Junior Tri-State water polo makes a splash

KARDINIA Park will welcome hundreds of swimmers next weekend, as the Tri-States Junior water polo competition returns to Geelong.

The Geelong Marlins will host the tournament on February 21 and 22 at the Kardinia Aquatic Centre, with a record-breaking 55 teams entered from across Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania.

Teams entered vary from under-12 to under-16 age groups, with high quality competition ensured across the board.

“All the teams that come love it,” Marlins junior co-ordinator Deb Johnson said.

“It’s a friendly atmosphere, they love the pool and they can come down and enjoy what the region has to offer.

“It’s a great bonding weekend as well, it’s amazing how so many kids make lifetime friendships.”

Beyond the Tri-State competition, Johnson said junior Marlins training has restarted for 2026 and urged those interested to come and try regardless of ability.

“They can be any level of ability, we accept everyone.

“We’ve got kids that represent the state, we’ve got kids that just come and train and want to have fun.

Trainings run on Monday nights at Kardinia Aquatic Centre, with age groups ranging from under-12 to under-18.

Johnson said water polo was a unique sport, with space for anyone keen to get involved.

“It’s a team sport, you win as a team, lose as a team.

“People just don’t realise how much fun it is – your swimming improves, your hand eye coordination improves and it’s a team that caters for all abilities.”