CEO Update: December Wrap up!

We are at the end of 2025, and what a year it has been!

This is the final CEO update for 2025, as we take a look back at December and also look ahead to 2026 just around the corner!

Grand Final Summary

The finale for our Senior Summer State League competition saw nine different clubs competing for silverware, four different clubs winning a premiership pennant and Twenty-Nine individual awards presented by Water Polo Victoria. The 2025 Grand Finals showcased the best of our Water Polo talent, and how this day marks as must-attend event on the WPV calendar!

Congratulations again to all Clubs, award recipients and Grand Finalists. You can read all about it here!

Water Polo Victoria Volunteer of the Year!

Senior Club Volunteer of the Year Award

Perri Randall | NYP Dragons

Perri received the award in 2025 due to the amazing work she has done with NYP Dragons and the organisation of the John Mason Memorial Cup. This was an amazing event that honours John and promotes the great spirit of community we have in our sport. Congratulations Perri!

Junior Club Volunteer of the Year Award

Jude Allan | Melbourne Collegian

Jude has been giving to the Water Polo community for many years. He was nominated because of his efforts in coaching, mentoring, passion and dedication to his club and the community.

Congratulations Jude, a worthy winner in 2025!

Academy 2026 - Launch

Water Polo Victoria Academy & Development Program 2026

On Tuesday, 16th December, WPV held a Townhall information session on the launch of The WPV Academy and Development Program for 2026.

This program will deliver a structured, athlete-centered training environment that focuses on technical excellence, tactical development, physical preparation, and holistic athlete growth. Aligned with the WPA x WPV Testing Matrix, athletes participate in regular monitoring across a range of water polo-specific and athletic performance tests. 

Attendance, standards, values, and selection in NAGP squads are all incorporated into individual athlete profiles and progression.  

The WPV Academy program enables Water Polo Victoria to support our athletes who are on the development pathway, as well as provide extra training sessions and coaching support for those in State teams who are building towards higher representation.

It is open to all athletes over the age of 13+ and takes place at MSAC from 5:30am - 7:00am. Please reach out to Rowie Webster for more information on this fresh approach to our Academy program in 2026 (rowie.webster@vicwaterpolo.com.au)

Save the Dates

As we close 2025, there is a lot to look forward to in 2026!

• Victorian Phoenix starts its 2026 Australian Water Polo League (AWL) campaign from January 15th.

• Junior Summer Season will be back for the second half of its season from late January

• Our Senior Summer Splash competition will be taking place from early February.

• Wodonga will host the Victorian Country Championships from February 6th to 8th.

• Wangaratta will host a Come & Try Polo event on January 18th. You can see the event here

• WPV have a planned event taking place at Brighton Baths on the 28th of February. Further information regarding the competition will be shared with the community in the coming weeks.

Season Greetings!

Water Polo Victoria would like to thank the community for another amazing year. There have been many things to celebrate in 2025, right across the Water Polo Victoria.

Our office will be closed on 20th December and will re-open again on the 5th of January, 2026.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year!

See you poolside!

Regan Longfield

Water Polo Victoria CEO