Looking for your next after-work sport obsession? FunFit Water Polo has you covered
It’s not every day you can add water polo player to your list of extra-curricular activities but thanks to FunFit Water Polo, now anyone can get in the pool, wear the cap, and give it a go.
This is Newcastle’s only water polo program for women where if you’re aged between 18-80, are open to new things and keen to build confidence and fitness in the water, then you qualify to join.
FunFit is about learning something new, building confidence, and having a good laugh in the water.
Founded by Novocastrian Kellie Boettcher in 2011 after she saw a gap in the water polo scene for a non-competitive alternative, FunFit is run by passionate long-time water polo player, head coach and program designer Megan Sutherland.
Beginner-friendly and supportive, Megan says FunFit is all about having fun and learning something new.
“We’ve had women come along who used to play water polo as teenagers and want to get back into it without the pressure of competitions and we have so many people sign up who have never played water polo in their life!”
Inclusion is the driving philosophy behind FunFit, with no one body type and no age limits making it available to anyone. “Some ladies turn up and feel uncomfortable about their bodies or abilities but you’re all the same in the water; it’s just your head bobbing around,” says Megan.
“As the coach, I’ve had so many different stories from ladies who’ve been battling depression or struggling because of family or work things or illness, and the water just washes it all away for a little while and they feel a part of something. It’s so rewarding. Anyone can do FunFit!”
What to expect in the pool?
While things can get a little heated when it comes to competitive water polo (hello, wedgies!), FunFit is a much gentler alternative, where empowering people through water, building confidence and fitness and having a good laugh is what it’s all about.
The first half of each class is about learning the fundamentals of water polo – skills like how to hold and pick up a ball, how to pass and swim with the ball and how to shoot. You’ll also learn how to manoeuvre from one end of the pool to the other and this is where water fitness gradually develops.
Next, you’ll cap up like a pro, and have a friendly water polo game. “We’ve changed some of the rules so it’s easier to understand, there’s no contact and we don’t keep score. It’s just so much fun,” says Megan.
Where can you play?
FunFit sessions are run by the term at Beresfield, Lambton, and Speers Point pools during spring and summer. In winter, the sessions move to the heated waters of either Charlestown pool or the Forum at the University of Newcastle.
Water Ball, a sister program for women and men who aren’t confident swimmers and those with a disability that don’t want to miss out on the watery fun, runs by the term at Lambton pool in the 25-metre pool on Mondays between 10-11am with hopes to expand to other pools. For times, check the FunFit socials.
New to water polo? No worries!
Trying anything new can be daunting but Megan says FunFit is a great way to add something a little bit different to your week in the form of fitness, fun and friends.
“My advice is, what’s the harm in trying? What’s the worst that can happen? You stop coming? And the alternative is that you really enjoy it, you make some new friends and you try something new!”
With plans to expand the session times and bring the FunFit program to other pools across Newcastle and the Hunter, now’s the time to make a splash and sign up for some water polo action this new year.
