What Is ‘I Love Water Polo”?

Frequently Asked Questions
(by parents/children, by aquatic service providers)

‘I Love Water Polo’ (ILWP) is an Introductory, Non-Contact, Recreational water polo program for boys and girls ages 8-13 (players younger than 8 may be considered based on an assessment by the coach).

Why choose water polo?
Water polo involves three components: fitness, skills, and the game. ILWP allows kids to have fun while learning basic skills, tactics and rules of the game. ILWP provides a positive environment that promotes fitness, friendship, teamwork and sportsmanship. We do not keep score at our games and scrimmages, although referees are often present to enforce the adapted rules of the game. Focus is on skill development and fun! ILWP is considered non-contact, and rough play is not tolerated. Water polo is the perfect answer for those parents who want to involve their children in a sport that promotes total body fitness, with very little impact on joints. Injuries are rare at this level of play.

Why do kids like water polo so much?
It’s fun! It’s unique! Most athletes like water polo because it is a physically demanding sport. It is different and unusual. Although it combines elements from a wide variety of sports (swimming, soccer, basketball, ice hockey, rugby and wrestling, to name a few), and entails many of the same principles and rules, it is different from typical sports that children play.

Are there any prerequisites?
No water polo experience is necessary, but players should be comfortable deep water swimmers. We recommend Red Cross Aquaquest 8 (Swim Kids 7) or Lifesaving Society Swimmer 7, or equivalent, as a pre-requisite. We understand that many kids do not experience formal swimming lessons, though. If you are unsure, please have a coach assess the child in question.

Why is there such a broad range of ages?
Water polo is coed for younger players because at this stage of development there are not great differences in strength and ability, between males and females. Coed programs allow us to promote equality, and allows coaches to form groups easily by player ability, not specifically by gender or age. At age 14, competitive water polo becomes streamed by age and gender.
Practices combine water polo skills like ball handling, game tactics and scrimmages with swimming endurance and speed. The players get fit very quickly without realizing it! Many players will go on from ILWP to play in competitive programs. Others will continue it as a recreational activity, and would still be skilled enough to play in high school and even university programs. For a list of competitive programs in your area, contact info@ontariowaterpolo.ca

Where Can I play?
ILWP programs are emerging across the province. Our member clubs and affiliates (municipal) programs who offer the ILWP program continue to grow. A listing can be found at our club page or by following this link.