The Innisfail Hurricanes kick off a new season of water polo next month.
The action begins on Sept. 12 at the Innisfail Aquatic Centre and runs until the end of March with practices every Monday and Wednesday.
“We've had a couple of executive meetings and we are planning for our next season, starting in September,” said Ray Bergeron, president of the Innisfail Hurricanes Water Polo Club. “We have our two coaches returning -- our head coach Quinn Layden and our assistant coach Emily Tulk. We are also promoting a new junior coach, Sarah Valentine.”
Water polo with the Innisfail Hurricanes is open to boys and girls ages six to 17. There are several groups or categories for players, including 10 and under, 12 and under, 14 and under, 16 and under and 18 and under.
Last season, the club had success with a couple of water polo clinics, noted Bergeron, adding it's a practice they want to continue.
“We started last year and ran two very successful water polo clinics,” said Bergeron. “We invited other teams from Okotoks and Strathmore to join us in Innisfail and that was received very well,” he added. “We're looking at doing that again this year.”
Bergeron noted some players have been with the club for several years and have developed their swimming skills and water polo techniques.
“We've seen some of our athletes come through as younger individuals and as they've gotten older they've played in city leagues. They're playing with Calgary teams now,” he said. “Hopefully they'll develop a love for the sport and want to continue. There are lots of opportunities to play water polo in city and provincial leagues.”
Bergeron said he would like to see an increase in club membership this season.
“We're trying to do a lot more in promoting the club and trying to get the word out there the best we can,” said Bergeron. “We'll be at the town's registration night on September 6 and we start (practices) on September 12,” he added, noting for those who are unsure if water polo is the sport for them, they can participate in the “try it” program.
“We have a two-week ‘try it' program, so if people aren't sure about joining they can try it for two weeks for $25,” explained Bergeron. “If they choose to stay that $25 will be applied to their regular season fee.”
Water polo is a great sport to stay fit, improve swimming skills, and have a lot of fun, said Bergeron.
“If a kid loves going to the pool with friends and just being in the water, they're going to have a lot of fun coming out and being involved with the Innisfail Hurricanes,” Bergeron concluded.
For more information visit www.hurricaneswaterpolo.com
Ray Bergeron, president of the Innisfail Hurricanes Water Polo Club
"We've seen some of our athletes come through as younger individuals and as they've gotten older they've played in city leagues. They're playing with Calgary teams now. Hopefully they'll develop a love for the sport and want to continue."
