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.

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.

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, strategy, and lasting friendships across the province, with athletes supporting one another regardless of team colours.

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 that reflected both individual growth and team support.

At the 12U, 14U, and 16U levels, coaches prioritised foundational skills, confidence-building, and positive competition. 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.

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 development, sportsmanship, and a sense of belonging.

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 .