Age Group Training

Our training schedule is carefully planned in line with New Zealand Water Polo (NZWP) Nationals, ensuring players have dedicated time to prepare for these important competitions.

Therfore age groups do not train all year, this approach allows us to provide fair access to training while helping players peak at the right time for national events.

U12 Programme (Born 2014 or later)

The perfect entry point to Canterbury Water Polo. We focus on building confidence, foundational skills, and a love for the game in a supportive environment.

2026 Season Quick Facts

  • Eligibility: Open to all players aged 11 and under (as of 1st Jan 2026). Primarily Years 6–7.

  • Training Schedule: Dates & Times via the calendar or training schedule at the bottom of the page (Updates via the Heja App).

  • Training in terms Term 1, Term 3 & Term 4 

  • Registrations: Open now via the button at the bottom of the page 

Key Event: Future Stars Festival

  • Dates: Saturday 24th Oct – Monday 26th Oct 2026

  • Location: Hamilton

  • Estimated Cost: $1,500 per player (Includes flights; team travels together).

  • Note: Players must also register with NZWP to be eligible for National Tournaments.

What Players Will Learn

  • Swim Fitness: Improving endurance, speed, and pool technique.

  • Essential Skills: Passing, shooting, and ball handling drills.

  • Game Play: Understanding rules, positioning, and teamwork.

Coaching & Management

  • Head Coach: Laura Hammond

  • Assistant Coaches: Daniel Pearce, Lucy Hamilton, Zoe Crosbie, Abbey McCormack-Young, Bailey Hood, Levi Fitzgerald & Stevi Cooper.

  • Manager: We are currently seeking an Age Group Manager for 2026!

U14 Programme (Born 2012 or later)

Bridging the gap between foundation and competition. The U14 programme builds on fundamental skills while introducing players to structured gameplay and competitive opportunities. Designed for athletes aged 13 and under (as of 1st Jan 2026), we focus on teamwork, game strategy, and fitness to prepare players for the next stage of their water polo journey.

2026 Season Quick Facts

  • Eligibility: Primarily Years 8–9 (Open to all players aged 13 and under as of 1st Jan 2026).

  • Skill Level: All levels welcome—from developing players to those ready for high-level competition.

  • Training Schedule: Dates & Times via the calendar or training schedule at the bottom of the page (Updates via the Heja App).

  • Training in terms:  Term 3 & Term 4 

  • Registrations: Will open towards the end of term 2. 

NZWP Club U14 National Championships

Participation in National tournaments requires additional registration through New Zealand Water Polo (NZWP).

  • Division 2 (Boys & Girls): Thu 10 Dec – Sun 13 Dec 2026 | Auckland

  • Division 1 (Boys & Girls): Mon 14 Dec – Thu 17 Dec 2026 | Auckland

  • Local Leagues: Canterbury local match play opportunities run throughout the season.

What We Focus On

  • Tactical Awareness: Moving from basic skills to understanding positional play and team systems.

  • Structured Gameplay: Learning to execute plays and strategies in match situations.

  • Conditioning: Building the swim fitness required for competitive four-quarter games.

Coaching & Management

  • Head Coach: Cooper Stewart (Boys) - Darius Porter (Girls) 

  • Assistant Coaches: Angus Nevinn (Boys) - Ethan Mcleish (Girls)

  • Age Group Manager: 2026 Expressions of interest are now open! We are looking for managers to support our U14 teams.

U16 Programme (Born 2010 or later)

Refining skill, strategy, and competitive edge. The U16 programme focuses on tactical awareness and high-level game strategy. Open to athletes aged 15 and under (as of 1st Jan 2026), this programme provides a direct pathway into senior and representative water polo.

2026 Season Quick Facts

  • Eligibility: Primarily Years 10–11 (Open to all players aged 15 and under as of 1st Jan 2026).

  • Training Schedule: Dates & Times via the calendar or training schedule at the bottom of the page (Updates via the Heja App).

  • Training in terms:  Term 2 & Term 3

  • Registrations: Will open towards the end of term 1. 

What We Focus On

  • Advanced Swim Fitness: Building the specific endurance and explosive speed required for high-level match play.

  • Technical Refinement: Precision passing, shooting under pressure, and advanced ball handling.

  • Tactical Depth: Deepening understanding of positioning, complex rules, and team-based decision making.

NZWP Club U16 National Championships

Note: Players must also register with NZWP to compete in National Tournaments.

  • Division 2 (Boys & Girls): Wed 7 Oct – Sat 10 Oct 2026 | Hawke's Bay

  • Division 1 (Boys & Girls): Thu 8 Oct – Sun 11 Oct 2026 | Christchurch

⚠️ Travel Update: Unlike previous years, CWP will not be booking group flights for 2026. Players are responsible for their own travel arrangements.

Coaching & Management

U16 Boys Team

  • Head Coach: Tim Chambers

  • Assistant Coach: Matt Anderson

  • Manager: Expressions of Interest Open

U16 Girls Team

  • Head Coach: Blake Richards

  • Assistant Coach: Bailey Hood

  • Manager: Expressions of Interest Open

U18 Programme (Born 2007 or later)

Advanced performance and pathway development. The U18 programme is designed for athletes aspiring to compete at a high level. We focus on elite conditioning, advanced tactical systems, and match awareness to prepare players for senior, national, and international opportunities.

2026 Season Quick Facts

  • Eligibility: Primarily Years 12–13 (Open to all players aged 17 and under as of 1st Jan 2026).

  • Training Schedule: Dates & Times via the calendar or training schedule at the bottom of the page (Updates via the Heja App).

  • Training in terms:  Term 1 & Term 2

  • Registrations: Now open via the link at the bottom of the page

What We Focus On

  • Elite Conditioning: Developing water polo-specific strength, stamina, and explosive speed.

  • Technical Mastery: High-pressure ball handling, precision shooting, and defensive specialisation.

  • Strategic Gameplay: Advanced positioning and team strategies to improve in-game decision-making.

NZWP Club 18U National Championships

Note: Players must also register with NZWP to compete in National Tournaments.

  • Division 2 (Boys & Girls): Sat 4 Jul – Tue 7 Jul 2026 | Auckland

  • Division 1 (Boys & Girls): Thu 16 Jul – Sun 19 Jul 2026 | Wellington

⚠️ Travel Update: Unlike previous years, CWP will not be booking group flights for 2026. Players are responsible for their own travel arrangements.

Coaching & Management

U18 Boys Team

  • Head Coach: Blake Richards

  • Assistant Coach: Josh Persico

  • Manager: TBC / Expressions of Interest Open

U18 Girls Team

  • Head Coach: Csaba Rull

  • Assistant Coach: Scarlett Goldsworthy

  • Manager: TBC / Expressions of Interest Open

U21 Programme (Born 2005 or later)

Bridging the gap to Senior excellence. The U21 programme is designed for athletes transitioning into senior competition. We focus on high-performance conditioning, advanced tactical execution, and elite skill refinement for players striving for club, national, or international success.

2026 Season Quick Facts

  • Eligibility: Designed for players aged 18 to 21 (Born 2005–2008).

  • Training Schedule: Dates & Times via the calendar or training schedule at the bottom of the page (Updates via the Heja App).

  • Training in terms:  Term 1 & Term 2 

  • Registrations: Now open via the link at the bottom of the page

 What We Focus On

  • High-Performance Conditioning: Focused on the strength, speed, and stamina required for elite-level match play.

  • Skill Sharpening: Precision passing, powerful shooting, and tactical ball control under high-pressure situations.

  • Strategic Mastery: Deepening understanding of team dynamics, complex positioning, and advanced match decision-making.

NZWP Club 21U National Championships

Note: Players must also register with NZWP to compete in National Tournaments.

  • 21U Men: Thu 9 Jul – Sun 12 Jul 2026 | Auckland

  • 21U Women: Thu 9 Jul – Sun 12 Jul 2026 | Auckland

⚠️ Travel Update: Unlike previous years, CWP will not be booking group flights for 2026. Players are responsible for their own travel arrangements.

Coaching & Management

U21 Men's Team

  • Head Coach: Ferdinando Verolino

  • Assistant Coach: Lachlan Frazer

  • Manager: TBC / Expressions of Interest Open

U21 Women's Team

  • Head Coach: Csaba Rull

  • Assistant Coach: Josef Power

  • Manager: TBC / Expressions of Interest Open

Seniors (Born 2007 or later)

Competitive and social water polo at the highest level. Canterbury Water Polo offers a pathway for experienced athletes and those returning to the sport. Our senior programme focuses on elite fitness, tactical mastery, and national competition, providing a place for everyone to stay connected to the game and the community.

2026 Season Quick Facts

  • Eligibility: Senior Men and Women (Open Age).

  • Training Schedule: Dates & Times via the calendar or training schedule at the bottom of the page (Updates via the Heja App).

  • Training in terms:  Term 1 & Term 2 

  • Registrations: Now open via the link at the bottom of the page

What We Focus On

  • Peak Conditioning: High-performance swim fitness to sustain intensity in competitive match play.

  • Skill Perfection: Advanced precision passing, dynamic shooting, and strategic ball control.

  • Elite Strategy: Deepening tactical awareness and positional play for top-tier competition.

NZ Club National Leagues

Note: NZWP registration is mandatory for all national competitions. Players are responsible for their own travel/flights for 2026.

NZ Club Division 1

  • Dates/Locations: Pending confirmation from NZ Water Polo (NZWP).

NZ Club Division 2

  • Round 1 (Men & Women): Sat 25 Apr – Mon 27 Apr 2026 | Hamilton

  • Round 2 (Women): Fri 8 May – Sun 10 May 2026 | Auckland

  • Round 2 (Men): Fri 15 May – Sun 17 May 2026 | Auckland

  • Round 3 (Men & Women): Fri 26 Jun – Sun 28 Jun 2026 | Christchurch

Senior Coaching Team

Senior Men

  • Head Coach: Csaba Rull

  • Assistant Coaches: Lachie Marshall & Lachlan Frazer

  • Manager: Expressions of Interest Open

Senior Women

  • Head Coach: Csaba Rull

  • Assistant Coaches: Casie Bowry & Josef Power

  • Manager: TBC / Expressions of Interest Open

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Key Information 

  • Training Schedule: Visit the Calendar tab or Training schedule button below. 

  • Communication: Invite codes for the Heja App are sent upon registration.

  • Fees: Invoices must be paid within 7 days.

  • Pool Entry: Not included in training fees; payable at the venue.

  • Withdrawals: A $15 administration fee applies if an invoice has already been issued.

Age Groups training in Term 1 are 

Senior Women - U21 Women - U18 Women 

Senior Men - U21 Men - U18 Men 

U12s 


Fees for Term 1

Senior Women/U21 Women $425

U18 Girls $375 ($425 if invited to train with the Senior women on a Saturday) 

Senior Men Div 1 ONLY $425

Senior Men Div 2 & U21 $375

U18 Boys $200

U12s $150


While we would love to have all age groups training year-round, we unfortunately face pool space constraints that make this impossible. To ensure every team is prepared, we have aligned our term schedules with the NZWP tournament calendar. This allows us to prioritise training blocks for each age group in the lead-up to their respective Nationals