VIC NATIONAL LEAGUE WATER POLO CLUB LAUNCHED
After several years out of the limelight at a high performance level, an exciting new Water Polo Club has been formed to enable the State’s best players to compete against the best water polo players from around the country, in the Australian Water Polo League (AWL).
An initial meeting of 11 Governing Members approved the formation of the Victorian National League Water Polo Club Inc, new Club’s Rules/Constitution and elected the Club’s Management Committee.
Highly regarded high performance sports manager Gary Barclay was elected President and experienced water polo player, coach and International Referee Danny Flahive was elected as Vice President. Long time National League advocate and one of the drivers of previous National League ventures, Russell Small, was elected as Secretary and chartered accountant Andrew Post was elected as Treasurer. There is one vacant Committee position available, and the Committee is keen to identify suitable females to fill this position. There are two appointed Committee member positions, and they will be worked through over the coming month.
David Whittaker will also join the Club Management Committee in his role as Water Polo Victoria Executive Officer to represent the interests of all WPVic members and support the Club’s ongoing endeavours. Several Governance initiatives were covered off during the meeting to ensure the Committee will provide good governance and leadership by behaving with integrity and being open and accountable.
The Club has a Provisional Licence to join the AWL in 2022 with several initiatives to be completed by 30 September to ensure the licence.
Expressions of Interest are now open for players interested in trialing for the Victorian-based AWL teams.
The Victorian National League Water Polo Club (VNLWPC) will announce the Head Men's and Head Women's coaches early next week.
Any player who is keen to play at a high-performance level and is already playing (or has played) in AWL or previously National League teams, at a high standard in WPVic State League 1 (or equivalent) or are a selected member of an Youth (18U) or Junior (20U) Australian squad are encouraged to complete the EOI Form which closes Friday 1st October 2021. Anyone that does not specifically meet these requirements can still submit an EOI however will need to receive permission to be involved from the VNLWPC Selection Committees.
To enable players to get some fitness and skills practice before final VNLWPC selections, training at MSAC commencing from Monday 20 September will be available as part of a new senior WPVic Academy Squad. This will require a HP Exemption (Work Permit) to be provided under existing COVID Lockdown restrictions before starting participating. This is not mandatory for VNLWPC selections. Anyone wishing to take advantage of this opportunity will need to indicate interest in the EOI Form
Following 3 weeks of trials from 10 October 2021 to the end of October (Covid permitting), a final squad of approximately 18 male and 18 female will be selected.
Please note that all Victorian based players selected in the AWL teams must continue to train and play for their State League team leading up to and throughout the AWL season. This is not negotiable and will form a major part of the plan to establish a quality State League 1 competition with very competitive teams going forward.
Cheers
Gary Barclay (VNLWPC President)