Did you know that Water Polo was originally called “Water Rugby?” It used to be played in the rivers and lakes in England where water sports were a feature of county fairs and festivals in the mid-19th Century.
The game evolved, and men’s Water Polo was amongst the first team sports introduced at the 1900 Olympic Games. After much advocacy, women’s Water Polo eventually became an Olympic sport at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, where the Australian Women’s Team were memorably rewarded with a gold medal against the United States in a nail-biting “buzzer-beater” last-minute goal.
Apart from being an Olympic Sport, Water Polo is a sport for everyone! From beginners through to masters, girls and boys, it’s a popular sport with school-aged and university students. It’s known for its fast, action-packed pace – and as a team sport, its great fun.
What makes it so good? It’s a fun combination of swimming, hand-eye coordination and teamwork where participants can develop their skills, strength and endurance within a game-based sport.
These July school holidays, we’ll be running a 4-day FUNdamental Water Polo Clinic out of the extraordinary Gourley Swimming Pool in the Artemis Centre.
We welcome girls and boys aged 10-14 years to come along. The clinic has been designed with both the beginner and more experienced player in mind…
… A great opportunity for those new to the game to give it a go and build confidence in developing core water polo skills.
… For the more experienced players, the clinic has been created around developing higher-level skills, match play and team tactics.
Head Water Polo Coach at Melbourne Girls Grammar, Luke Gavin, will be leading the clinic. Luke has played Water Polo for the Men’s Australian National team and is the current assistant coach of the Australian Youth Water Polo Team.
Opportunities to Play the Game…
There are many pathways for Water Polo players:
- At a school level, GSV, APS and AGSV all run healthy and vibrant competition fixtures for girls and boys. At MGGS, our Senior MGGS Water polo team is undefeated in this season’s GSV fixture and will be playing against MLC in the upcoming GSV Water Polo Grand Final. Good luck girls!
- Water Polo is also played at club level in Melbourne. Two Year 11 students at MGGS – Lottie Molnar and Jasmine Cash – play for the Melbourne Collegians Water Polo Club and have had some tremendous experiences playing in many national club championship tournaments around Australia.
- Water polo is also played at a University and College level. Many high performing athletes receive scholarships to play within the highly competitive USA College Sporting System. At the highest level, Victoria produced two athletes (Rowie Webster and Jarrod Gilchrist) to compete for Australia at the Rio Olympic Games.
What better way to build your skills and prepare for your season…?
With over 30 girls registered to compete in the Junior GSV competition later this year, this clinic will give MGG students the perfect preparation in the lead-up to their season.
Places within the Water Polo holiday clinic are limited, so be sure to get in quick to secure your spot in this incredible opportunity to have fun, make new friends, and develop your Water Polo skills before the upcoming school competitions!