Rehoboth Beach, Delaware—The Sussex Family YMCA is making a splash by bringing back its youth water polo program, an exciting aquatic sport to the state. This groundbreaking Tsunami Water Polo Youth program, officially launched in October 2024, will run through June 2025.
The Tsunami Water Polo program participants are divided into two age ranges: 7-12 and 13-18. To ensure a safe and fun experience, each player must be able to swim two lengths of the pool and tread water for one minute.
Water polo is a dynamic and fast-paced sport that combines the endurance and agility of swimming with the strategic teamwork of basketball and soccer. Played in a pool, teams of seven players compete to score goals by throwing a ball into the opponent’s net while treading water. Participants develop essential skills such as swimming stamina, ball-handling, passing, and defensive positioning. The sport requires strength, coordination, and teamwork, making it an excellent activity for youth looking to build confidence and physical fitness.
The Sussex Family YMCA’s water polo program is not only a milestone for the local community, but also a comeback story. The program initially launched just before the COVID-19 pandemic and gained strong momentum. However, due to shutdowns, it was put on hold. With renewed enthusiasm and support, the program is back and ready to grow. As an official club with American Water Polo, the Sussex Family YMCA plans to expand its team and compete in regional tournaments, setting the stage for greater recognition in the water polo community. Additionally, the program is working to reinitiate club membership with USA Water Polo, which oversees the Olympic Development Program and supports the U.S. Men’s and Women’s Olympic teams.
“Our mission is to grow the sport of water polo in our community, across Delaware, and beyond,” said Nicole Garrity, Water Polo Coach at the Sussex Family YMCA. “We want to provide an opportunity for young athletes to develop their skills, enjoy the game, and build a foundation for competitive play. Ultimately, we hope to cultivate nationally competitive teams and lifelong players.”
As water polo continues to grow in popularity, this program will provide a pathway for young athletes to explore collegiate and competitive opportunities, including USA Water Polo’s Olympic Development Program, Junior Olympics, and national tournaments.
“Living in an area surrounded by water, it is essential for children and youth to develop strong swimming skills,” added Anne Seiffert, Director of Aquatic Operations at the Sussex Family YMCA. “Water polo enhances endurance and swimming ability, providing an engaging team environment where players can have fun, learn, and compete.”
How To Sign Up
The water polo program is an affordable and accessible way for youth to engage in a sport that is rapidly gaining popularity. The monthly program fee is $40 for YMCA of Delaware members and $60 for non-members, with financial assistance available to ensure inclusivity for all interested participants. Registration is open now. Families and aspiring athletes interested in joining the Sussex Family YMCA’s water polo program are encouraged to visit https://www.ymcade.org/programs/ or contact the Sussex Family Y at (302) 296-9622 for more details.
About the YMCA of Delaware
The YMCA of Delaware is Delaware’s largest nonprofit organization committed to empowering youth, fostering healthy living, and promoting strong communities. With seven branches statewide, a youth resource center, and an overnight camp and conference center in Worton, Maryland, the Y has developed longstanding relationships and a physical presence in Delaware so it can deliver lasting personal and social change. We are committed to serving everyone – regardless of age, income or background –nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving Delaware’s health and wellbeing, and creating a healthy, inclusive community where all people reach their full potential. www.ymcade.org.
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