Last Friday evening it was my honour to accept, on behalf of the Breakers,` the 2011 Club of the Year Award at the Australian Water Polo Hall of Fame Dinner. The event was even more exciting because Michael Withers, a former player, coach, president, life member and Patron of the club, and three time Olympian, was inducted into the Hall of Fame.

The Club of the Year Award is based on a broad criteria, primarily based on the programs undertaken by the club, the strategic plan and financial security of the club and the quality of member development. When I accepted the award, I said that it was received on behalf of present and past committee members and that the development of the Breakers was a work in progress, with expectations of continuing success.

The history of the club now known as Sydney Northern Beaches Water Polo Club can be traced back to the start of the Sydney competition was first formed in 1904. The strength of water polo on the Northern Beaches has waxed and waned from that time. In the last 40 years, the club has had continuity of existence and many names: Collaroy, Red Devils. Manly, Manly Rugby, Manly, Warringah and Manly Warringah, and now the Breakers.

We lay claim to Peter Montgomery and Debbie Watson, who are also members of the Water Polo Hall of Fame, as junior players fostered by the club.

During the 1970s the club established a local Friday night competition which, due to its success, was taken over by the schools, and is now the Northern Suburbs schools comp. During this period the running of the club were mostly depended on players providing administrative support. It was not until about 10 years ago, when a number of parents of junior players became directly involved in the administration, bringing new commitment and enterprise, that the secure foundations of the current club were put in place. Descriptions of the roles of committee members, financial and fundraising plans were put in place. The objective has been to enable water polo players to develop their skills and enjoyment in the sport. The re-establishment of Friday night junior competitions and Flippa Ball sessions have been very important in introducing players to the game and contributing to revenue.

The Breakers teams have had increasing success and more players are being selected in State and National teams and squads.

With structures in place, the club has been better able to deal with the requirements of Council and other pool operators to obtain access to training and playing facilities, attract and secure quality coaches, develop better relationships with New South Wales and Australia Water Polo, and retain the elite players we have developed.

Having been associated with the club for more than 40 years, I am very proud that the Breakers have won the Club of the Year Award. It recognises the contributions of the committee, team managers and coaches, head coaches, and the commitment of players. I would particularly like to recognize the contributions of Dee Hatcher, Zoe Pearcy, Dave Fletcher, Trish Lewis and Jon Kirkwood who have ensured the club has a secure base on which to continue it’s development.

Phil Brand, President