Programs
Mission
The mission of Pride Water Polo Academy is to deliver premier instruction in the sport of water polo through an open club system as well as the Pride Academy in an effort to develop competitive teams and maximize the potential of each athlete. The primary objective is to develop each participant as both an athlete and a young person.
Development
The Pride Water polo Academy is committed to the development of each athlete regardless of age or ability level. All of the Pride programs are open to athletes that range in experience from novice to advanced.
Pride is dedicated to developing athletes in the following areas- technical fundamental skills, tactics, conditioning, and general knowledge of the game. In addition, the coaching staff pledges to develop each participate both as an athlete and as a young person.
USAWP Requirements
Participation in Pride Water Polo Academy at any level including the free week trial requires a current membership in USA Water Polo. Please use the Pride Water Polo Club ID number when registering for USAWP or changing club affiliations: Club ID Number (25981).
USAWP Age Groups
12U Boys and Girls- 12 or younger by August 1st, 2018
14U Boys and Girls- 14 or younger by August 1st, 2018
16U Boys and Girls- 16 or younger by August 1st, 2018
18U Boys and Girls- 18 or younger by August 1st, 2018
Session Dates
Fall
Boys and Girls Age Group Session (August 28th – November 18th)
Winter
Age Group (10’s, 12’s & 14’s) Clinic – December 4th – 8th
High School Try-outs – December 4th – 8th
Boys and Girls Age Group Session (January 3rd – March 3rd)
High School Boys Session (January 3rd – March 3rd)
(Winter Break – December 11th – January 2nd No Practices)
Spring
Boys and Girls Age Group Session (March 5th – May 19th)
High School Boys Session (March 5th – May 19th)
High School Girls Session (March 5th – May 19th)
Summer
Boys and Girls Age Group Session (May 21st – July 29th)
High School Boys Session (May 21st – July 29th)
High School Girls Session (May 21st – July 29th)
Program Levels
SPLASHBALL MIXED
Prides’s Splashball program is designed to introduce the sport of water polo to children between the ages of 5 and 9. The program teaches some of the basics of water polo to first time players while focusing on teamwork, fun and sportsmanship. Although some basic swim skills are required, players can stand on the bottom of the pool.
Session Fee $95
Splashball Head Coach: Lura Bleiberg: lurab123@gmail.com
18U and 16U Boys and Girls (High School)
A water polo program focused on skill building and tactics. This program is open to all level players from novice to advanced. The Pride coaching staff offers a water polo curriculum developed by the Technical Director to enable each athlete to reach their full potential.
Session Fee $550
Women’s Program Director: Joyce Abarta – Youth – Please contact Joyce with any questions you have about our women’s youth program at pomegranate10@mac.com
14U Boys and Girls (High School & Middle School)
The 14U program is focused on fundamentals technical skills and basic game tactics. This program is open to all level players. The Pride coaching staff delivers a curriculum developed by the Technical Director to build a fully developed foundation of ball skills, body positioning, basic tactics, and conditioning.
Session fee $450
14U Boys Age Group Coordinator: Sherry Meinhart- Please contact Sherry with any questions you have about the program at meinhartfamily@gmail.com
14U Girls Age Group Coordinator: Kat Lund – Please contact Kat with any questions you have about the program at klund64@yahoo.com
12U Boys and Girls
The 12U program is focused on an introduction to the game, basic water polo skills, fundamental technical skills, and foundational tactics. The coaching staff provides a fun atmosphere for young athletes to learn the basics.
Session fee $450
12U Boys Age Group Coordinator: Uri and Jen Burstein- Please contact them with any questions you have about the program at ubursteinpolo@gmail.com
12U Girls Age Group Coordinator: Kat Lund – Please contact Kat with any questions you have about the program at klund64@yahoo.com
10U Mixed
This program includes foundational skill building and swim stroke development for players new to Water Polo. Players are also taught team tactics and experience various player roles to deepen their understanding of the game.
Session fee $400
10U Mixed Age Group Coordinator: Sherry Meinhart- Please contact Sherry with any questions you have about the program at meinhartfamily@gmail.com
Scholarships and Financial Aid
The Pride Water Polo Academy accepts applications for financial assistance but cannot guarantee that all requests for scholarship and financial aid grants will be accepted. Application for financial assistance must be submitted for each session as part of session registration and will be evaluated by the Board of Directors. Click here for more information.
