Nominations for Hunter Hurricanes 2023-24 junior squads are now open. The 2023-24 season will see the Hunter Hurricanes support the following squads.

• U12’s boys (born 12, 13)

• U12 Girls (born 12, 13)

• U14’s female (born 10, 11)

• U14’s male (born 10, 11)

• U16’s female (born 08, 09)

• U16’s male (born 08, 09)

• U18’s female (born 06, 07)

• U18’s male (born 06, 07)

Hunter Hurricanes are committed to continuing the fantastic growth in elite junior water polo through the following strategies:

• The selection of youth squads from which tournament teams will be selected. 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 2023-24 season and be eligible for selection in tournament teams for State Championships and AYWPC. Inclusion in a squad does not guarantee selection for tournaments.

• The pursuit of individual, age-specific skill-based milestones under the guidance of the Hunter Hurricanes coaching panel.

• We will pursue opportunities for our development players through development team nomination in above tournaments where numbers and support exists, gala days and friendlies with other clubs

Athlete Commitment

Hunter Hurricanes are planning on competing in the following events. The following 2022/23 calendar 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. Canberra Cup (Canberra, 10th - 12th November 2023) 14's & 16's only.

2. Water Polo Australian Youth Water Polo Championships (Brisbane) 12's, 14’s, 16’s, 18’s. Week 1 | 5-10 January 2024: 18&U and 14&U age groups. Week 2 | 11-16 January 2024: 16&U and 12&U

3. WPNSW state championships (Sydney, April 2024) (14,16,18's)

4. U12’s: Narwhal Cup mid-Feb, Orange festival early March

5. Other WPNSW run/sanctioned events as identified by the club/coaches

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.

• U12s: once per week

• U14s:

  • once per week, potentially a morning session (5:30 am)

  • one compulsory swim session per week (athletes can provide evidence of swim squad attendance)

  • One mandatory skills based session

• U16s:

  • twice per week, at least one session in the morning (5:30 am)

  • one compulsory swim session per week. (athletes can provide evidence of swim squad attendance)

  • one compulsory skills based session

• U18s:

  • twice per week, at least one session in the morning,

  • at least one compulsory session with the national league team a week

  • at least one compulsory swim session per week. (athletes can provide evidence of swim squad attendance)

• Red Cap Club: The Hunter Hurricanes are committed to developing elite goal keepers. In order to support these unique individuals who are committed to protecting our goals at all costs, a dedicated skills and fitness session will be run every second Thursday afternoon for all GKs. The red cap club will be lead by our National Leage GKs Emily Grellman and Luke Dunford.

Athletes who wish to train and develop their skills and may not wish to compete at tournaments are encouraged to apply. Should a particular age group have high levels of interest, coaches will run trials during the first weeks of training

Coaches

The Hunter Hurricanes are extremely proud and grateful to have the following coaches supporting our junior program from 2022/23:

• U12’s combined: Head coach Nikki Burdack, Girls Coach Lexie Burdack, Boys Coach Tayler Donaldson

• U14 girls: Head Coach Tammy Humby, Assistant Coach Joel Radnidge

• U14 boys: Head Coach Andrew Dunford

• U16 girls: Head Coach Kate Donaldson, Assistant Coach Gracie Saunders

• U16 boys: Head Coach Brett Arnold, Assistant Coach Craig Boettcher

• U18 girls: Head Coach Col Irvine

• U18 boys: Head Coach Bailey Sheather

• Goal Keepers: Em Grellman & Luke Dunford

Fees

Fees are currently under review and will be confirmed prior to formal registration. Squad fees do not cover tournaments.

Below is an example of the potential costs from previous tournaments (per athlete):

• Canberra Cup: $135

• Australian Youth Water Polo Championships: $350

• NSW State Championships: $175

*These costs are based on last year's nomination costs and subject to change. These costs exclude travel and accommodation costs.

Australian Youth Water Polo Championships

The Australian Youth Water Polo Championships (AYWPC) will be held in Brisbane in January 2024. The plan this year is for athletes to travel independently, as has been the case in previous years when held in Brisbane.

Fundraising

The Hunter Hurricanes will pursue a range of fundraising and sponsorship activities to support our season, including fortnightly raffles at the Queens Wharf Brewery, 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.

How to nominate

Simply click on the link below and follow the instructions. Squads will commence training 4th September. During September coaches will select their final squads for 2023-24. Once squads are selected those successful will be invited to register for the season.

By nominating you acknowledge your awareness of and ability to support the above commitments including training.

EOIs are now closed. If you are still interested and missed the EOI please email coaching@hunterhurricanes.com

Policies

Code of conduct

Selection policy