Wednesday Academy
DEVELOP YOUR GAME. BUILD YOUR CONFIDENCE. HAVE FUN IN THE POOL.
The Gold Coast Water Polo Academy, led by Matt Negline, gives junior players access to structured, high-quality coaching right here on the Gold Coast.
Players develop their water polo skills, game understanding and confidence, while also learning to communicate, work as part of a team, build resilience and approach challenges with confidence.
Whether your child is completely new to water polo or already playing, Academy is open to everyone. Players are supported and challenged at their own level, so they can keep learning, improving and enjoying the game.
⭐ WEDNESDAY ACADEMY TRAINING
📅 Season: Term 4 2026 & Term 1 2027
📍 Trinity Lutheran College Senior Campus
🕒 10 Years & Under: 5:30pm–6:30pm
🕒 11 Years & Over: 6:00pm–7:15pm
VIEW WEDNESDAY TRAINING DATES →
Haven't played water polo before? Your child is welcome to come along and give it a go!
NEW TO WATER POLO? START HERE →
⭐ WHAT WILL PLAYERS DEVELOP?
Academy is about developing the whole player.
Sessions combine skill development, game understanding and game-based activities, helping juniors build their abilities at their own level while learning how to play confidently as part of a team.
Players will work on:
- Ball handling, passing and shooting
- Swimming, movement and positioning
- Game awareness and decision-making
- Water polo-specific fitness
- Teamwork, communication and sportsmanship
- Confidence and resilience
- Game-based activities that put skills into practice
The goal is to help players become confident teammates, good communicators and resilient young athletes who enjoy the game.
Matt Negline leads GCWP Junior Training and the junior development program.
Matt works with players at every stage of development, helping juniors build strong fundamentals, confidence in the water and a better understanding of the game.
His focus is on creating a positive training environment where players are challenged appropriately, supported to improve and encouraged to enjoy the sport.
⭐ FROM TRAINING TO COMPETITION
What players learn on Wednesday comes to life on Friday.
Academy gives players the opportunity to develop their skills, confidence and game understanding during the week, then put what they have learned into practice in the new Gold Coast Junior District Competition.
Wednesday Academy and Friday competition work together as part of GCWP's broader junior development pathway.
HOW JUNIOR TRAINING & COMPETITION WORKS →
⭐ ACADEMY FAQs
Is Academy suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. Academy is open to players of all abilities. Whether your child is picking up a water polo ball for the first time or already playing, they'll be supported and challenged at their level.
Does my child need to attend Academy to play Friday night competition?
Your child should attend the Wednesday night Academy sessions. Wednesday training gives players the opportunity to develop their skills, game understanding and confidence and put what they learn into practice on Friday nights.
Is Academy only for highly competitive players?
No. Academy is for young players of all abilities who want to learn, improve and enjoy water polo in a positive, supportive environment.
⭐ READY TO JOIN ACADEMY?
Whether your child is completely new to water polo or already playing, Academy gives them a place to learn, develop and enjoy the game.
Haven't played water polo before?
NEW TO WATER POLO? START HERE →
Ready to join Academy?
HOW TO REGISTER FOR JUNIOR WATER POLO →
Want to see what's happening this season?
VIEW THE 2026/27 JUNIOR SEASON →