Western Australia’s tourism industry and sporting events calendar will receive another boost with the State Government, through Tourism WA, securing the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships (AYWPC) for January 2022 and January 2025.
The AYWPC is an annual national competition for water polo players under the age of 18. Since it launched in Brisbane in 2019 the two-week festival of water polo has quickly grown to be the marquee event on the water polo sporting calendar.
The format consists of six days of competition, followed by one rest day, then another six days of competition, with around 900 games played over the two-week period.
The competition has four age divisions (12 and under, 14 and under, 16 and under and 18 and under) in which individuals compete for their local club or school.
The AYWPC also includes the International Test Series – three women’s and three men’s games between Australia’s national water polo teams and invited international teams.
Australia’s national women’s water polo team, the Aussie Stingers, and men’s national team, the Aussie Sharks, are both top-ranking international teams that have qualified for the Tokyo Olympic Games.
The Australian Youth Water Polo Championships in Brisbane have previously attracted 2,900 participants and approximately 2,000 spectators for each of the three test matches.
A total of 186 teams competed in the inaugural event in Brisbane – making the event the largest water polo competition in the country.
The Perth events are expected to attract thousands of competitors, coaches, managers and accompanying spectators to WA, and grow in popularity as it becomes more established.
The AYWPC is the latest sporting event the State Government has secured for future years as it establishes a flexible events calendar to attract national and international visitors when the time is right.
As stated by Tourism Minister Paul Papalia:
“As we work together to rebuild tourism in the State, it’s more important than ever that we continue to build a future events calendar with broad appeal.
“Events continue to be a crucial part of our strategy to encourage visitors to WA and support jobs.
“Securing these championships is yet another win for WA and provides another reason for people to visit Western Australia in the future and spend their money in our State.”
As stated by Sport and Recreation Minister Mick Murray:
“Hosting the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships is a natural fit for WA.
“The sport of water polo is extremely popular here and we’ve also been responsible for producing some great national talent.
“These championships will help nurture a new generation of water polo talent through the younger divisions, while showcasing the sport’s global elite through the International Test Series.”
