National Aquatic Centre a boost for North Harbour Water Polo

Since its opening in August, the Sir Owen Glenn National Aquatic Centre at AUT Millennium in Auckland has been boosting the performance of the North Harbour Water Polo Club.

The Club, one the largest and most successful in New Zealand, regularly wins national titles at age group, junior and senior levels, had run out of space in the existing 50 metre AUT Millennium pool.

With water polo continuing to be one of New Zealand’s fastest growing sports, the opening of the National Aquatic Centre has been a big boost to the Club.

Sharon Geary, the Club’s Academy Activity Manager, explained "over the past four years, the club has been unable to increase their membership due to lack of current pool space

“We have had to turn kids away, as has our Flippa Ball competition which was completely full. Now all has changed.”

The opening of the National Aquatic Centre in August has allowed the club to increase their pool hours from 20 to 30 each week, allowing the Club to grow its operations significantly.

Geary added "we are excited about the new water polo programme starting for intermediate-aged children, which will take place in the additional hours at the AUT Millennium Pool

“We also have 700 children coming to our pool every Sunday afternoon to enjoy time in the shallow pool and learn to play our sport.”

The Club has also been able to increase its coaching programmes, an important area of development to assist with the large numbers of new members. A lot of work has been done among the current committee in ensuring the Club had their focus on the development going forward of players, referees and coaches.

At the end of September, North Harbour Under 12 teams were part of the NZ U12 Tournament of Olympic Hopefuls and the Club’s focus has been on structured, but fun, trainings in the new allotted pool space.

North Harbour Water Polo Club enjoyed tremendous success at the event with six teams entered and victory in the A Grade, B Grade and C Grade titles.

Geary and all those involved in North Harbour Water Polo club see no signs of slowing down and are conscious of ensuring their Club’s five year strategic plan is followed in order to allow more sports people to take on a role within this sport and as a club member.

The Club has a long history which dates back to the Glenfield Aquatic Centre before its move to AUT Millennium in 2002.

The Club, along with NorthSport Olympic Weightlifting, North Shore Swimming and Bays Athletics, is a proud foundation club of AUT Millennium.

Click here to visit the North Harbour Waterpolo Club website.

Images courtesy of North Harbour Waterpolo.

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