If you have a kid who loves being in the water and is looking for a new activity, water polo may be a win! While swimming skills are a plus, the game is also similar to soccer and basketball. Many kids try water polo at summer clubs first including Middlesex Club, Stamford Yacht Club and Newfield Swim & Tennis Club, but there are also two local water polo programs that practice indoors throughout the year as well. Read on to learn more and get info on a free water polo trial available now.
Greenwich Aquatics
This water polo program practices indoors at the YMCA of Greenwich. Kids can first try the sport with a fun Noodle Water Polo class, which meets once a week for 50 minutes. Juniors can learn the sport and develop water confidence while using flotation devices.
Later, join the Greenwich Aquatics water polo house league for ages 8 to 12. Players of all abilities will be divided into teams for the season. Everyone gets equal playing time and will learn basic skills in a fun way. House league teams practice once a week and have one game on Saturday afternoons.
For those looking for a competitive water polo experience. Greenwich Aquatics also has water polo travel teams for both girls and boys. They will learn higher-level skills including ball handling, eggbeater, positioning, shooting and passing, all while building strong legs and teamwork. This is a bigger commitment as you should expect four to six, 1.5-2 hour practices per week with a 75 percent minimum attendance required and an expectation of attending all practices and games. Teams will play in local games and participate in leagues. Some will play in national tournaments or even tournaments held abroad. They have year round teams for 12U, 14U, 16U and 18U and spring and summer travel teams for 10U. Ages are determined by an August 1st cutoff date. A 10U team would have kids ages 10 and under, 12U would have kids 12 and under and so on. Travel teams do require a tryout, which happens in the fall.
CT Premier Water Polo Club
With practices held nearby at Chelsea Piers Athletic Club in Stamford, CT Premier Water Polo Club is another popular choice for local kids. Boys and girls can start as young as age 8 and up to age 18. All levels from brand new to a seasoned water polo player are welcome. They run two seasons – winter from late November to mid-March and spring from mid-March through the end of June.
Teams practice two or four times a week at Chelsea Piers – you choose the practice package that fits best with your schedule. Practice times vary depending on age group, but typically are on Tuesday and Thursday evenings as well as Saturdays and Sundays. All players are also welcome to attend an optional swim conditioning class held on Monday nights. Games and scrimmages are played throughout the season, usually on weekends. Some teams also have tournaments, which sometimes require travel.
Right now, your child can join a free trial practice to find out if the program is good fit or to find out if water polo is an activity that he or she wants to pursue. Register with CT Premier Water Polo Club for the practice — 8-12 year olds can choose either a Saturday from 10:30am-12pm or Sunday from 12-2pm; and 13 and 14 year olds can choose either a Saturday at 12:15-2:15pm or Sunday from 12-2pm.