Mermaids water polo club awarded 12 club premierships

Queensland has the No. 1 swimming club in Australia (St Peters Western) and now the Mermaids have further consolidated its standing as the leading junior water polo club in the land.

Queensland has the No. 1 swimming club in Australia (St Peters Western) and now the Mermaids have further consolidated its standing as the leading junior water polo club in the land.

Although the Brisbane club season was cut short by the coronavirus crisis in March before the finals started, competition officials have awarded Mermaids an extraordinary 12 premierships.

“They awarded them to whoever were the minor premiers,’’ explained Nicola Johnson, who formed club alongside her husband Lance in 2013-14.

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Mermaids claimed all A division female age groups except for the 12As.

For the first time Mermaids’ senior women won the premiership while the 12A boys claimed the club’s first male premiership. “That was very exciting for them,’’ Johnson said.

The under 14 Mermaids Pink water polo team with a national medal.

In many of the age groups Mermaids’ fielded two girls teams and finished one or two.

“We had 11 premierships last year, so we snuck one more in,’’ Johnson smiled.

Individual Mermaids’ players were also being recognised by state and national selectors, with 49 girls and 11 boys in Queensland squads.

UNBEATEN FOR FIVE YEARS, IS THIS AUSTRALIA’S BEST JUNIOR SIDE?

Of the girls, 17 progressed to Australian squads (under 16s, under 18s, under 20s).

Asked what was the secret to a club just seven years old reaching such heights, Johnson said:

Lance and Nicola Johnson, founders of the Mermaids Water Polo Club.

“Having experienced coaches, a structured training program and giving feedback to the kids.

“They are told what they are doing well, and what they can do better.

“Plus making it a fun environment that families want them to be a part of is important.

Carindale's Alice Campbell plays for Mermaids and represents the Queensland Thunder.

“That is the recipe we have worked with.

“We are very lucky we have experienced coaches. Success then attracts more experienced coaches.’’

JOHNSON’S HISTORIC SELECTION AS AN OLYMPIC GAMES REFEREE

Johnson said she had fielded calls from southern states wanting to know the club’s secret to success “There is no secret. It is hard work,’’ she said.

Molly Nasser, left, progressed from Mermaids into the Queensland Thunder. (AAP Image/Richard Walker)

Johnson said the Yeronga Park pool facility had also played a role in making the pool available from 5.30pm, giving children time to train and then get home at a reasonable hour for dinner and homework. commitments.