Water Polo Australia opens scholarship program applications

Water Polo Australia is pleased to announce the applications are open for its Professional Development (PD) Scholarship program.

The PD Scholarship program is available to current senior squad and National Age Group Program members, as well as senior squad members from the past two years.

The program is designed to offer athletes professional development opportunities, and could include university degrees, vocational courses, short course or micro-credentials, virtual internships, registration or licensing, as well as flights and accommodation to complete any of the above.

Supported by PKF Sydney and Newcastle and WPA Alumnus Nick Falzon, the total funding pool of $10,000 will be split among the successful applicants.

Advising that he is excited to be working closely with WPA on this initiative, and supporting his fellow WPA Alumni, Falzon stated “our aim is that the PD Scholarship program will help the athletes in completing formal training which will help in leveraging a career after elite sport.

“Water polo has a proud tradition of achieving tremendous success both in and out of the pool.

“When I was young, I was inspired by many of the top players that were among the best in the world but also achieving so much in their studies and careers outside of the pool.

“The applicants last year were not only very impressive but covered a wide range of endeavors and from a broad cross-section of the elite programs. I’m looking forward to seeing what this year brings,” he said.

Last year’s successful applicants were Matthew Byrnes, Maddy Steere and Lea Yanitsas.

Steere, who completed a digital media marketing course through the scholarship, commented “since receiving the 2023 Professional Development Scholarship I have completed a digital media marketing course.

“The knowledge that I gained through this course has been extremely useful in growing my business’ social media presence and increasing my online reach. The scholarship made it possible for me to pursue this course and upgrade my skills.

“If there are other athletes considering this scholarship opportunity, I would strongly encourage them to apply. As athletes we are always focused on improving ourselves physically, and this scholarship has provided me with the opportunity to improve myself in a professional capacity.

Ord Minnett Aussie Sharks squad member, Matthew Byrnes added “I would like to say thank you to Nick Falzon and PKF for their support through this scholarship.

“The added financial support was welcome in paying some of my HECS for my Bachelor of Commerce Degree which allowed me to further focus on my training and competing for the Sharks.”

Applications are now open for the initial intake of the PD Scholarship Program, and will close on 22nd December 2023.

Click here to apply. 

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