Water polo live stream schedule, players and clubs to watch at Australian Youth titles 2023 (Australian Youth Water Polo Championships)

The future of NSW water polo will be on show at a unique tournament doubleheader in WA this month. First up it’s the U14s and U18s. Here are some of the players to keep a close eye on.

Sydney University is a powerhouse club in water polo.

They are our rising stars of the pool, young guns with their sights on pulling on the green and gold and playing for Australia one day - and in some cases the not too distant future.

Some of the young talent we can expect to see fighting for medals at the Brisbane Olympics in 2032.

And, for some, even the Paris Games in 2024 and in Los Angeles in five years time.

The best and brightest will be playing at the Australian water polo youth championships where junior clubs will compete in 12 and under, 14 and under, 16 and under and 18 and under divisions split across two five-day tournaments and played at four venues in Perth.

This fantastic event will be live and exclusive on KommunityTV, starting with 43 games in the U14 and U18 divisions over five days from Monday at Perth’s HBF Centre.

CATCH THE DAY ONE LIVE STREAM ACTION FROM PERTH RIGHT HERE

Keira Rippon representing NSW at the recent state nationals. Pic: Jerad Williams

The action from the U12 and U16 divisions will be held from January 15-19.

NSW PLAYERS TOP WATCH AT AUSTRALIAN YOUTH WATER POLO TITLE

With more than 150 teams competing, there are numerous players to watch for at the Australian youth titles.

NSW is a strong state in water polo and has multiple players to keep an eye out for.

In the 14 and under competition one player is UTS Balmain Tigers centre back Josh Pethers.

The 13-year-old works overtime to shut the opponents centre forward and has great playmaker ability.

Keira Rippon hails from the strong Cronulla club and is 15. The young Sharks player is one of the best attackers in this age group and her shooting accuracy turns heads. She is also a dynamic driver and smart defender.

Indiana Smith is another 15-year-old from the UTS Balmain Tigers club and is one of the top defenders in the 16 and under age group.

The daughter of Sydney 2000 Olympic gold medallist Bron Smith and former Wallaby Damian Smith, she will be crucial to the Tigers’ success at the event.

Christina Di Giandomenico is a member of the Drummoyne Devils and in the same age comp as Keira and Indie. She is one of the best centre forwards in the game for her age and a huge threat on the 2m line.

Amy Somboli is 15 and plays for UTS Balmain Tigers as their goalie. She is a hardworking athletes making leaps and bounds in the game and known for her saves and long passes.

Saskia Dunn is a star on the rise and one to watch with interest. She is 16, plays for the Balmain Tigers and is all-rounder who was MVP at U15’s state nationals recently.

Saskia Dunn playing for the Youth Barbarians at the 19 and under championships.

UNSW player Ben Burshtein is another top goalie and has showed he is a star of the future by being named in an Australian junior squad recently.

Orlando Mina is 15 and a star of the Sydney Uni Lions who was MVP at the recent National State Championships. He is also part of the Aussie squad.

Other talent in this age group is Cillian McGrath who is with the SNB Breakers. A poised player for his age, he is a top centre back with a top work rate and also in the Australians quad.

Layla Smith is from UTS Balmain Tigers and is competing in the 18&U Girls event. She is the older sister of Indi Smith and daughter of an Olympian. She is an outside shooter and part of the Australian Youth team which finished sixth at the world championships.

Georgia Chapman is a teammate of Layla Smith’s and is a strong centre back. She will be integral in the Balmain club’s bid for their first Australian youth water polo title.

Samantha Hardingham is another star in the 18&U division for Sydney Uni and a driver for her much-touted club.

Zoe Thomas plays for UTS Balmain Tigers 18&U side as is the daughter of Olympian Nathan Thomas. She is a powerful centre forward and driver and was a travelling reserve for the Australian Youth team in 2022.

Declan McGregor is with UNSW Wests 16&U side and the son of former international Sam McGregor. He is a broad, tall centre back and is both broad and tall who hails from Dubbo.

Harper Stewart is McGregor’s teammate and hails from Maroubra. He is a current member of the Australian youth squad and played his first season in first grade last year.

Lucas Young is with the Sydney Uni Lions 18&U team and has an impressive history at the event, winning the 14&U, 16&U and 18&U titles at previous Australian youth titles. He is a driver and a star on the rise.

Sam Bloomfield is playing for the Hunter Hurricanes 18&U side. He is an Australian youth squad member and one to watch.

Ashton Brown is another Sydney Uni player and also in the Australian youth squad.