About UNSW Wests Water Polo

Where ambition meets community.
UNSW Wests Water Polo is one of Australia’s oldest and most successful water polo clubs. We compete across the Sydney Metropolitan Competition, the Australian Water Polo League (AWL), and national and international events—while staying true to what matters most: developing people, not just players.

Who we are

We’re a proud partnership of the University of New South Wales and Wests, united by a high-performance mindset and a strong club culture. From first-time juniors to AWL athletes, our members train, learn and thrive together—supported by experienced coaches, accredited staff and a values-driven approach.

What we stand for

• Teamwork & Respect – We win the right way and celebrate every role in the team.

• Effort & Dedication – Hard work, consistency and coachability are our edge.

• Health & Wellbeing – We prioritise safe sport, athlete welfare and lifelong participation.

• Growth Mindset – We help players become better athletes and better people—on campus, at work and in life.

A pathway for everyone

We offer programs for every stage of the journey:

• Juniors (U12–U18): Skill foundations, game-sense and decision-making, with clear progression to representative and state pathways.
• Senior Teams (Div 1 & Div 2): Highly competitive squads for continuing development and performance.
• Social & Alumni: Inclusive, community-minded programs for lifelong players.
• Australian Water Polo League: Our men’s Magpies and women’s Killer Whales represent the club at the highest domestic level, inspiring the next generation.

Our community spans kids as young as 10 through to members proudly playing their 51st season—proof that water polo truly is a sport for life.

Where and when we play

Our programs run predominantly from UNSW Fitness & Aquatic Centre, Kensington, and Ashfield Aquatic Centre, Ashfield with additional sessions scheduled at partner venues as needed.

• Summer Metropolitan Season: September – April

• Winter Season: May – July

Player-first care

Athlete welfare sits at the heart of our program. We emphasise safe training loads, quality coaching, injury-prevention habits, respectful environments and positive performance behaviours. Education, study and work commitments are respected—because balanced athletes go further.

Our track record

With decades of representation at state, national and international levels—and a consistent presence in the AWL—UNSW Wests has a proud tradition of excellence. Just as important, we’re known for graduating confident, capable people who contribute to their teams, workplaces and communities.

Get involved

Whether you’re new to the sport, returning after a break or chasing high-performance goals, there’s a place for you at UNSW Wests.

• Try Water Polo / Learn to Play

• Join a Junior, Senior or Social Team

• Transfer to UNSW Wests

• Volunteer, Coach or Sponsor

Ready to jump in?
Come and train with us, meet the coaches, and experience the UNSW Wests culture firsthand. Your journey starts here.

Recent Club Highlights 

• UNSW Wests Magpies Australian Water Polo League (AWL) Champions 2025 - winning their 8th AWL title, an Australian Water Polo record.
• 6 UNSW Wests Players off the 2024 Paris Olympics! - Nathan Power, Matt Byrnes, Charlie Negus, Angus Lambie, John Hedges and Bronte Halligan!
• UNSW Wests Magpies Australian Water Polo League (AWL) Champions 2019, 2022, 2023 
• UNSW Wests Killer Whales Senior Women won their first Australian Water Polo League (AWL) Championship title in 2018, making club history.
• UNSW Wests Magpies Senior Men have won 8 Australian Water Polo League (AWL) titles.
• 52 junior state representatives, 11 Australian junior representatives and 10 Australian senior representatives.
• 5 UNSW Wests club current members played in the Rio Olympics.
• 4 past UNSW Wests junior members played in the Rio Olympics.
• 9 of the 26 players representing Australia in the Rio Olympics were UNSW Wests players.