SNB Breakers Elise Cooper’s transition from spectator to club pillar

Elise Cooper’s involvement began when her daughter, Sophia, joined the Sydney Northern Beaches Breakers at age 12. Her dedication and support towards her daughter's water polo career inspired Elise to shift from the stands to the club rooms, volunteering her time behind the scenes.

Now in her third season as team manager, she continues to support the team out of her deep appreciation for the club and the sport.

"The ladies prior to me being manager had done such a great job, that I thought it was my turn to step up and be manager. This is my third season of being team manager and I really love it,” Elise said.

"There's so many great people that I've met through the club that I've really become friends with,” she said.

The growth of the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships since its inception is a testament to the popularity and participation at a grassroots level. 

"The first year we were at nationals, it was a much smaller pool of teams and clubs playing,” Elise said.

"Now there's a team from Pilbara, how amazing is that? Such a small community and they've got a water polo club here representing. And I think that is a testament to how amazing the sport is,” she said.

Stressing the importance of volunteers, Elise acknowledged the vital roles they play within the water polo community. She urged greater involvement to ensure the sport continues to grow, particularly in youth pathways.

"Clubs don't exist without volunteers from the committee level, all the way through to tour managers and booking accommodation. The kids don't get to play if it doesn't exist, so I think it's really important,” Elise said.

"You can do as much, or as little as your life and time allows. If you love water polo as much as I do, step in and give it a go,” she said.