About

 

The Irish Water Polo Association (IWPA) was established in 1964. Under the auspices of Swim Ireland, IWPA runs water polo in Ireland. The IWPA Executive Committee oversees the sport of water polo and is in turn responsible to the IWPA Council. Through Swim Ireland, IWPA is affiliated to the World Governing Body (FINA) and the European Governing Body (LEN).

Our season commences in September each year and runs through to early May the following year. We run national Leagues for both Men (3 Divisions) and Women (2 Divisions). In addition we also hold National Cup events for Senior Men, Senior Women, Under 19 Boy’s & Girl’s, Under 16 Boy’s & Girl’s, Under 14 Boy’s & Girl’s and a Mixed Under 14 Cup event.

We have National Teams at different age groups and senior levels who represent Ireland at different events throughout Europe each year.

On the competition front, there are Irish Championships (Cups) at senior, under 19, under 16 and under 14 levels for men and women. There are also senior National Leagues, which run from October to April. All IWPA competitions are held under FINA and LEN Rules.

IWPA also fields National Teams for men (senior and junior) and women (senior and junior).

In conjunction with Swim Ireland, IWPA offers coaching qualifications at Level 1 and Level 2.

IWPA also organises the National Water polo Academy each year. This Centre of Excellence offers the elite underage athletes an opportunity for intensive training and education twice a year – in August and December. The Academy is assisted and supported by Swim Ireland and the Irish Sports Council and is based at the National 50 Metre Pool, University Arena, Limerick. The Academy caters for about 100 athletes aged 14-16 each year.