Overview

Train alongside the best and prepare for Metro season with confidence.

The UNSW Wests Performance Camp is a high‑intensity program designed for young athletes who already have a solid foundation of water polo skills and want to accelerate their development.

This camp is limited to 30 players born 2008–2011 who have been part of a state academy or higher in the past two years. Candidates must be training regularly, fit and ready to train hard over 4 days. 

If your registration is assessed as not suitable for the Performance Camp, you will be offered a place on the Development Camp.

Dates: Mon 19 Jan – Thu 22 Jan 2026
Time: 2:00pm– 5:00pm daily
Venue: Ashfield Aquatic Centre
Eligibility: Players born 2008-2011 (all clubs welcome)

Coaching Team

• Matt Byrnes — Paris 2024 Olympian; 4× AWL Champion (2019, 2022, 2023, 2025); current Australian Sharks player

• Tim Putt — Tokyo 2020 Olympian; AWL Champion (2022, 2025); European club experience (Italy, Spain, Croatia)

• Nic Bicari — International athlete and experienced professional with European playing/coaching exposure

• Other guest/specialist coaches to be announced - stay tuned!!

What You’ll Learn

• Position-specific skill work: shooting, centre/centre-back contests, goalie development, counter-attack, and special plays

• Game sense & decision-making: small-sided games to build speed of play, reading pressure, and execution under fatigue

• Fundamentals done fast: passing quality, body position, ball protection, and finishing

Daily Format (example)

• Dynamic warm-up & ball handling

• Rotating skill stations (small groups)

• Game-sense blocks & scenario play

• Short scrimmages and feedback

Who Should Attend

• Boys and girls born 2008–2011 from any club.

• Athletes who have been part of a state academy or higher program within the last two years and are looking to train in a performance environment.

• Players who are already fit, possess strong fundamental skills and are eager to learn from coaches with international experience. This camp is not for beginners.

• If your registration is assessed as not suitable for the Performance Camp, you will be offered a place on the Development Camp.

What to Bring

• Sunscreen! This camp is at Ashfield Pool and is outdoors.
• Your own ball
• Swimwear, towel, drink bottle, snacks, and your usual training gear.

Key Dates

• Early registration for UNSW Wests Members only opens Wednesday 17th December 

• Public registrations open Friday 19th December

• Camp runs: 19th Jan – 22nd Jan

Places are limited to ensure quality coaching time. Secure your spot early.