Your Water Polo Pathway at NIWPC
(From first splash to national stage)
Introductory Programs
Please note athletes must be able to swim 25yd free style and 25yd backstroke
Splash Ball (10 & Under)
Get started in water polo with fun fundamentals, swim & ball skills, and team-play basics.
Ages 10 & under
Non-competitive entry level
Try-out recommended but not mandatory
Pre-Training (10-14)
Transition smoothly from fundamentals into structured club training, prepping for competitive teams.
Ages 10-14
Skill, conditioning & game-sense sessions
Try-out recommended but not mandatory
Competitive Age Groups
10U Co-ed (10 & Under)
First step into competition: club practices, local tournaments, skill-based tiering.
Tiered by skill and commitment
Full participation expected
Try-out and USAWP membership required
12U Girls / 12U Boys (12 & Under)
Grow your game, compete regionally, train with like-minded athletes.
Ages 12 & under
Year-round club training outside high-school season
Divided by gender for focused development
Try-out required
14U Girls / 14U Boys (14 & Under)
Step up to higher intensity training and tournaments. Tiered teams ensure you train with peers who push you.
Up to three tiers by skill, attitude & commitment
Full participation in practices & tournaments
Try-out required
Elite Performance Programs
16U Girls / 16U Boys (16 & Under)
For athletes committed to high-performance pathways: regional, national exposure, collegiate preparation.
Tiered teams (up to 3)
Year-round program; runs outside high school season
Try-out required
Gold Level USA Water Polo membership required
18U Girls / 18U Boys (18 & Under)
Our premier age-group: built for national calibre athletes readying for college and beyond.
Up to three tiers based on skill, commitment & attitude
Mandatory attendance at all practices & tournaments
Only available outside high-school water polo season
Try-out required
Gold Level USAWP membership mandatory
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does it mean to be “tiered”?
A: Athletes are grouped by skill level, commitment and attitude to ensure optimal training environment for each player.
Q: When are try-outs?
A: Try-out dates are posted each season. All new athletes must attend. Returning athletes may also be evaluated.
Q: What is Gold Level USAWP membership?
A: This is the membership tier required for athletes competing in national-level tournaments. Ask us for details.
Q: Can I play high-school water polo too?
A: Yes — all NIWPC programs run outside the high-school water-polo season so you can participate in both.
Ready to start?