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We are close to getting all calendars in line on the website so in the meantime here is a snapshot of a very busy weekend of Water Polo.

SPLASHBALL: -9:30-10:30 AM Jimmy Thompson Pool

10U Comp: 9:30 -1200 PM Jimmy Thompson Pool

Swim & Play Ball: 10:30- 12:00 PM Jimmy Thompson Pool

12U Comp 10:30 - 12:00 PM Jimmy Thompson Pool

14U (Optional),16U,18U Girls Evaluation 4-7:00 PM: Wayne Gretzky Center  

16U,18U Comp Girls (Optional) 3:30 -5:00 Wayne Gretzky

16U,18U Comp Boys EVALUATION 4:00-7:00 PM Wayne Gretzky

The effort and energy has been amazing to start the season and we appreciate everyone's patience while we work out the kinks.

Busy weekend for HAWPC, short update to help everyone stay organized.

Weekend Update Sept 14-15th

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We hope everyone is excited to be going back to school and getting back in the water. This email is our September Newsletter. This is part and parcel to our new communication strategy. This year (after this one we promise) we are hoping to keep emails short and sweet with targeted messaging sent out to teams via Team managers. All long form messaging like this will be uploaded to the website.

We encourage you and your athlete to familiarize yourselves with and visit our website. This month’s long form Newsletter includes information about the schedule changes made for the 2024/2025 season, further information about communication and new player information.

For those new to our Club this season, I would like to say welcome. For those returning, welcome back we could not be more excited to begin the 2024/2025 season.

We are currently working with our website provider in relation to updating our online google calendar. In the meantime, we have prepared a short schedule below which captures practices and key events for the fall. Practices begin Monday September 9th, 2024

Please note this will be the second to last email sent to the 2023/2024 group. If you are joining us in 2024/2025, please follow our 2 step registration process embedded in the Website.

Team Snap (Free) - For Communication and updates. TEAM 

RAMP Registration - For Club fees and WPC Insurance. 

High School Intro/Swim and Play Ball/ Splashball

Swim and Play Ball and Splashball sessions will begin the week of September 13th and will conclude the week of November 10th.

High School Intro Fall Session will run until Monday December 16th.  

All you need to bring is a swimsuit and towel (goggles and water bottle recommended but not necessary.) See below for first week instructions.

Saturday - 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM Jimmy Thompson****

Thursday - 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM Pinky Lewis Pool

Saturday - 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Jimmy Thompson Pool

Many programs will be extremely similar to previous years. Please note that with the ages changing this year to even years, we have a brand new age category in OPL which will be 10U COED. Along with 10U, we now have a modified 16U NCL program. 16U athletes will also participate in certain OPL events as well.

Format, size of playing field, duration of games and tournament format are all in the process of being finalized. Once the information is available it will be shared with the club.  It should be lots of fun though:).

Game Day - October 26th - Wayne Gretzky – 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Paul Taylor Tournament November 22 - 24th, * (Friday TBD)

Monday - 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM Jimmy Thompson - Hammerhead Swim (Begins Oct)

Wednesday - 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM Pinky Lewis - Hammerhead Swim (Begins Oct)

Saturday - 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM Jimmy Thompson

Sunday - 10U will be brought into Sunday Practices as the Season Progresses

Game Day - September 28th - Wayne Gretzky – 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Performance Clinic - October 19th Wayne Gretzky Optional (Additional Fee TBD)

Paul Taylor Tournament - Etobicoke November 22-24th 

KW Classic Tournament - KW November 31st - Dec 1st 

Saturday - 9:30 PM - 12:00 PM Jimmy Thompson

Sunday - 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM Wayne Gretzky Centre

Please note some tournament organizers may decide to have COED teams. We will attempt, where practical, to put in a separate boys team and separate girls team. The plan for Game Days will be to bring a club to scrimmage who has a boys and girls squad.

Clinic - October 5th - Wayne Gretzky (Optional, Additional Fee TBD)

Game Day - November 9th - Wayne Gretzky - 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Paul Taylor Tournament - Etobicoke November 22-24th

KW Classic Tournament - KW November 31st - Dec 1st

Wednesday - 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM - Wayne Gretzky

Thursday - 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM - Pinky Lewis

Sunday - 3:30PM - 5:00 PM - Wayne Gretzky

Please note, this season we will be doing an Evaluation Day in September. The goal of the evaluation will be so the athletes and coaches can chart athlete improvement throughout the season. Evaluation Day will also allow us to have a players meeting, swimsuit sizing and other housekeeping items. Evaluation day will involve 1 objective test (5 x 100m on 3-minute pace) along with some individual ball and leg work. We are hoping to have University of Guelph attend a scrimmage for the Women and McMaster on the Men’s side for the second half of the 3 hour practice.

16U Competitive will be a combination of a condensed NCL Schedule consisting of 2 Tournaments and Eastern Nationals. 16U will also compete in various OPL Events. 18U will run the same as last season. Athletes this season have the option to be in the water with HAWPC 4x or 5x per week.

Girls Evaluation Day/Scrimmage - September 14th 4:00 - 7:00 PM Wayne Gretzky

Boys Evaluation Day/Scrimmage - September 21st 4:00-7:00 PM Wayne Gretzky

Mavericks Cup Tournament Etobicoke - October 24-26th

Andrew Watson High School Tournament - Guelph Nov 1st

Paul Taylor (OPL) - Etobicoke November 22 - 24th 

Girls Evaluation Day/Scrimmage - September 14th 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Wayne Gretzky

***Boys Evaluation Day/Scrimmage - September 15th 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Wayne Gretzky

Mavericks Cup Tournament Etobicoke - October 24-26th 

Andrew Watson High School Tournament: Guelph Nov 1st 

NCL Event 1 - Pointe Claire December 13-15th 

Tuesday - 8:15 PM - 9:45 PM - Jimmy Thompson

Thursday - 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM - Pinky Lewis (Non 18U NCL Athletes)

Thursday - 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM - Wayne Gretzky (18U NCL Athletes)

Sunday - HAMMERHEAD SWIM TIME TBD (October)

Sunday - 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM - Wayne Gretzky

We hope to have the Google Calendar sorted as soon as possible, in the meantime enjoy your last week out of the water until December.

This season we will be relying more heavily on Team Communication versus Full Club Communication. The Head Coach with the support of the Board will create full Newsletters which will be available on our website. These are designed to include all Club information. These newsletters will come out monthly. Team Managers will read over the information and send the pertinent information directly to their Teams. We will utilize TeamSnap for team communication, similar to last season.

For 18U, 16U, and 14U Team Captains will be named and before Monday and Tuesday practices they will be empowered (and assisted at first) with providing pertinent communication to their teammates.

As we always say we learn so much more than just water polo in this club.

Sometimes pools have malfunctions, it's frustrating, however it will happen. In the event of a cancellation, we will immediately put out an Instagram Post indicating the closure. Second, we will put out emails both through RAMP and TeamSnap. Finally, Team Managers will send out text messages through the Team Snap App.

In the event of weather closures, we make the decision to close by 4:00 PM. With such a large region we are very cautious with the weather.  Always read cancellation notices carefully, as we have various programs running at multiple facilities.

For those taking the plunge for the first time, we could not be more excited for your Water Polo Journey to begin.  

The only item that is mandatory is a swimsuit. Goggles, towel, and a water bottle are all encouraged. We provide all the equipment.

Fall Schedule, New to Club Information and lots more

SEPTEMBER NEWS LETTER

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We cannot wait for the 2024/2025 Season to begin.  While we wait for Water Polo Canada To open Ramp registration please feel free to register with Team Snap.

Remember HAWPC has a 2 phase registration system.

Team Snap - Communication, Team Organization.

2024/2025 Season Almost Ready

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Once again the Hamilton Aquatic Water Polo CLub will be running its Swim and Play Ball Program at Lower Lions Pool.  We will break the program into 2 training groups. One for athletes who will be entering grades 3,4,5,6 and one for athletes who will be entering grades 7,8,9.

Each week athletes will have a 20 minute skill session followed by a 40 minute Game Session.  All sessions take place at Lower Lions Pool in Ancaster 263 Jerseyville W.

This summer we will also be offering a swim in conjunction with the Hammerhead Triathlon Club.  This is open to all athletes.

Please note athletes who previously played for the club in 2023/2024 WPC and OWP fees will not be subject to insurance fees.

For Athletes who will be entering Grades 3, 4, 5, 6. Fall 2024

7 week Program beginning July 14th ending August 25th.

Athletes participate in 7 x 1 hour sessions of Water Polo Training and games

Athletes must be comfortable in deep water and be able to swim 2 widths unassisted in a pool.

Cost: $100.00 + 25.00 Insurance to Ontario Water Polo

Where: Lower Lions Pool 263 Lower Lions Pool Jerseyville Rd

For Athletes who will be entering Grades 7,8,9.

Cost: $100.00 + 25.00 Insurance to Ontario Water Polo 

Where: Lower Lions Pool 263 Lower Lions Pool Jerseyville Rd 

ALL WELCOME OUTDOOR LANE SWIM HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

SUMMER WATER POLO IS BACK 2024

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Well we are definitely deep into the season with a steady flow of games coming at us.  

Congrats to our mighty 11U’S who kicked off the season with an impressive showing at Gretzky Game Day.  7 athletes played in their first games against other Clubs. Thanks to all the volunteers who helped make this event happen.

Good Luck to our 18u athletes who are competing at this weekends MAVS Cup.

A reminder that a fundraiser is happening this week at Plan B Farms.  Please see attached flyer. Should be a great event.

Please stand by for an additional email for Swimsuits

Are going to be submitted shortly please send any last minute orders or changes to admin@hamiltonwaterpolo.ca

For 15U and Up please see youtube link provided by David Hart 

As the tournament season begins you will notice some tweaks to the schedule typically Sunday is effected.  This week all athletes not playing in the tournament will be in the water at Gretzky from 3:30-5:30 PM

18U MAVS CUP – Etobicoke – Oct 20 – 22

OPL (11,13,15U) PAUL TAYLOR – ETOBICOKE – 24-26

OPL (11,13,15U) KW CLASSIC – KW – Dec 2,3

No Wayne Gretzky Practice Sunday Oct 29th (Womens Water Polo Event)

Let’s get ready for another great week of trainig﻿

We are definitely deep into the season with a steady flow of games coming at us. Check out our weekly news update for the week of October 16th!

WEEKLY NEWS OCT 16TH 2023

Further GOOD LUCK to all of our athletes who are off to University.  Many of our athletes will be playing University Water Polo in the OUA this season. 

All the best to our athletes.  You are always welcomed on our deck and we hope to see all of you soon. Please work hard, & stay safe.      

As explained in previous messages this year we are utilizing  a 2 phase registration process.

Team Snap is free and it is our APP based communication for Tournaments and Team News THIS IS OPEN.

RAMP Registration is the system that we use to collect fees securely and also registers our athletes with Water Polo Canada this will open on September 1st 2024.

Further we are happy to say our Google Calendar is fully updated with all known Tournaments and practices.  We will be organizing our breaks, and special events this week.

We will also be grouping our athletes onto teams on the Team Snap Platform. 

Calling all HAWPC members! Registration is now open! Check out this article to find out how you can get signed up today.

2023/2024 REGISTRATION OPEN

We hope everyone has had an amazing summer and “off-season”.   We had another amazing year having our most competitive season in over a decade.  Our quality of programming was highlighted with our representation at Team Ontario this Summer with 8 athletes attending the Tournament along with Coach Patrick LEES.

We also had numerous athletes participate in Junior Olympics in both California and Texas.  

Locally Summer Water Polo is alive and well.  With another sold out summer season.

Another highlight from the year is that our Club Population has increased to include over 130 athletes.  This is up by nearly 33% from 2018.  

We went dark so to speak in July that was both to recharge some batteries but also to address our growing pool needs both in relation to Swim & Play programming and Competitive goals.  In order to meet the new demand we have worked tirelessly to acquire increased Pool allotment from the City and added new coaches to our staff.

Further after a lot of hard work, and collaboration we are pleased to announce that, the Southwest will be running its own RDC Centre out of Brantford.  We will be providing further RDC information and 17U NCL information shortly.

For the 2023/2024 Parents and athletes will observe some changes specifically in relation to fees.  The Club made the commitment coming out of the pandemic to lower fees to help keep athletes in the water.  The increase is minimal and breaks down to roughly $1.00 per practice.

Based on the limitations of RAMP we will be utilizing a 2 step Registration System.  We are asking that Parents who are going to be registering for the 2023/2024 Season register with team snap ASAP.  This will help us to be more organized for the season.  RAMP registration does not open until early September.

Step 1: Please Register Now (No fees are associated to Team Snap)

Athletes will register on Team Snap.  Team Snap will be used for Communication.  IF YOU PLAN ON PARTICIPATING WITH THE HAWPC IN 2023/2024 PLEASE REGISTER WITH TEAM SNAP NOW.

Athletes will register on RAMP late August early September (whenever Water Polo Canada opens registration).  All Club Fees and Insurance will be paid through RAMP.

RAMP will also be used as a redundant Communication Tool in relation to Pool Closures and last minute changes.  Going forward we hope to just utilize Team Snap.

This season, based on rising costs we will be increasing our fees ($16-$20.00 per month). 

Similar to other Clubs across the Country HAWPC will also be introducing a mandatory $200.00 Volunteer component for all of our COMPETITIVE athletes and families.  Families who complete the time will be reimbursed either by refund or their child’s Provincial Tournament Fees will be covered.  Though it sounds overwhelming when we break it down it is very manageable.  

***THIS FEE ONLY APPLIES TO COMPETITIVE ATHLETES***.

PARENT VOLUNTEER FEE $200.00 (broken into 2 x $100.00 sections)

$100.00 of the fee will be in relation to Providing 4 hours of Time to the Club.

Tasks like assisting with Tournaments, attending meetings, helping transport equipment, flyers, will all be considered for this time. 

The second 100.00 is in relation to signing up for tournaments on Team Snap at the deadline and simply reading emails.  This 100.00 is all or nothing.  The week leading up to a tournament is extremely stressful and time consuming for the Head Coach.   We need our rosters set and completed in advance of competitions.  If parents fail to meet the timelines given they will forfeit the $100.00

Beginning this season all High School Aged athletes will be required to provide 6 hours of Service to the club.  We need help with Bring a Friend days, Swim and Play Ball, 13U/11U tournament days and so forth.  This is a great way to give back to the club and also a great way for our athletes to enter the world of coaching and officiating.

If players do not complete this they will not be eligible to receive the subsidy (which they have been receiving) at tournaments.  

We recognize that all Players and Parents are busy but in order to compete with the best clubs in the country while keeping our fees low we need to get creative. 

Please note athletes in the High School Rec will not be eligible to participate in tournaments.

We hope everyone has had an amazing summer and “off-season”. We had another amazing year having our most competitive season in over a decade. Our quality of programming was highlighted with our representation at Team Ontario this Summer with 8 athletes attending the Tournament along with Coach Patrick LEES.

WELCOME BACK HAWPC

BEDLAM IN BRANTFORD, was no joke, what a great weekend of water polo.  Because of the overwhelming success of the tournament we will be hosting again for 2024.  

A big thank you to all of the parents and athletes who stepped up and helped.  

Huge shout out to our 13u coed team who played hard and had fun all weekend. Congrats to our first ever 13u girls team who just fell short of a medal placing 4th. 

The conclusion of  the 13U  Provincial Championship marks the end of our OPL season.   The Ontario Provincial League encompasses 11U COED, 13U COED, 13U GIRLS, 13U BOYS, 15U BOYS and 15U GIRLS.  The HAWPC was one of the few Clubs in the Province to field teams in all divisions.  On top of our strong numbers we had our best competitive season in the history of our Club at the OPL level.  This season we captured our first tournament win since 2007, we medaled a total of 6 times, and collected our first medal at a Provincial Championship in over 5 years.   

On top of our OPL success we have had our most successful season at the NCL Level with several of our athletes slated to represent our Club at the NCL 17U National Championships happening in Calgary in under two weeks. 

Further we have equaled our best ever representation on Team Ontario with 8 athletes from our Club being selected.  This is the second straight year with 8 athletes from HAWPC featured on the teams.  To give perspective prior to last year’s contingent our Club had not been represented on team Ontario since 2017. 

This is a testament to the level of Coaching our athletes are receiving from Coach Tim Carr and Coach Patrick Lees.  Coach Patrick has been selected as one of the coaches for Team Ontario. 

It is important that we take the time to thank all of our coaches Tim, Pat, Megan, Noah, Emily, Lauren, Julia, Greg, Jamie, Mat and Lenny.  All have worked hard and all could not be more proud of the athletes. 

This Tuesday and Wednesday marks the end of our Swim and Play Ball season.  Our Swim and Play Ball Program is the foundation for the success which we mention above.  Based on what we have seen, the future looks bright.  Congrats to all of our athletes and don’t be shy about showing off your hard work this summer in lakes and backyard pools.  Also many of our Swim and Play Ball athletes need to challenge themselves and move up to comp next season.  The transition is very seamless into the 11U and 13U programming 

This week marks the end of our regular competitive schedule. With Nationals less then 2 weeks away we will run a 15u and up practice Sunday from 4-6 pm despite it being a long weekend. In June we will move to a Sunday 4:00-6:00pm in Brantford and Monday’s at Ryerson 7:30-9:00 PM.  The target age group for this is 15U and up. 

On June 4th 2023 we will be running clubfest from 4-7 in Brantford.  This is a celebration of the end of the season.  The kids will play some Water Polo we will have a short wrap up meeting with the parents.  Hot dogs and refreshments in the parking lot to follow. 

This summer We will be running a modified summer Program. For Summer League we will be targeting athletes 13 and under The program will run for 7 weeks and will take place Sunday from 10:00-11:15 outdoors at lower lions pool in Ancaster. The cost for the program is$100.00 + wpc fees (if you are already been playing with us you have already paid this) To register click on the link below http://HamiltonAquaticWPC.rampregistrations.com/participant 

We are pleased to announce that Sarah August who is fresh off of her rookie season with the OUA Champion Universtity of Toronto Blues will be leading the charge on deck with this program.

For our older athletes we will be running our program in conjunction with the Hammerheads Triathlon team The program will be a weekly swim on Sunday at lower lions from 11:15 to 1230 pm. 

This program will cost 80.00 for the summer. 

To register click on the link belowhttp://HamiltonAquaticWPC.rampregistrations.com/participant 

We cannot encourage the athletes enough to swim throughout the summer.  

We are just finalizing our beach Water Polo times in Binbrook Stay Tuned This is shaping up to be a very busy summer.  

As the club population continues to grow we have to continue to evolve.  The following capital projects have been identified: 

3. Revamp website updating and making more cellphone friendly

4. Recruit 2 new youth coaches & solidify all coaching positions before Fall

BEDLAM IN BRANTFORD, was no joke, what a great weekend of water polo. Because of the overwhelming success of the tournament we will be hosting again for 2024. A big thank you to all of the parents and athletes who stepped up and helped.  


Weekend Update Sept 14-15th

Other News

SEPTEMBER NEWS LETTER

2024/2025 Season Almost Ready

SUMMER WATER POLO IS BACK 2024

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