Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is water polo safe? Is it too "rough" for younger kids?

Yes, it is very safe! At the youth level (Grades 1–8), our focus is strictly on fundamentals, teamwork, and fun in a controlled, positive environment.

In fact, water polo is an incredible low-impact sport. Because the water supports the body's weight, athletes avoid the "pavement injuries", like shin splints, ACL tears, and rolled ankles, common in field sports. It’s a high-intensity workout that is gentle on growing joints and ligaments.

2. Does my child need to be a competitive swimmer to start?

Not at all! We specialize in teaching "Water Polo Swimming." We train athletes in the specific strokes and treading techniques (like the eggbeater kick) that differ from traditional lap swimming. Many of our best players started as casual swimmers and built their endurance right here.

3. What equipment do I need to buy?

Refreshingly little! Your athlete only needs a swimsuit, goggles, and a towel. If they have longer hair, a standard swim cap is recommended. We provide all the specialized sports equipment, including balls, water polo caps, and nets. Parents can leave the expensive, bulky gear bags behind.

4. How does water polo help my child in their other sports?

Water polo is the ultimate cross-training tool for multi-sport athletes:

Cardio & Endurance: It builds incredible, "game-ready" aerobic conditioning.
Core & Coordination: Handling a ball while staying upright in the water develops elite hand-eye coordination and core strength.
Injury Prevention: It strengthens the stabilizing muscles around the shoulders, hips, and knees, reducing the risk of overuse injuries when they return to their primary sport.

5. Do boys and girls practice together?

We group athletes by age and skill level based on enrollment to ensure everyone gets the right level of challenge. For our younger players, it often makes the most sense to group by age rather than gender to focus on foundational skills. For our older Academy athletes, practices are typically separated by gender and can be further broken down for specialized, position-specific training.

6. Is it okay if we miss a week for family travel?

Absolutely. We know summer and the holidays are an especially busy time for families, and we want your child on the deck whenever they are available. Our programs are designed to be flexible. All we ask is that you give our coaching staff advance notice when possible so we can accurately plan our tournament and scrimmage rosters.

7. What is the Junior Olympics (JOs)? Is participation required?

The Junior Olympics is the largest youth water polo tournament in the world, bringing together top clubs for a 4-day national competition held out of state (in California or Texas). It features divisions for almost all age groups, including 10&U, 12&U, 14&U, 16&U, and 18&U. We expect to send multiple boys and girls high school teams in summer 2027.

It is an incredibly fun experience where athletes get to meet and compete against players from all across the country. Traveling and competing together makes it a fantastic bonding experience and a great friendship-builder for kids in the club.

Is it required? No, participation is completely optional and involves additional travel costs.
How are rosters filled? We enter teams based on local interest. If our rosters are short a few spots, we may invite athletes from neighboring area clubs to join us so everyone who wants to go gets the chance to play.
Is there extra training? Yes, we are still finalizing the details, but athletes attending JOs will have additional practices and scrimmages (roughly once per week) to build team chemistry before the tournament.

8. Is water polo or Splashball suitable for athletes with special needs?

Absolutely. One of the best things about the pool is that the water is a natural equalizer. For children with sensory processing differences, neurodivergence, or physical challenges, the aquatic environment offers a supportive and low-stress space to active, play, and build confidence. Our coaches are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where every child feels welcome and supported.

Participating in Splashball (our introductory program for younger kids) or water polo offers several unique benefits:

Gentle Sensory Feedback: The constant, even pressure of water provides excellent proprioceptive and tactile feedback, which can be incredibly calming and regulating for sensory-seeking children.
Low-Impact Core Strength: Because water supports the body's weight, athletes can build exceptional core strength, balance, and motor planning skills without putting stress on their joints.
Built-In Social Structure: Team sports naturally teach turn-taking and communication. Water polo provides a clear, structured environment where athletes can practice social skills and build friendships with peers from all over the North Shore.
Confidence & Independence: Mastering water skills, like learning to handle a ball while treading water, gives kids a massive boost in self-esteem that translates directly to their life outside the pool.