Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – 2025/26 Junior Season

1. My child is new to water polo, can they still trial?
Yes! We welcome new players and will guide them through the process.

2. What is the age eligibility of each team?
U12 – born 2014, 2015, 2016
U14 – 2012, 2013
U16 – 2010, 2011
U18 – 2008, 2009

3. What does my child need to bring to trials?
Children need to wear appropriate swimmers to the trials. It is encouraged that children bring goggles for swimming/swim testing, a ball and a drink bottle.

4. Does my child need to attend all the trials?
Yes! It is strongly encouraged that your child attends all scheduled trial sessions.
This gives coaches the best opportunity to accurately assess and grade each player for team placement. Missing trials may impact your child’s chances of being selected or placed in the most suitable team.

5. What happens if my child cannot attend trials?
If your child can’t attend a trial, please email Coco at unswwests@gmail.com and tell the relevant coaches.

6. How are selections for teams made?
Team selections are based on a combination of player skill, game understanding, fitness, attitude, coachability, and team balance. Coaches will assess players during trials through a variety of drills, swim testing, and gameplay scenarios. We aim to place each player in a team that best suits their development stage and playing ability, ensuring a positive and competitive environment.

7. When will teams be announced?
The teams will be announced after all the trials have be conducted (most likely at the end of September).

8. When is the season?
The 2025/2026 dates have been confirmed by WPNSW. Round 1 will commence on 12 October 2025, with finals scheduled for 22 March 2026. The final round before the holiday break will be held on 21 December 2025, and the competition will resume on 1 February 2026.

9. What are the weekly commitments (training and games)?
Each team will have one or more training sessions during the week and games on Sundays. Attendance at both training and games is compulsory for all selected players. Please note that training days, times, and locations vary depending on the team. Full schedules will be confirmed after team selections.

10. Where are trainings held?
UNSW Wests Water Polo Club trains mainly out of UNSW Aquatic Centre and Ashfield Aquatic Centre. There is a possibility of teams training at another pool however UNSW and Ashfield are the main pools the club trains out of.

11. Where are games held?
All teams will have 50% home games and 50% away games. Home games are either UNSW aquatic centre or Ashfield aquatic centre. Away games could be a variety of pools such as Ryde, Pymble, Auburn, Dawn Fraser, Sydney Uni, Sutherland etc.

12. How much does the season cost?
Player fees for the 2025/26 season are currently being finalised and will be announced shortly.
Costs will cover training, competition entry, coaching, and pool hire.

13. Do I need to buy a uniform?
Yes. All players are required to wear the official UNSW Wests club swimmers, which will be available for purchase through Delfina after team selections are announced.
Players are also encouraged to purchase the black club polo shirt to wear on game days and at tournaments, as it forms part of the team’s uniform and promotes a united club appearance.

14. Who can I contact if I have more questions?
If you have any questions, please email Club Administrator Coco – unswwests@gmail.com