Australian Youth Water Polo Championships return to Brisbane for 2026 and 2027
Water Polo Australia is proud to announce that the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships will return to Brisbane in both 2026 and 2027, thanks to the strong support of Tourism and Events Queensland and the Brisbane Economic Development Agency.
In 2026, the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships will be held from 8-18 April 2026.
Following the recent announcement of the National Aquatic Centre—a world-class venue to be developed as part of Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games—this event marks another exciting milestone as Water Polo Australia continues to invest in the future of the sport on the green and gold runway to Brisbane 2032.
The Championships, which attracts more than 3000 players from water polo clubs across the country, also supports the development of junior water polo talent.
The two week event is one of the largest water polo events in the Southern Hemisphere and a vital part of developing Australia’s next generation of athletes.
Tim Welsford, CEO of Water Polo Australia, said Brisbane is the perfect home for the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships (AYWPC) in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympic Games.
“Brisbane has proven itself time and time again as a premier sporting destination. We’re thrilled to be returning for two more years, especially as we continue to grow momentum on the green and gold runway to the Brisbane Olympics.
“Since the AYWPC launched in Brisbane in 2018, it has grown year on year and is now the pinnacle event for our Clubs on the national water polo calendar and also has attracted interest internationally with clubs from New Zealand, and the USA also taking part.
“The support from Tourism and Events Queensland and the Brisbane Economic Development Agency has been pivotal in making this possible.”
Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the Championships were a big win for Brisbane.
“We’re thrilled to host such a prestigious competition for 2026 and 2027, cementing our reputation as Australia’s sports capital,” Cr Schrinner said.
“Our local economy will benefit greatly, with thousands of athletes and supporters expected to come here and soak-up our incredible lifestyle over two action-packed weeks each year.
“The championships will create more to see for the whole city while acting as a vital testing ground for athletes in the lead up to LA2028 and Brisbane 2032.”
In addition to the junior players who will take part, Water Polo Australia will also feature it’s Ord Minnett Aussie Sharks and Aussie Stingers as they continue their preparations towards the LA 2028 Olympic Games.
The event is expected to bring thousands of athletes, families, and supporters to Brisbane, delivering significant benefits to the local economy while inspiring the next generation of champions.
More information on dates and venues will be released in the coming months.
The 2026 Australian Youth Water Polo Championships is supported by Brisbane City Council through Brisbane Economic Development Agency and the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland.
