Welcome to the April 2026 Edition of Making Waves!

What a huge end to the 2025/26 sseason it’s been for our SNB Breakers community. Across the Summer Metro competition and on the National stage, our athletes have continued to represent the club with skill, determination and incredible team spirit. It’s been fantastic to see both our experienced players and those new to the sport stepping up, supporting each other and making the most of every opportunity in the water.

As we transition into the next phase of the year, there is so much happening across the club and even more to look forward to.

In this edition, we’ve got all the updates you need to stay in the loop, including:

• Dates for the Diary – Key events and important milestones coming up
• AYC Wrap Up – A full recap of an incredible tournament
• AGM – Important information and how to get involved
• Presentation Night – Celebrating the 2025/26 season and our Athletes
• Fundraising & Sponsorship Updates – Opportunities to support the club in 2026/27
• Uniform Update – Including our exciting partnership with Kap7 and new Turbo costume design
• Pathways Coordinator News – Insights into athlete development and future opportunities

🗓  DATES FOR YOUR DIARY  🗓

• AGM – Wednesday 29th April, 7pm
• SNB Presentation Night – Saturday 2nd May, 6pm
• Winter Trials – Week beginning 11th May 
• Winter Training Commences – Week beginning 25th May
• Winter Competition – 31st May – 23rd August 2026
• SNB Men’s Thursday Night Competition @ WAC – Starts Thursday 21st May
• Women’s Wednesday Night Competition @ WAC – Dates TBC

Australian Youth Water Polo Championships 2026 – Tournament Wrap Up

Firstly, Congratulations to all of our Players, Coaches, Managers, Officials and Families. We are incredibly proud of the way SNB represented both in and out of the pool.

This year SNB entered 12 teams, which is an amazing achievement in itself. For some players this was their very first AYC, while for others it marked their final Junior AYC after 7–8 years of dedication to the sport. That journey, growth and commitment is something really special.

Team Results Highlights:

• W18A – 🥇 Gold (Australian Champions)
  A fabulous tournament with multiple close, nail-biting games. The semi-final penalty shootout had everyone on edge before the girls went on to win the Grand Final convincingly. Well Done Coach Stefano and Manager Rae.
  
  
  
• W16B – 🥉 Bronze
  A great tournament and a well-earned podium finish. The team showed resilience and strong teamwork throughout. Congratulations Coaches Maxine and Marg and Manager Belinda.
  
  
  
• W14A – 🥈 Silver
  A consistent and determined campaign across the competition, building momentum each game. Awesome effort Coach Jemma and Manager Sam.
  
  
  
• W12A – 🥈 Silver
  A team full of first-timers who brought incredible energy all week. Easily the loudest and most enthusiastic group, especially during warm-ups—true crowd favourites! Well done Coach Claire and Manager Carly.
  
  
  
• M18A – 🥈 Silver (Australian Champions)
  Outstanding and consistent performances across the tournament. A dramatic penalty shootout in the Grand Final saw them take silver, while still being crowned Australian Champions. Well done Coaches Dean and Joe and Manager Stephen.
  
  
  
• M14B – 🥈 Silver
  A fantastic result driven by strong, tactical coaching and composure under pressure, including a semi-final penalty shootout win. Congratulations Coach Adrian and Manager Kylie.
  
  
  

Special WPA Awards:

These Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Most Valuable Goalkeeper (MVG) awards are selected by WPA Tournament Officials and Coaches to recognise individuals who have demonstrated outstanding performance, consistency, leadership, impact in key moments and overall contribution to their team throughout the Tournament. They are a significant acknowledgement of excellence at AYC level.

• W12A MVP – Mackenzie Semmens
  
  
• M12A MVP – Anton Woodley
  
• W14A MVG - Catelyne Krabbe
  
• W18A MVP – Zara Cooke
  
• W18A MVG – Georgia Gray
  
• M18A MVP – Lachie Davies
• M18A MVG – Alex Woolfe
  
  

A HUGE Congratulations to these players on their individual achievements.

What makes SNB truly unique is the way we tour and stay together as one club. These trips are about more than just Water Polo, they are about building lifelong friendships, creating memories and strengthening our community.

A MASSIVE Thank you to all of our Chaperones and Managers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to support and care for the teams. We simply could not do this without you.

Winter Competition 2026

Following review by the SNB Coaching Committee, taking into consideration School Holidays, Winter Sports and National commitments, SNB will be entering teams into the WPNSW Winter Competition this season.

There are a variety of ways for players to stay involved in Water Polo over the Winter season, whether through competition or training options. Please see below for available options.

1. WPNSW Winter Metro Competition

This year’s WPNSW Winter season format will be slightly different:

• 4 Sunday match days (2 games per day)
• Followed by Semi Finals and Grand Finals
• Competition runs from 31st May – 23rd August 2026

Proposed WPNSW Schedule:

• Round 1: Sunday 31st May
• Round 2: Sunday 14th June
• Round 3: Sunday 26th July
• Round 4: Sunday 9th August
• Semi Finals: Sunday 16th August
• Grand Finals: Sunday 23rd August

Winter Metro Age Groups:

• U14’s – Born 2014 & 2013

• U16’s – Born 2011 & 2012

• U18’s – Born 2009 & 2010

• Men's Opens (Tuesday nights M5/7)

If you or your child is interested, please complete the SNB Winter Competition EOI.

SNB Breakers Winter Competition EOI

SNB Junior Metro U14-U18 Proposed Trials:

Women's U14-U18's - Tuesday 12th & 19th May - 7pm-9pm

Men's U14-U18's - Wednesday 13th & 20th May - 7pm-9pm

• Teams announced, with training commencing week beginning 25th May
  

Trainings will be at PLC:

Women's - Tuesday Nights 6:30pm-9pm

Men's - Wednesday Nights 6:30pm-9pm

Due to strong interest from Players and Families, we will be introducing into these training sessions a Swim Squad Training Session from 6:30pm – 7:30pm, followed by the Water Polo Intensive Session from 7:30pm – 9:00pm at PLC.

This structure provides a great opportunity for athletes to build their swimming base as well as continue developing their Water Polo-specific skills.

2. Winter Training ONLY Option
We understand that some players choose to take a break from competition over winter to participate in other sports. For those players, we will also be offering a “Winter Training ONLY” option.

These training sessions will take place at PLC with the Winter Metro teams that are training, please see above for times and venues. Training will comence week beginning 25th May.

This allows players to attend one training session per week to maintain their Water polo fitness and skills over the winter months, ensuring they are well prepared for the 2026/27 summer season.

3. SNB 16+ Men’s Competition @ WAC
For players aged 16 years and over, there will also be a Men’s competition that SNB will be running on Thursday nights at WAC. Games will take place between 7:00pm – 9:00pm.

Further details will be shared shortly by the SNB Men’s Director. This competition is best suited to experienced, A-grade level players who are looking for a high level of intensity and physicality in their game. Please note, it is not recommended for players under 16, as participants may be competing against adult men up to 60 years of age.

If you or your child are interested in this competition please contact Claire Hatherell SNB Men's Director to see if you/they are eligible to play.

4. 15+ Women’s Competition (Northern Beaches Water Polo Academy)
Northern Beaches Water Polo Academy runs a Women’s competition on Wednesday nights at WAC for players aged 15+.

This is a great competition and a perfect opportunity for players currently in U16s, or those moving into the U16 age group next season (2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008 + seniors), to join the Womens comp to continue developing their skills in a supportive and competitive environment.

NBWPA also offers a variety of additional programs, including inter-school competitions and U12 development opportunities, providing options for players across all age groups and experience levels.

For more information on NBWPA, please visit the Northern Beaches Water Polo Academy website or contact Paula at nbwaterpoloa@gmail.com

For ALL other questions relating to SNB, please contact:
Dean – operationsdirector@snbwaterpolo.com.au
Claire – mensdirector@snbwaterpolo.com.au
Rochelle – womensdirector@snbwaterpolo.com.au

SNB Breakers Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2026

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Sydney Northern Beaches (Breakers) Water Polo Club will be held on:

Date: Wednesday 29th April 2026
Time: 7:00pm
Venue: Zoom link – to be published 2 days prior to the meeting

The AGM is an important opportunity for our members to come together, reflect on the past season, review club operations, and look ahead to the upcoming year.

ALL positions will be declared vacant following the Treasurer's Report.

SNB Breakers runs on the dedication and support of volunteers and we are always looking to welcome new members to get involved. This year, a number of long-standing committee members will be stepping down after many years of service, which means there are plenty of opportunities for others to step in and contribute.

We encourage you to consider getting involved! Your time and skills, no matter how much, make a big difference to the club and the community we’ve built. Roles can also be shared between 1, 2, or even 3 people, so if you’re interested but concerned about the workload, teaming up with others is a great option.

If you know of any members who may be interested in joining the SNB Breakers Committee or Sub Committees, please pass this information onto them or let me know, I’d be happy to reach out.

Please take a moment to review the available positions and their responsibilities before submitting your nomination.

Positions Vacant for the upcoming 2026/27 Season are:
1. Treasurer
2. Assistant Secretary
3. Uniform Coordinator
4. Website Coordinator
5. Fundraising Coordinator
6. Fundraising Committee Members
7. Sponsorship Coordinator
8. Canberra Cup Coordinator
9. AYC Coordinator

Whether you can contribute a little or a lot, it makes a meaningful difference. Many roles can be shared, making them manageable and flexible.

SNB Breakers Roles and Responsibilities

If you or someone you know may be interested, please reach out.

SNB Breakers AGM Committee Nominations Form

Key Dates:

• Executive Committee Nominations Close: 5:00pm Sunday 26th April
• Sub-Committee Nominations Close: 5:00pm Monday 27th April

If you have any questions regarding the AGM or Committee positions please don't hesitate to reach out.

SNB Breakers Presentation Night

We are very much looking forward to celebrating the season with you all. This is a special evening to celebrate the season and is for players, parents, coaches and committee members only.

Please note we’re unable to accommodate non-playing siblings and players under 16 must be accompanied by an adult (not a drop-off event).

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday 2nd May
• Time: 6:00pm – 10:00pm
• Venue: Forest Hotel – Antler Room (Private Function Room)

This is always a special evening to recognise our players, thank our coaches and volunteers and celebrate everything that makes SNB such a strong community.

Dress code: Smart casual

Tickets:

• Junior Players (U12–U18): $25 (Includes Entry and Pizza + sides)
• Adults: $15 (Includes Entry and Canapes on arrival)
• Drinks available to buy at the Bar

Tickets are now on sale via the TryBooking link. We encourage ALL families to book early to assist with seating arrangements. Dietary requirements can be noted at the time of booking. Tickets close MONDAY 27TH MAY.

SNB Presentation Night Tickets

Please note:

• Players under 16 must be accompanied by an adult
• This is not a drop-off event
• Under 18s must leave by 10:00pm (hotel policy)

New Uniform Supplier – KAP7

We are thrilled to welcome KAP7 as our NEW SNB Uniform supplier. We’re excited about the NEW costume designs for both our Men’s and Women’s teams.

Uniforms will be available to order from next week via the Kap7 Website:
https://kap7.com.au/collections/sydney-northern-beaches

There will be a transition period, with the goal of all members moving into the NEW uniforms by the 2026/27 Summer season. Players are able to wear the current costumes through the winter season.

With Carly Smith stepping down as Uniform Coordinator at the AGM, we are looking for someone to take on this role. The position has been made significantly easier with KAP7 managing stock and online orders and Carly will provide a full handover.

Please reach out if you are interested.

SNB Representative News

At SNB, we are extremely lucky to have so many talented Players, Coaches and Officials representing at the highest levels.

Over the past year, a number of our U16 and U18 Athletes (both Men’s and Women’s) have been part of the National Age Group Program (NAGP). This program identifies Athletes through Australian selectors and provides a Pathway toward selection in Australian teams for the U16 and U18 World Championships.

Upcoming World Championships:

• U18 Men: 27th June – 4th July 2026, Rio Maior, Portugal
• U18 Women: 16th – 23rd August 2026, Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife, Spain
• U16 Men: 3rd – 9th August 2026, Zagreb, Croatia
• U16 Women: 25th – 31st July 2026, Zagreb, Croatia

Following AYC, selected Athletes attended an intensive 5-day National Training and Selection Camp, training with some of the country’s top coaches and competing at an elite level.

We would like to Congratulate the following SNB Athletes who were selected into Squad 1 and participated in the NAGP Selection camp:

U16 Women:

• Amelia Friend
• Ella Morrison
• Georgia Gray

U18 Women:

• Alannah Paul
• Harlei Kricak
• Isabella Parkes
• Zara Cooke

U18 Men:

• Alex Woolfe
• Charlie Lewcock
• Cooper Semmens
• Jett Semmens
• Lachie Davies

2026 World Championship team selections will be announced this week for U18s and next week for U16s. We wish all of our SNB Athletes the very best of luck for selection, an incredible achievement to be in contention.

• Explain the SNB Pathways system in detail
• Answer any questions you may have
• Provide advice on the best option for your child

• Training-Only Player – focusing on growth and experience without match commitments
• SSL Player – competing at Sydney’s elite senior club level
• AWL Player – representing at the National level in Australia’s premier competition

• Men’s M2 & M3 (Saturday afternoons)
• Women’s W2 & W3 (Saturday afternoons)
• Women’s W4 (Wednesday nights)

• Technical ability and tactical awareness
• Swimming capacity and athletic readiness
• Commitment to training standards and work ethic
• Contribution to team culture
• Positional fit within the squad

SNB Breakers Sponsors

We are incredibly proud to be supported by such valued partners and encourage all of our members to support the organisations that support our club.

We are excited to welcome Ord Minnett as our new Platinum Sponsor. Ord Minnett is one of Australia’s leading wealth management and financial advisory firms, and we are extremely grateful for their commitment to supporting grassroots sport and our SNB community.
You can learn more about their services here: https://www.ords.com.au
We thank Ord Minnett for their generous support and encourage our members to consider and support them where possible.

We also extend our sincere thanks to our Silver Sponsor, Forest Hotel, for their ongoing support of SNB. The Forest Hotel has become a wonderful partner to our club, generously hosting our AYC Cap Presentation Nights and our upcoming Presentation Night. Their continued support helps us create memorable experiences for our players and families.
You can find out more here: https://foresthotel.com.au

We are truly grateful for the support of both sponsors and encourage all SNB families to support these businesses whenever possible. Their contribution plays an important role in the strength and success of our club.

If you have a business, or know of anyone who may be interested in sponsoring SNB Breakers, we would love to hear from you. Sponsorship plays a vital role in supporting our athletes and programs, and we are always looking to build strong partnerships within our community. Please feel free to get in touch to discuss opportunities.

Support SNB – Fundraising

We’re calling on our amazing SNB community to help us do more in 2025/26! Fundraising plays a vital role in supporting everything we do, from social events and new equipment, to player development, club tours and interstate competitions.

To make it all happen, we need more hands on deck. Whether you’ve got event planning skills, creative ideas or just want to lend a hand, there’s a place for you on our Fundraising Committee.

Every bit of help brings us closer to creating a stronger, more connected club for everyone.

✨ Vacant Roles – Get Involved! ✨

Fundraising Coordinator – Keen to make an impact? This role can be shared, so grab a friend and join in!
Fundraising Committee – Love event planning or just want to help out? Join the team and help us run fun and purposeful events throughout the season. It’s a great way to meet people and support our athletes at the same time.

If you’re interested or would like more information about any of these roles, please get in touch with our SNB Secretary. Let’s make the 2025/26 season another successful and fun-filled one!

💙 Support SNB Breakers – Donate Anytime!

You can support the SNB Breakers Water Polo Clubanytime through the Australian Sports Foundation.

Your Tax-Deductible donation helps us continue to invest in:

• Essential sports equipment for players

• Travel support for comps and tournaments

• High-quality Coaching Programs

Every dollar makes a real difference and helps us grow a strong, inclusive and competitive club for everyone.

🌀 Donate anytime via the Australian Sports Foundation, just search for SNB Water Polo Development Fund.

👉 And don’t forget to share the link with family and friends, community support is what keeps us going!

Thank you for helping us build the future of SNB!

This newsletter is a community effort and we’d love for it to reflect the passion, energy and stories across our entire SNB Community.

We encourage all members to contribute, whether it’s Team Highlights, Tournament Recaps, Photos, Player Achievements, Upcoming Events or even your favourite Pre/Post Training Nutrition Recipes. Your ideas, feedback and suggestions all help make this newsletter a more engaging and valuable resource for everyone in our club.

If you have something you’d like to share in the next edition, please email us at haveyoursaysnb@gmail.com — we’d love to feature your contributions!

To ensure you never miss out on any of the fun and excitement happening at SNB, make sure you stay informed and connected through our various channels:

💻 Website: Visit our website regularly for the latest news, updates, and event information. Whether you're looking for match schedules, club announcements, or player profiles, our website is your go-to destination for all things SNB!

📱 Social Media Platforms: Follow us on our social media platforms to stay up-to-date with real-time updates, behind-the-scenes content, and interactive posts. From Facebook to Instagram, join our online community and engage with fellow SNB supporters.

📧 Newsletter Subscription: Subscribe to our newsletter to receive exclusive updates, event announcements, and special offers directly to your inbox. Be the first to know about upcoming matches, club events, and exciting opportunities to get involved!

Lastly we would like to Thank all our fabulous members for being a part of our SNB Breakers Water Polo Club family.

Sydney Northern Beaches Waterpolo Club

Who are we? S-N-B