Sydney Stingers Water Polo

Website: www. Sydneystingers. Org.

Facebook: www. Facebook.

Sydney Stingers Water Polo is a well-established LGBTIQ-inclusive sports club based in Sydney, Australia. The club was initially formed in October 2001 to proudly represent Sydney in the 2002 Gay Games and has since become an integral part of the Sydney LGBTIQ+ sporting and water polo communities.

The primary mission of the Sydney Stingers is to provide a safe, inclusive, and friendly environment for individuals to learn, play, and train in the game of water polo. While all individuals are welcome to join, it is important to note that water polo does require strong swimming skills and endurance, making it suitable for those with intermediate to advanced swimming abilities. However, the club actively encourages and supports new players in developing the necessary skills to participate.

The Sydney Stingers hold training sessions each Saturday morning at Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre and every Sunday afternoon at Gunyama Park Aquatic Centre. Additionally, the club organises regular swim squad meets on Thursday evenings at Cook and Philip Park Pool. These training sessions provide opportunities for members to improve their water polo skills, enhance their fitness levels, and socialise with fellow club members.

In addition to training and competitions, the Sydney Stingers have a vibrant social and fundraising calendar. The club actively participates in events such as the Mardi Gras parade and holds an annual Trivia Night, which has become a highly anticipated event within the community. These events aim to foster a sense of camaraderie and support among club members while also raising funds to support the club's activities.

During the current Summer 2023/24 season, the Sydney Stingers field six teams in the Water Polo NSW metropolitan league. The league games take place on Tuesday nights for the Men's League, Wednesday nights for the Division 2 Women's League, and Saturday afternoons for the Division 1 Women's League. The Stingers' teams vary in experience and skill levels, offering opportunities for players of all levels to participate.

For the women's league, the Stingers W2 and W6 teams compete in the Water Polo NSW Division 1 and Division 2 Women's Open grades, respectively. The W2 team consists of highly experienced players with advanced skills and fitness levels, while the W6 team comprises experienced players with intermediate to advanced levels of skills and fitness. The W7 team is made up of players with beginner to intermediate skill levels, who work together in a supportive environment to develop their fitness and core water polo skills.

Within the men's league, the Stingers M6 and M7 teams compete in the Water Polo NSW Division 2 Men's Open grades. The M6 team comprises experienced players with solid water polo skills and intermediate to advanced levels of fitness. The M7 team consists of players with several years of water polo experience and intermediate to advanced levels of skill and fitness.

To promote inclusivity and provide opportunities for all members to participate, the Stingers also established the INTRA competition in 2021. This internal all-gender club competition is designed for beginners and emphasises game and team skills. INTRA features shorter seasons held multiple times throughout the year, consistent game location and time at Gunyama Park on Sunday afternoons, and mixed teams in an all-inclusive environment.

If you are interested in joining the Sydney Stingers Water Polo club, whether as a beginner or an experienced player, visit their website or find them on social media for more information. The club offers a supportive and welcoming environment where individuals can enjoy the sport of water polo, meet new people, and be part of a vibrant community.