community and I love how everyone just wants to play water polo. You’re with a bunch of girls who love the same sport you do and I really love that about water polo,” she said.
Also making the trip north from Sydney, UTS Balmain Tigers’ 16&U representative George Mayer said he loves being at the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships not only with his team mates but the entire Balmain club.
“AYC is amazing, I’ve already been up here for a week watching my brother and it’s just good to get the boys back together and play some water polo,” Mayer said.
“We love coming here, winning games, scoring goals and cheering for our Balmain teams.
“We’re having a really good time with our friends, and making new friends as well. We’re one big family, and I love the water polo community…it’s competitive but friendly at the same time,” he said.
For all the results from day one and upcoming draw - click 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). 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.
We hope to see you, your team and family out and about exploring Brisbane’s must-do experiences.
CLICK HERE to find out more.
