FlippaBall competition is an adapted version of water polo for junior recruits to the sport. Jimmy Berry, president of the Illawarra Water Polo club, explains the modified sport and why kids all over the Illawarra are joining.

Tell me about Illawarra Water Polo club.

Located at the University of Wollongong pool, the club members train every Monday with a game on a Wednesday during school terms 4 and 1. There are three categories to the club – from age 7 to 11 (flippaball), ages 12 to 15 and the senior team (16 and over).

What is FlippaBall?

The training and games are situated in the shallow end of the pool. The kids can stand up and there is less contact allowed.

How does the competition work?

We currently have about 30 kids, which we break into teams – seven a side. Every week, the teams play against each other across the two terms.

We also have tournaments against other clubs across NSW, which the juniors will compete in two to three times during the summer season.

Why would you recommend water polo for kids?

I always loved swimming but I found swim training boring. Water polo is a fun version of following the black line. Designed to get more children playing water polo, the national FlippaBall program is designed to introduce kids to the sport in a fun way. You can build on your swimming and teamwork skills, whilst you meet new friends.

For more information on the club and how you can get your child involved, visit the website, or contact the Jimmy directly at info@illwp.com or 0421 451 556