Congratulations to the following players for being selected to represent WA at the upcoming National State Water Polo Championships.

19&U Mens Team

19&U Womens Team

Dear Water Polo players, officials, and stakeholders,

We have started the season and it has been exciting to see everyone back in the pool and enjoying our great sport. Of course, the start of any season does not come without its challenges, and I am grateful for your patience, understanding and support as we respond as quickly as possible to concerns.

Growth and Participation (G&P)

While competitions for established players kicked off around the state, we were also focussing on another critical focus area for our sport: growth and participation. It is accepted that the solution to several of our challenges rests with getting more people to play water polo and become members of our clubs. I am delighted to share this story from our G&P Team:

At the start of October, Mia (Buswell) visited Mount Magnet with Royal Life Saving to host a water polo session where 60 children braved the cold water for a fun filled day. Now that both Mia and Renee (Rechichi) have settled into their roles, a busy November is ahead. In the next fortnight, the team will be heading to Port Hedland with Royal Life Saving to attend the Spirit Carnival, bringing water polo to more than 100 students in the Pilbara region. Whilst there, the team will also be attending the training and Flippaball sessions held by Hedland Water Polo Association. In November, 250 students from Subiaco Primary School will take part in four water polo sessions. Perth College will also be having water polo sessions for their primary school students next month. Students at each of the schools will be introduced to the basic skills of our sport, by our great coaches.

If any teachers or school admins reading this newsletter are interested in introducing water polo to their school, please contact the office for more details. Alternatively, if you are a coach and would like to coach at future schools, please reach out to us.

Member Protection

The Working with Children (WWC) Screening Unit is holding an online workshop for parents and guardians who engage 1:1 services for their child, such as a tutor, nanny/babysitter, or sports coach.

The workshop is an opportunity for parents and guardians to hear directly from the WWC Unit about key information on what a WWC Check is, things they need to consider when engaging someone to look after or work with their child and other best practice tools.

Participants will also hear from the Office of the Commissioner for Child Safety about key child safety strategies.

              Session details

               Date: Thursday, 10 November 2022

               Time: 12 – 1pm

               Register now: online event       

More information

If you or your networks would like more information about the event or anything relating to WWC, please contact the team by email WWCEvents@communities.wa.gov.au.

Events

The Quiz Night is just around the corner, and tickets are now available to purchase! Numbers are capped at 220 with tables of 10 available, so get your tables sorted as soon as possible!

We have started to collect items for the raffles and silent auction, so please get in touch and/or drop off (to the office) anything you would like to donate.

Your ticket price will cover the venue and catering costs with a cash bar available on the night. Funds raised from the raffle and silent auction will go to Inclusion Solutions.

I would like to remind everyone that this is a unique event. Instead of competing against one another in the pool, we are having fun together for the benefit of others.

The Quiz Night will be an expression of our Unity!

Purchase your tickets here.

Reflection

There is unrest in the forest
Trouble with the trees
For the maples want more sunlight
And the oaks ignore their pleas

The trouble with the maples
(And they’re quite convinced they’re right)
They say the oaks are just too lofty
And they grab up all the light

But the oaks can’t help their feelings
If they like the way they’re made
And they wonder why the maples
Can’t be happy in their shade

There is trouble in the forest
And the creatures all have fled
As the maples scream, “Oppression”
And the oaks just shake their heads

So, the maples formed a union
And demanded equal rights
They say, “The oaks are just too greedy
We will make them give us light”

Now there’s no more oak oppression
For they passed a noble law
And the trees are all kept equal
By hatchet, axe, and saw

Top marks for anyone who knows the name of the rock band who wrote these lyrics.

And I say perhaps we should sustain and celebrate the diversity of our forests and plant more trees?

Cheers,
Kevin Knapp

Perth is the host city for the 2023 Australian Youth Water Polo Championships on 9-13 January (14s & 18s) and 15-19 January (12s &16s). Water Polo Australia is seeking expressions of interests for Pool Controllers and First Aid Officers.

Please read this document for the requirements of each role and locations required. Specific times will not be finalised until draw is constructed and people’s availability confirmed.

Please note: You do not have to commit to working every day. People will be allocated to the roster based on their availability.

If you wish to express interest in either position, please fill out the application FORM and you will be contacted by WPA.

If you have any questions, please contact the WPA office via email at dannette.taylor@waterpoloaustralia.com.au.

Water Polo WA is seeking nominations from interested persons to manage the 19&U State Men’s and Women’s teams.

National Championships information:

Persons wishing to nominate for a manager position should be available to attend at least two training sessions per week.

Trial programs are underway with teams to be finalised 31 October.

The role will be responsible for the following:
• Communication between team coach, parents, players, and Water Polo WA
• Coordinating the collection of payments from team members, flight information, etc.
• Correlation of team uniform order
• Event time liaison with all relevant third-party providers such as accommodation, vehicle and transport, etc.
• Required team administration both prior to and throughout the event
• Event time liaison between event organisers and WA team

WPWA will sending one men’s and one women’s 19&U team. All teams will require a manager. The manager’s kit, airfare and accommodation will be covered.

A Working with Children Check and brief Curriculum Vitae should accompany all applications or expressions of interest.

Applications are due Friday 4 November 2022 and can be emailed to generalmanager@waterpolowa.asn.au.

Notice is hereby given to all members that the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of Water Polo WA will be held on Saturday 29 October 2022 at 10am at Royal Life Saving WA (Training Rooms, next to Water Polo WA Office).

View the agenda and timelines here

Dear Water Polo players, officials, and stakeholders,

Well, the season is underway!

It was my pleasure to be down on pool deck yesterday along with staff members Oli, Mia, Renee, and Warren, to watch games being played in 4 different pools at HBF stadium concurrently.

Basically, Water Polo took over the stadium!!

Players of all ages, referees (some who had just played or were about to), young timekeepers learning the ropes, spectators and several HBF staff in attendance to help make things run smoothly and to set up the pools.

Apart from some lighting issues at the outdoor eight lane pool (currently being investigated), it all seems to have gone quite well. We will continue to review process, grading etc. over the next week or so and make final adjustments as needed.

My thanks to everyone for their efforts on the night and in the lead up.

National State Championships 15&U Boys and 17&U Boys

A little over a week ago, our 15&U Boys and 17&U Boys teams competed in the NSC In Melbourne.

Although no medals were won in the end, the teams competed very well, and we saw several of the players being selected in the national Cadet and Youth Squads.

Congratulations to everyone for making the national junior squads, but also for representing WA and doing us all proud.

A particular thanks to the coaches and managers for looking after the players and for creating opportunities for our players to perform at their best.

Some feedback from the players:

It was great being able to travel interstate as a team and play water polo at a high level. Lots of a fun and a lot of great polo.
Jake Stanley – Captain 15 Gold

National State Champs is a fast and furious competition. The team relished the opportunity to play water polo against the best young players in the country. We never lost sight of the fact that it was an honour and privilege to represent Western Australia. I look forward to next year.
Zac MacDonald – Captain U15 Black

Australian Youth Squad representatives from WA

Edward Handley (UWA, WA)
Ethan Kelly (UWA, WA)
Owen Lilleyman (UWA, WA)
Timothy Lonnqvist (UWA, WA)
Charlie Reynolds (UWA, WA)
Harry Sheppard (Melville, WA)
Harry Tucker (UWA, WA)

Australian Cadet Squad representatives from WA

Thomas Dreverman (Melville, WA)
Ben Marris (UWA, WA)
Callum Pugh (UWA, WA)
Alex Woolfe (Sydney Northern Beaches, WA)

A special mention goes to Alex Woolfe who played as a draft pick for the 15&U Black team. Thanks Alex for supporting our team and doing such a great job.

During the NSC in the Gold Coast and Melbourne, we were not just represented by players and coaches but also by some outstanding referees!

I suspect there will be hundreds of other photos that were taken during the championships. If you have some you’d like to share with us, please send them to marketing@waterpolowa.asn.au along with a caption detailing who is in the photo etc.

We are also interested in any other photos taken during the year along with stories, so please submit these using the e-mail address above and you might well feature in one of the future newsletters!

Notice of AGM

The WPWA AGM will take place 29 October. A formal notification will be distributed tomorrow.

Communications

Now that the office team is settled, I would like to streamline communication and ensure that questions are directed to the staff member best able to answer them. The office team will do its best to inform club administrators of important news so that members can obtain necessary information directly from their clubs.

If you need to speak directly with a staff member, please refer to the information below and we will do our very best to assist you.

Oliver Fonda – Manager Club Development and Pathways
Officials, Rev Sport, Coach Development
clubs@waterpolowa.asn.au
0419 222 600

Mia Buswell – Manager Growth and Participation
Participation programs, associated grants, regional development, National Integrity Framework
managerparticipation@waterpolowa.asn.au
0478 619 892

Renee Rechichi – Office Growth and Participation
Participation programs, associated grants, regional development, National Integrity Framework
officerparticipation@waterpolowa.asn.au
0401 001 736

Warren Kyte – Coordinator Competitions
Competitions, grading, venues
competition@waterpolowa.asn.au
0456 155 852

Natalie Eastwell – Marketing and Promotions
Events, social media content (please be advised that social media channels are not monitored full time, so emails are preferable to DMs)
marketing@waterpolowa.asn.au

Kevin Knapp – General Manager
Grants, strategic planning, fundraising, governance, general operations (if you are unable to get hold of one of my team)
generalmanager@waterpolowa.asn.au
0437 908 599

Please note that any emails sent to info@waterpolowa.asn.au will automatically be redirected to me (Kevin), as will messages left on the office landline. I would encourage the use of the individual contact information provided to ensure you speak to the right person and have the best chance of receiving a timely response to your question/request.

Please note that Oli and I (Kevin) work full time but everyone else is part time. We will endeavour to respond to any request the same day (during working hours). If the matter is urgent, please send me a message.

Reflection

Words from a very great woman:

“It’s worth remembering that it is often the small steps, not the giant leaps, that bring about the most lasting change.”

Cheers,

Kevin Knapp

Dear Water Polo players, officials, and stakeholders,

Probably the single most important contributor to the success of any organisation is unity. This is why unity has become a primary strategic focus for the Board of WPWA.

So, what does it mean? What creates and sustains unity and how do you measure it?

These were all questions that were central to the Club Forum that was conducted 16 September. A number of club representatives came together (some zooming in) at WAIS to take part in a unity workshop that followed a brief overview of the strategic and operational plans for WPWA presented by Board Chair Anthony Rowbottam and General Manager Kevin Knapp.

Board Member Donna Barwood facilitated the unity workshop with participants taking part in a number of rounds of engagement and brainstorming to address the key questions concerning unity (meaning, contribution and measurement).

Unity is……

With a commitment to unity, we will develop as a sport, maximise opportunities and deal with challenges effectively and efficiently. Thank you to everyone who took part in the workshop and for collaborating to provide some clarity and direction for this critical focus area and strategic value for Water Polo WA.

Our thanks to WAIS for providing an excellent venue to run the event and also to Phil Gregson from Healthway for attending and participating. This was a fun event and most importantly, one that saw participation across the organisation with board members, staff, metropolitan and country association representation. Real unity in action!!

National State Championships (NSC) – Poetry in Motion and Unity in Action

It was my great pleasure to visit the Gold Coast to watch and support our 17&U and 15&U female state teams compete in the NSC from 23 – 27 September. It became very clear to me that this is a very special group of athletes, managers and coaches and that they are a demonstration of the unity we want to celebrate and develop across our sport. I want to personally thank everyone who took part (including the spectators) for being such excellent ambassadors for WPWA!

I don’t think I can possibly capture the unity vibe that was on display so here is what the players had to say in word and deed. You be the judge, but I think this is all pretty unified!!

Friendships that are made in sport are always stronger than others. 

We played against each other for so long it was nice to play as a team

When on the way to the airport and your van breaks down its doesn’t mean u will miss your flight!! Especially when we all work together to find a solution!

The experience of playing together and getting to know each other after a long rivalry between clubs during JSL, was a lot of fun. Although we struggled during our games, it was good to be able to pick each other up and keep each other playing at their best. We were all able to learn from each other and become better players because of it.

Although the games were more challenging than we had expected we were able to play well as a team and we improved with every game. We learnt a lot and it was a great experience. I loved the friendships we made within our team and it was good getting to know girls from other clubs.

The tour was a positive experience as it enabled us to improve our skills and game play as a team. The games were challenging but we all had each other’s backs and improved as time went on. I have made lots of memories and friendships that I will hold onto forever.

The tour was definitely one of the best experiences I have had. Although the games were challenging and a lot different considering we had been playing only Perth teams for a few years, the way our team always made the good from the bad really cheered the tournament up. It was so amazing meeting amazing girls that always had a good laugh considering we had been rivals for years and our amazing coach and manager taught us so many new things.

We could see the difference between the start of the tournament and the end because as time progressed and we got closer within our team, it was made evident in our gameplay that we were much stronger, working together more in the pool showing how much we improved as a group over the course of the tour. This is why teamwork is so important, because the relationships and bonds made outside of the pool help to drive the successes we have in the water.

It was the best experience and taught us so much about water polo games, even though they were tough we learnt from everyone what not to do and what to do and overall improving the whole time. We made great friends and had the best atmosphere with the best mems to last forever.

It was a fun and great experience for us to verse other states in a tough competition when we haven’t travelled for 2 years. Made new friends from other states and can’t wait to catch up at AYC – Poppy Rawlings

I feel like we all got to know each other and the sport heaps more and had lots of fun. – Emily Murdoch

NSC Results

17U Gold – 3rd (Bronze medal!)

17U Black – 10th

15U Gold – 5th

15U Black – 7th

Congratulations to the following players selected into the Australian Cadet and Youth Squads!

AUSTRALIAN CADET WOMEN’S SQUAD

Emily Murdoch (UWA, WA) 

Milly Sullivan (Melville, WA) 

Sienna Walker (Melville, WA) 

AUSTRALIAN YOUTH WOMEN’S SQUAD

Jessica Bihler (Melville, WA) 

Bridget Cranley (UWA, WA) 

Ava Forrest (Melville, WA) 

Isla Mulligan (Triton, WA) 

Amber Olney (Triton, WA) 

Emma Pittman (Triton, WA) 

Isabel Scott (Melville, WA)

These reminded me of a web and an associated quote:

“When spiders unite, they can tie down a lion”

Kevin Knapp
GM Water Polo WA

EOIs for the 19&U WA Male and Female State Teams are now open! The championship will take place from the 9-12 December in New South Wales (men) and Victoria (women). Be sure to register your interest by 23 September to take part in the selection process. Follow these links for more information and to register:

• 19&U Men
• 19&U Women

Water Polo WA is seeking highly qualified individuals to join its Board and deliver on the strategic objectives of the organisation.

Up to 5 and not less than 4 board positions will be elected at the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM).

If you believe you have a whole-of-sport approach, and the skills, drive, and leadership to contribute to the strategic direction of water polo in Western Australia, we invite you to apply.

More information and application requirements can be found here. Please read this document carefully before preparing your application.

Dear water polo players, officials, and stakeholders,

We now have a couple of welcome mats (literally) outside the office door. Please do feel free to drop in and say hi. For those that did not know, we share an office with the great team from Paddle WA.

Clubs’ forum

More details will follow shortly, but we will be hosting a clubs’ forum to be held at the WAIS office from 6-8pm on 16 September. Club and Association Presidents will receive invitations and further details early next week.

AGM

The Water Polo WA AGM will take place 29 October. Information will be circulated within the next week or so regarding elections etc.

Water Polo WA Charity Quiz Night

We’ve checked out the venue and it looks very smart and has capacity for 220, in tables of ten. Look out for booking instructions soon and start thinking about getting your tables together!

New Wave Water Polo Club

Another club has joined the ranks! Based in South Perth, New Wave Water Polo Club was established by a passionate group of parents with the desire for all children to have the opportunity to play water polo in a supportive club environment.

They are seeking players aged 8-16, with registrations opening soon. Visit their website or contact admin@newwavewaterpoloclub.com.au to find out more.

Performance Pathway Program Review

A meeting will be scheduled soon with the partners to the Performance Pathway Program (WPWA, WPA, WAIS Conference Centre North and Conference Centre South) where review findings will be presented and discussed. I am very excited at what this collaboration can achieve into the future.

What has been clear to me to date, is that a great deal of effort is being put into the pathway program but that we can do more to clarify to members what each of the partners bring and how everything fits together.

Staff

Mia and Renee have started in their respective roles of Manager and Officer Growth and Participation.

Renee will be working remotely until 22 September with her current focus being on the necessary planning and networking. All clubs and associations can expect to be contacted at some stage regarding participation and growth opportunities.

I am also very pleased to introduce Warren Kyte as our new Coordinator Competitions. Warren will be known to many of you through his background and involvement in water polo, but I have provided a short introduction below.  You can now view all staff profiles on the website here.

Warren was born and raised in South Africa and has played water polo for the past 25 years across various levels in South Africa and Australia, achieving full state colours at school level and has achieved best and fairest together with top goal scorers for a few consecutive year playing at Phantoms water polo club. Warren is excited to be a part of the Water Polo WA team to support the growth and development of water polo across WA. He has been coaching water polo for over 10 years for U14 and U16 teams from school to national levels. Warren is a passionate sportsman and coach and believes in giving each player the opportunity to succeed and achieve their goals with hard work and dedication. Warren is looking forward to the upcoming season and being actively involved with the games as well as coaching and growing the sport together.

Go Polo

There is an idea brewing to form a water polo team comprising Board and Staff members. Watch this space and be prepared to receive a challenge at some stage during the season!!

WPWA State Teams

We are at the pointy end of preparations for our eight teams and the managers are now taking over with the final details ahead of the groups heading off to the Gold Coast and Melbourne. Just a reminder for players/parents to now communicate directly with the relevant team manager as he/she will be across all the necessary details. My thanks in advance to the leadership teams for their efforts and to Michelle Sayer and Steph Neesham for their support.

I will be attending the event on the Gold Coast before participating in the National Hockey Masters Championships that are also taking place on the Gold Coast from 24 September. I am really looking forward to seeing our teams in action and to providing any support that I can.

Please note that every player/guardian needs to read and sign a few documents before being allowed to compete. Please follow the links below for the relevant information pack and forms.

State Teams Booklet – Girls

State Teams Booklet – Boys

The team managers will be following up on the necessary forms to be completed.

Reflection

“Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So, throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore, Dream, Discover.”

Guess who wrote this.

Kevin Knapp

GM Water Polo WA

We’re pleased to extend a warm welcome to Perth’s newest water polo club!

Based at Wesley College, New Wave Water Polo Club was established by a passionate group of parents with the desire for all children to have the opportunity to play water polo in a supportive club environment.

To find out more and enroll for the upcoming season, visit their website or contact Suzie at admin@newwavewaterpoloclub.com.au.

Congratulations to the following players for being selected to represent WA at the upcoming National State Water Polo Championships.

WA Gold

Gold Reserves

WA Black

Black Reserves

Congratulations to the following players for being selected to represent WA at the upcoming National State Water Polo Championships.

WA Gold

Gold Reserves

WA Black

Black Reserves

For two weeks in January 2023, Perth will be home to Water Polo Australia’s largest annual event – the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships.

With 2,500 players and over 600 games in the boys and girls 12&U, 14&U, 16&U and 18&U categories this year, this action-packed festival of water polo isn’t one to be missed.

Team nominations are now open on the Water Polo Australia website – get your teams in by Sunday 2 October 2022.

Key dates:

Week 1 | 9-13 January 2023: 14&U (Boys and Girls) and 18&U (Boys and Girls)

Week 2 | 15-19 January 2023: 12&U (Boys and Girls) and 16&U (Boys and Girls)

Congratulations to the following players for being selected to represent WA at the upcoming National State Water Polo Championships.

WA Gold

WA Black

Res

Congratulations to the following players for being selected to represent WA at the upcoming National State Water Polo Championships.

WA Gold

WA Black

WPWA is pleased to announce the players selected in the initial squads for the 15&U and 17&U Boys following trials conducted a couple of weeks ago.

Two teams (Gold and Black) will now be selected from these squads to represent WA at the National State Championships. Teams will be posted once confirmed and communicated to WPWA by the relevant selection panels.

Please note that delays in posting squad lists has resulted in some miscommunication to players and families. Full responsibility for this rests with the General Manager.

Any concerns can be raised directly with GM Kevin Knapp at generalmanager@waterpolowa.asn.au.

15&U Boys Squad

17&U Boys Squad

Dear water polo players, officials, and stakeholders,

There is plenty going on at Water Polo WA and the season is yet to start!

Water Polo WA Charity Quiz Night

We are still interested to hear from you if you would like to volunteer to help organise the quiz night and/or be a member of our Profile Fundraising and Events Committee (PFE). Please just send me an e-mail if you are interested. We are also seeking donations for the silent auction so please get in touch if you have anything that you think we could use.

WPWA Photo Polo

Our first photo value (below) has been produced and is hanging proudly in the office! It was also shared in the staff structure document posted last week. I am very much looking forward to sharing the other four value photos with you within the next week or so.

WPWA State Teams

WA 15U/17U State Teams are soon to be named. Communication will change to be focused on logistics for the travelling teams (travel, accommodation etc.) with the team managers taking on a key role in this regard.

Staunch

Just a reminder that we have Staunch as an apparel and swimwear partner. Vaughn has been a great help in setting up arrangements for state team uniforms and some new items for supporters. Check out the website and please do contact him if you have any questions.

Performance Pathway Program Review

It is important to note that the focus from the review will be to improve on existing processes and procedures while retaining the existing structure.

The Water Polo WA Board have endorsed the formation of a Water Polo WA High Performance & Pathways Committee (HPPC). This committee will initially work on developing a term of reference to be shared with the membership that will clarify its roles and responsibilities. One of these responsibilities will be to prepare and communicate feedback on the PPP Review information that was presented to the Board.

Board Member Danielle Woodhouse has been appointed as Chair of the Committee and Andrew Ford has been included as a member with GM Kevin Knapp to provide administrative support to the committee. The HPPC with the assistance for the Board will consider additional representation/skill sets for the committee and will approach potential candidates to be endorsed by the Board.

Go Polo

Both Tasmania and South Australia have indicated they want to share our Stroll O Polo experiences with their members. I think this is a very positive affirmation for former GM Sue Gliddon and others, who initiated and developed the program.

Staff

I would like to take this opportunity to provide a little more information on the staff that are joining the team here at WPWA.

Mia Buswell – Manager Growth and Participation

“With urging from some friends, I had a mature-age entry into water polo. I’ve played a lot of basketball and have always loved the water, so the transition to water polo seemed logical. I made my debut in 2021 and absolutely love it – if only my talent was equal to my enthusiasm”

“Having recently found my own passion for water polo, I am excited to introduce more people to the great sport, to help grow and strengthen the water polo community in WA. Getting people to try a new sport is about making it fun, getting them to stay is about making them welcome.”

Mia joins the WAWPI team with over 25 years’ experience in the sport and recreation industry, with a focus on grassroots and growing participation. As a UWA graduate in Human Movement and Psychology, she knows the benefits of being part of a team sport and has a passion for getting more people active and engaged. 

Mia’s most recent role was with Tenpin Bowling Australia, successfully piloting, adapting, and coordinating their national participation programs in WA and supporting a team of staff in other states. She has also lived in remote and regional WA, where she coordinated the Sporting Schools program for Sport AUS and worked in recreation and community development with local government. Mia is keen to find creative ways to introduce water polo to more people throughout the state.

Oliver Fonda – Manager Club Development & Pathways

Oliver was born and raised in Hungary where water polo is a truly national sport. Within weeks of arriving in Australia he joined the Triton Water Polo Club where he still plays as a senior member. His teammates over the years included Paul and Mark Oberman, Richard Pengelly and Glen Townsend, all Australian Olympic players. Oliver’s teams have won several state championships in Perth over his long career, whilst he was voted “best and fairest” in his division two years in the row at age 45 and 46. He also represented the Australian water polo community in several World Masters Games held in Perth, Montreal (Canada), Boras (Sweden), and recently in Budapest (Hungary). His highest achievement was winning gold at the Master’s Olympics held in Sydney in 2009 as a member of the Hungarian national team.

Oliver is keen to pass on his knowledge and experience in water polo and help to build strong clubs and successful pathways for coaches and officials.

Renee Rechichi – Officer Growth and Participation

Having grown up around water polo, Renee has played for 14 years and in this time has played juniors, seniors and represented the state. Renee has also coached, refereed, and volunteered for several seasons.

Away from water polo, Renee has held numerous administrative roles, and recently completed a degree in criminology and criminal justice. 

Renee is looking forward to beginning her role with WPWA when she returns from working a ski season in Mt Buller. 

Bruno Barna – Coordinator Competitions

Bruno Barna is moving on to a new job and we wish him every success. Bruno has been a great asset to WPWA, and I have valued his support and insights over the last few months. Bruno has indicated he intends to continue being involved as a player and official within the sport so you will see him around.

Reflection

As we head into the administrative challenges regarding flight arrangements for 120 players and team management, I thought it might be good to share a story about travel insurance.

My niece recently planned a trip to Darwin, having not had a holiday for a very long time. She is Italian with English being her second language. She made all the bookings herself and when my partner and I asked if she had arranged her travel insurance, she said no. We asked her why and she said she decided not to when asked if she wanted to insure one leg or two!

Kevin Knapp

GM Water Polo WA

WPWA is pleased to announce the players selected in the initial squads for the 15&U and 17&Girls following trials conducted a couple of weeks ago.

Two teams (Gold and Black) will now be selected from these squads to represent WA at the National State Championships. Teams will be posted once confirmed and communicated to WPWA by the relevant selection panels.

Please note that delays in posting squad lists has resulted in some miscommunication to players and families. Full responsibility for this rests with the General Manager.

Any concerns can be raised directly with GM Kevin Knapp at generalmanager@waterpolowa.asn.au.

15&U Girls Squad

17&U Girls Squad

I am delighted to introduce your staff team at WPWA!

It will take a little while for us to find our feet, but I am very confident that we will be able to deliver on the strategic objectives of WPWA.

We are committed to providing you all with the services and support you need to enjoy your chosen sport of Water Polo to the full, whether you are a player, coach, official, club administrator or spectator.

Staff Structure

Who’s on the team and what do they do?

Kevin Knapp – General Manager
I have overall responsibility for the operations of WPWA, for supporting the Board, engaging with our major stakeholders, and generating the revenue that we need to sustain and develop our sport. 

Oliver Fonda – Manager, Club Development & Pathways
I am responsible for club and pathway development. This includes providing the necessary support for the establishment, sustainability and growth of our clubs and associations, and the development of coaches, officials, and administrators. I am also responsible for processes and procedures relating to the selection/appointment of our players, officials, coaches and managers for State Championships and the associated logistical support.

Mia Buswell – Manager, Growth & Participation
I am responsible for increasing participation in Water Polo in Western Australia and managing the relationship with Water Polo Australia in the growth and participation space. I have associated responsibilities to secure funding to sustain WPWA resourcing in this critical sector for the sport.

Bruno Barna – Coordinator, Competitions
I am responsible for all things competitions. This includes the calendar for competitions throughout the year and all associated logistics including pool access, umpiring and competition structures.

Renee Rechichi – Officer, Growth & Participation
I work at the “coal face” of participation for WPWA and have a supporting role at the strategic level as well as very much an operation focus on existing participation initiatives like Flippa Ball and Stroll O Polo. I will be driving new participation and inclusion initiatives.

Natalie Eastwell – Profile & Events
I am responsible for building and maintaining the profile of WPWA through its various digital platforms, and I also have a leading role in the delivery of events and fundraising initiatives.

Karina Schultz – Finance & Bookkeeping
I provide bookkeeping services and a level of financial advice/support to WPWA. I also assist with the annual financial audit for the organisation.

Our pledge to each other and to you is a lived experience and commitment to the WPWA values of Unity, Inclusion, Excellence, Respect and Teamwork.

We currently have Oliver, Bruno, and myself in the office, with Mia joining us 29 August and Renee early September (Renee will commence working remotely from 22 August). I will provide further clarification regarding contact details for the members of the team soon.

We have some challenges to face in the months and years ahead, but also some significant opportunities. We will do our best to make sure (most importantly) that you have clarity on all of these. 

Sincerely,

Kevin Knapp

PS If anyone has any fun suggestions to name the staff team then please send them through to me.