The 2025-26 season runs from September 2025 to end of August 2026 and will see the Hunter Hurricanes support the following squads.

• U12’s boys (born 14, 15)

• U12 Girls (born 14, 15)

• U14’s female (born 12, 13)

• U14’s male (born 12, 13)

• U16’s female (born 10, 11)

• U16’s male (born 10, 11)

• U18’s female (born 08, 09)

• U18’s male (born 08, 09)

Hunter Hurricanes will select junior squads in September, that will train over the season (September 2025 to April 2026). 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 2025-26 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.

1. Pre-Season Development Tournament: 

   • 28th - 29th Sept L14A + L16A

   • 1st-2nd Oct L14B + L16B (We may explore the benefit of entering an u14G team into L16B with coaches)

   • 7th - 8th Oct M14B + M16B (unlikely to enter a M14B or M16B team)

   • 9th-10th Oct M14A M16A 

2. Canberra Cup (Canberra, 7th - 8th November). Aiming to send two u14 teams for boys and girls, and one u17 team for boys and girls

3. WPNSW state championships:

   • U12 Boys & Girls, (Born 2014 & 2015) - 8th-9th December 

   • U14 Boys & Girls, (Born 2012 & 2013) - 3rd-6th December

   • U16 Boys & Girls, (Born 2010 & 2011) - 8th-11th December

   • U18 Boys & Girls, (Born 2008 & 2009) - 1st-4th December

   • U22 Men & Women – (Born 2004 to 2008) - 6th-7th December 

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

   • Week 1 | 8-12 April 2026: 14&U and 18&U age groups
   • Week 2 | 14-18 April 2026: 12&U and 16&U age groups

5. U12’s: Orange Festival: 6th - 8th March 2026

6. Summer Metro Competition: U14 A Girls, U16 A Girls, U18 A Boys. 12th of Oct - 22nd of March, Sundays.

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

8. We intend to nominate for the following winter based events, if eligible: WPA u13 Development Tournament in Tasmania, East Coast Challenge u15 and u17

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 - fees will be in-line with the 2024-25 season with some adjustments, with metro competition added for those participating. Paid at the start of the season upon registration.
2. 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.

Timeline

The following is an estimated timeline, things may change

• 7th September EOI closes
• 1st - 7th September: Training and competition calendar published
• 14th-21st September Squad trials
• 22nd September squads announced, players required to register and pay squad fees, squad training commences
• 28th September registration cut-off
• 28th September - 10th October squads attend pre-season development tournament (see above)
• 13th October - Canberra Cup teams announced
• 7th November: Canberra Cup
• 1st -11th December: WPNSW club state championships. Teams announced 12th November
• 27th February: AYWPC teams announced
• 8th - 18th April: AYWPC Perth

*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

U12: Led by Andrea Hodges. Girls: Andrea Hodges | Boys: Khai Zenith

u14G: HC Elly Pickles | AC Tammy Rippon-Nancarrow + Abby Ray

U14B: Brett Arnold (interim)| AC Taylor Donaldson

U16G: HC Tammy Humby | ACs: Andrew Drain & Dayna Garside

U16B: HC Daniel Lawrence | AC Hunter Wright

U18G: HC TBC | AC TBC

U18B: HC Brett Arnold | AC Craig Boettcher

Junior Technical Head Coach: Brett Arnold. Brett will work across all teams, supporting the development of age specific technical skills and team plans for the season. 

Club Uniform

We are upgrading our uniform this season which includes a new supplier for our swimmers, aiming to reduce the long wait times we have previously experienced, and a new club polo in a quick dry material. Compulsory items include the new polo shirt, swimmers and swim cap (if used). The items will be available for purchase via the Hurricanes shop and sizes will be collected at the time of registration to ensure stock arrives in time for state championships. At this stage, the aim is to align the new brand of junior swimmers with the existing design to reduce the need to purchase new swimmers if it's not needed. We will keep you updated on this via your squad chat groups. 

Additional merchandise options will be available on the Online Shop. 

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!

Policies

Code of conduct

Selection policy