The Langley Water Polo Club is offering young people a chance to try out the sport for only $5.
“You don’t need to have a swimming background,†noted coach Kevin Mitchell.
Young people can try out the sport on April 24 and May 20. Both sessions are 5-6 p.m. at the Walnut Grove Community Centre pool.
He said the requirements, in addition to a swim suit, is being comfortable in the water.
The club, which uses the Walnut Grove Community Centre pool, uses the shallow end for the younger players.
The club’s activities are geared to beginner players to help provide a way for younger people to get into the sport in a fun atmosphere.
The $5 is a necessity to provide liability insurance for the try it events. In addition to Mitchell, other coaches and the older kids in the club will be on hand to help those trying out water polo.
Some people come to water polo from swim clubs but that’s not a requirement. Young people don’t even need to know the rules of water polo. The next season runs June to August with sessions up to three times each week.
“We teach everything for water polo, everything they need to know,†Mitchell said.
For the younger athletes, it’s more about having fun than intense competition. Water polo does become more physically intense and competitive as players grow.
There are 10 clubs in the Lower Mainland Water Polo League and the Langley club travels to these other communities to take part in competitions.
“If they join they’ll play games every weekend,†Mitchell said.
Intake for the club is anytime during the year. There are winter and summer leagues.
The cost is kept low for beginners. The cost is $50 (plus $30-$60 insurance) for kids 12 and younger. The fee for older kids is $550 with family discounts for more than one child participating.
For more information, contact langleywaterpolo@gmail.com.
Mitchell said if there was interest from adults, the club would look at creating a recreational adult league.
Most of the players are teen and younger. The only requirements are a bathing suit and a skull cap. Most players choose not to wear goggles.
He explained that the sport is a good chance for an all-over workout.
“Swimming and throwing a ball around is very good for the heart and overall health,†Mitchell said.