UNSW and Wests Water Polo Clubs Unite

Story from www.australianwaterpolo.com.au

In a bold and exciting move two of Sydney's most prestigious water polo clubs have joined forces.

UNSW and Wests Water Polo Clubs are uniting, forming what could be one of the state's most formidable water polo clubs.
After extensive negotiations, agreement has been reached to affiliate the two clubs, which will operate as one for at least the next three years.

The new club will adopt the UNSW Constitution and operate with a joint Executive Committee.

This will also create strong links to the UNSW Sport and Recreation Elite Athlete Support Program for the two clubs.

The united club will utilise both the University of NSW pool as well as Ashfield pool, providing greater flexibility for training and competitions.

"This is an exciting step forward for both our clubs, it opens up unlimited opportunities for all our members," Wests President Phil DeGail said.

"Combined with the recent repairs commencing on Ashfield Pool it has been a very successful and exhilarating month for Wests. "

UNSW President Mick O'Connor said the amalgamation will provide tremendous opportunities for members from both clubs.

"We are thrilled to be able to now offer both male and female members equal opportunities through our joint venture with Wests," Mr O'Connor said.

"I applaud all club members for having the foresight to recognise the benefits for all current and future players. There is strength in numbers and we can now boast one of the largest member bases in Australia".

The men's programme will run under the banner of UNSW Wests Magpies while the women's program will continue as UNSW Killer Whales.

Wests' strong men's programme combined with the UNSW powerful women's teams and a very successful Junior Development programme means that as a united force the new club will present both men's and women's teams right through to the National League level.

The combined resources of the two Clubs translate to more than eighty years of continuous participation in the sport of water polo.