KEEPING KIDS IN THE GAME

Mermaids’ new program for children aged between six and ten is designed to help kids transition from learn-to-swim programs to team sports. For many families, though, the cost of water polo gear can put that opportunity out of reach.

Specialist water polo balls have a unique grip and weight that takes practice to get used to, especially for beginners. By providing each child with their own ball to take home, Mermaids gives them the chance to build skills and confidence outside of training sessions, something the club believes is critical for keeping them engaged long term.

The uniforms play a big role too. Having a club shirt helps the younger kids feel connected to the wider Mermaids family, building pride and belonging from day one. 

“Seeing the older players wearing Mermaids shirts, and then getting one of their own, makes the little kids feel like they’re truly part of our club,” says Ian Moss, committee member and coach. “It helps them see they’re part of something bigger, and that sense of belonging is what keeps them coming back.”

Thanks to the grant, Mermaids was able to provide 80 young players with properly sized beginner balls from HART Sport and new t-shirts from ISC Sport. Together, these basics help build a stronger sense of identity, connection, and confidence, all while reducing costs for parents.

REMOVING BARRIERS

Mermaids works closely with local learn-to-swim and squad programs to keep children engaged in aquatic sport, rather than losing them to other codes. With the grant’s support, the club can offer its junior program at dramatically reduced rates, and in some cases, completely free for children experiencing disadvantage.

“Without the Active Kids Grant, we would have to allocate funds from a different area or increase the cost of the program, which comes out of parents’ pockets,” Ian says. “This gives us the opportunity to keep everything low and still give the kids a great opportunity.”

By investing in this age group, Mermaids is building a sustainable pathway for kids to stay active and develop skills for life, including teamwork, resilience and confidence.

THE ACTIVE KIDS IMPACT

Hear directly from Ian at Mermaids Water Polo about the impact that the Active Kids Grant has had on the club.

LOOKING AHEAD

Beyond growing its junior base, Mermaids is also creating opportunities for older players. Right now, their U16 girls’ team is fundraising to travel to Greece, Spain and Croatia, where they’ll train and compete against some of Europe’s strongest junior teams. 

“It’s so important for our girls to see how water polo is played in other countries,” says Meg Huxley, former Mermaids player and coach. “These trips give them a chance to grow, adapt, and build confidence.” 

The team is aiming to raise $15,000 to help cover travel, accommodation, uniforms, equipment and other essentials. They’ve already run a trivia night to kickstart their efforts and are using the Australian Sports Foundation platform to reach a wider group of supporters.

“The Australian Sports Foundation has a really strong reputation. We know people feel comfortable donating through the platform, and the tax-deductible donations help them give even more.” 

If you’d like to help the team get to Europe, you can support their fundraising campaign through their Australian Sports Foundation page.

FUNDRAISING STORY

In her own words, Mermaids coach and ex-player, Meg, shares what this opportunity means and why your support is so important.