Kelowna Youth Water Polo Builds Community and Confidence at Coquitlam Tournament

Kelowna’s youth water polo program reached an important milestone at the Community League Tournament, held November 29 and 30, 2025, at the City Centre Aquatic Complex in Coquitlam, with athletes competing across 12U, 14U, 16U, and 18U divisions.

The weekend-long event ran from early morning to evening and gave many Kelowna athletes their first experience in a formal tournament setting. The atmosphere balanced competitive intensity with a strong emphasis on learning, teamwork, and respect — both in and out of the pool.

Kelowna fielded teams at every age level, with several athletes competing up an age group and others joining mixed rosters alongside athletes from the Vipers Water Polo Club. This approach supported athlete development while reinforcing collaboration and shared standards of sportsmanship across clubs. Parents of long-time athletes noted that the growth of the club is increasingly visible at tournaments, where Kelowna players work confidently with others and demonstrate strong camaraderie that extends beyond their own region.

According to head coach Kristin Smart, the preparation and teamwork developed in practice translated clearly into tournament play, with Kelowna athletes representing both their city and themselves with pride, respect, and confidence. This positive presence has not gone unnoticed, with families from other clubs commenting on the strong culture Kelowna brings as players, coaches, referees, volunteers, and spectators.

Girls played a particularly visible and confident role in the co-ed divisions throughout the weekend. Parent Laura Brasnett praised the strength, skill, and grit on display, noting that water polo helps girls build confidence, strategic thinking, and lasting friendships across the province, with athletes supporting one another regardless of team colours. Other parents echoed this sentiment, highlighting the club’s emphasis on inclusivity, resilience, and teamwork as values that extend well beyond sport.

The 18U team, coached by Riley Bennett with support from Kristin Smart, brought together experienced players and first-time tournament athletes. One highlight came from Arne Stock, who scored goals in his first-ever tournament — a milestone reflecting both individual growth and strong team support. Families who have been part of the program for several years remarked on how far the club has come, from once combining rosters to now fielding full teams capable of winning games or competing right down to the final point.

At the 12U, 14U, and 16U levels, coaches prioritised foundational skills, confidence-building, and positive competition. Fourteen-and-under athlete Hunter summed up the experience by saying the weekend was exciting and that he and his teammates played really well together. Families also played an important role, staying in contact as they travelled over the Coquihalla Highway at different times and offering reassurance during winter driving conditions.

Team dinners further strengthened bonds within the program. The 12U, 14U, and 16U teams shared a junior team dinner, giving younger athletes space to relax and connect, while a separate dinner for the 18U players and coaches supported leadership, reflection, and mentorship.

Meanwhile, Kelowna’s youngest athletes were gaining their own tournament-style experience closer to home. On Sunday at the H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre, the club hosted 10U Splashball games led by Madi Comeau. The session featured a short skills-based warm-up followed by two well-paced games, creating an environment where players stayed energised, engaged, and confident while gaining meaningful pool time — an ideal structure for early development. Parents shared that even first-time players came away enthusiastic and eager to keep playing.

As Kelowna’s water polo program continues to grow, weekends like this highlight a strong pathway from Splashball through to senior youth competition, grounded in skill development, sportsmanship, and a sense of belonging. Families consistently point to the club’s focus on developing not only water polo skills, but also lifelong qualities such as teamwork, confidence, empathy, and resilience.

For those interested in joining the sport, Kelowna Water Polo Club will host free “Try Water Polo” sessions on December 6 and 7, giving athletes the opportunity to experience water polo before the start of the Winter 2026 season. More information is available at kelownawaterpolo.ca/try-out-event .