The 2026-27 season runs from September 2026 to end of August 2027 and will see the Hunter Hurricanes support the following squads.

• U12 Girls (born 15, 16)

• U12’s boys (born 15, 16)

• U14’s female (born 13, 14)

• U14’s male (born 13, 14)

• U16’s female (born 11, 12)

• U16’s male (born 11, 12)

• U18’s female (born 09, 10)

• U18’s male (born 09, 10)

Hunter Hurricanes will select junior squads in September, that will train over the season (September 2026 to April 2027). From those squads, tournament teams will be selected for State Championships and Australian Youth Water Polo Championship. Athletes must nominate for and be selected in the above squads to be eligible for selection in tournament teams. Inclusion in a squad will provide the junior athlete with an opportunity to train and build their skills in water polo for the 2026-27 season. Inclusion in a squad does not guarantee selection for tournaments.

Athlete Commitment

Hunter Hurricanes are planning on competing in the following events. The following summary is indicative and subject to change. It is provided to allow parents and athletes to be aware of and commit to our season. These competitions and tournaments provide a blend of development and performance opportunities. 

1. Pre-Season Development Tournament (Sydney): 

   • 6th-8th Oct U14G's and U14B's

   • 9th-11th Oct U16G's and U16B's 

2. Canberra Cup (Canberra, 6th - 8th November). We have entered two u14 teams for girls and boys, two u17 teams for girls and one u17 team for boys

3. WPNSW state championships (Sydney):

   • U12 Boys & Girls, (Born 2015 & 2016) - 16th-17th January 

   • U14 Boys & Girls, (Born 2013 & 2014) - 9th-13th January

   • U16 Boys & Girls, (Born 2011 & 2012) - 14th-17th January

   • U18 Boys & Girls, (Born 2009 & 2010) - 9th-12th January

4. Water Polo Australian Youth Water Polo Championships (Brisbane):

   • Week 1 | 30th March - 3rd April 2027: U14 and U18 age groups
   • Week 2 | 5th-9th April 2027: U12 and U16 age groups

5. U12’s: Orange Festival: 5th - 7th March 2027

6. Summer Metro Competition: We will work with the coaches and players on this as a whole of team process to determine which teams to enter

7. Winter Metro Competition: Aiming to enter all age groups if numbers are viable.

Teams will train and swim each week. Below is an example of potential training commitments for each age group. These are provided as an example and may change once coaches build an understanding of their squad's capability and fitness and we confirm pool availability. Please note, teams are likely to have at least one, maybe two 5:30am sessions per week (age dependent) and/or Sunday training. Lambton pool may not be the only pool used for training, this may include central coast pools, in an environment where pool space is at a premium, with growing demands, all options are on the table.

• U12s: once per week

• U14s: two team sessions and one swim session*

• U16s: two team sessions and one swim session*

• U18s: two team sessions and one swim session per week, plus integration with senior teams where appropriate

• Goal Keeper Development: The Hunter Hurricanes are committed to developing elite goal keepers. This year we are aiming to run the following:

  • Intensive camps scheduled throughout the season, focusing on benchmarking development and planning development milestones for our identified goal keepers

  • Support for Head Coaches, including GK specific drills and support for in-session development, aligned with development plans

  • AWL and Super League game day mentoring, using the senior competitions as a learning platform for goalkeepers.  

Athletes who wish to train and develop their skills, who do not intend on competing at tournaments are encouraged to apply. 

*We recognise some athletes participate in swimming squads, you will be able to discuss this directly with your coach.

Fees

Fees include the following components:

1. Squad fees: season fee covering training - U12's- $365. U14's-U18's- $525 paid at the start of the season upon registration.
2. Fees for teams deciding to enter the metro competition will be added for those participating. 
3. Tournament fees: fees passed on at cost to enter teams into tournaments and competitions. This includes the registration cost plus team staff cost. Athletes will be provided an invoice at the time of competition.
4. Members with outstanding fees from previous seasons may not be eligible for selection in training squads, competition and tournament teams until all outstanding fees have been paid or a payment plan has been organised with and agreed to by the treasurer (treasurer@hunterhurricanes.com).

Timeline

The following is an estimated timeline, things may change

• 11th September EOI closes
• 14th-20th September Squad trials
• 22nd September squads announced, players required to register and pay squad fees, squad training commences
• 28th September registration cut-off
• 6th - 11th October squads attend pre-season development tournament (see above)
• 12th October - Canberra Cup teams announced
• 6th - 8th November: Canberra Cup
• 16th November WPNSW state championship teams announced
• 9th - 17th January: WPNSW club state championships.
• 25th January: AYWPC teams announced
• 30th March - 9th April: AYWPC Brisbane

*Selection dates are fluid based on availability of staff and volunteers

Fundraising

The Hunter Hurricanes will pursue a range of fundraising and sponsorship activities to support our season, including fortnightly raffles at the Queens Wharf Hotel, our catering and events sponsor. The money raised goes into a pool that is divided by the number of players participating and funds can be used for tournament & registration fees. Essentially, the more fundraising you do the more your costs are reduced. Please note; if you sign up for this, and are unable to meet your scheduled date, it is your responsibility to organise a replacement or complete your day. 

Coaches

U12G: HC Kellie Stolk | AC TBC

U12B: HC Nikki Burdack (Interim coach) | AC TBC

U14G: HC Dayna Garside | AC Tammy Humby

U14B: HC Brett Arnold | AC Taylor Donaldson

U16G: HC Brett Arnold | AC: Kate Donaldson & Belle Humby

U16B: HC Hunter Wright | AC Clint Bryant

U18G: HC Craig Boettcher | AC TBC

U18B: HC Andrew Drain | AC Matt Humby

Squad training will be supported by additional, skill focused sessions as able, facilited by our Junior Technical Head Coach, Brett Arnold, Elly Pickles and Bailey Sheather (Goal Keeper development).

Club Uniform

We are upgrading our uniform this season which includes a new supplier for uniforms (swimmers stay the same as last year), aiming to reduce the long wait times we have previously experienced. Compulsory items include the new polo shirt (renewed each season), swimmers and swim cap (if used). The items will be available for purchase via a dedicated online shop and sizes will be collected at the time of registration to ensure stock arrives in time for state championships. We will keep you updated on this via your squad chat groups. 

Additional merchandise options will be available at the new onlide shop. We will email all members to their nominated email address once the shop is up and running. 

How to nominate

To nominate please provide your details via the following form. Please ensure a parent or guardian completes this form as the contact details will be used to communicate throughout the season. 

Nominate your EOI here! 

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