Geraldton under 18s side selected for 2024 Australian Youth Water Polo Championships

Excitement is building as the Geraldton Water Polo Association prepares to send its selected teams to the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships in Brisbane this January. This marks the second time the Geraldton teams will participate in the AYWPC tournament and is an historic moment as it introduces the association’s first interstate junior teams. Led by the experienced Michelle Prout, who serves as the U18 girls manager, the teams have undergone rigorous training and preparation in the lead-up to the championships. “They have worked so hard in the lead-up to the tournament, so very disciplined,” Prout said. The junior committee chairman, Peter Manuel, praised the sides for the tremendous effort and commitment displayed. “The Geraldton Junior Water Polo Committee is extremely proud of our young athletes who will be representing the Geraldton Water Polo Association at the upcoming Australian youth championships,” he said. “They have worked and trained extremely hard to be well prepared for this competition.” The AYWPC serves as a platform for aspiring athletes to showcase their skills on a national stage and the Geraldton teams are poised to make a significant impact. Manuel expressed optimism about the upcoming tournament and highlighted the potential for the junior players to bring back new skills to elevate the level of competition in Geraldton. “We wish them a great tournament and look forward to seeing the results and bringing back new skills into our senior competition” he said. Last year Geraldton sent two under-16s squad, with the boys side finishing in sixth place and the girls 11th. The AYWPC will take place in Brisbane from January 5-10. U18 Boys Squad: Leo Prout, Ollie Green, Laird Manuel, Jimmy Horsman, Beau Wilson, Lucas Ronan, Ben McGowan, Callum Sojan, Lachlan Crawford, Kingston Warren, Daniel Prout (coach), Brendon Hagan (manager). U18 Girls Squad: Billie Marshall, Abbie Hagan, Nicole Chamberlain, Evie Prout, Charlotte Crawford, Milly Kalajzich, Tessa O’Malley, Emma Smith (coach), Michelle Prout (manager).