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Not to worry – we can’t wait to introduce you to this sport! Water polo is a fun, fast-paced team sport played entirely in the water, combining swimming, ball-handling, strategic play and physicality of contact sports. Players tread water without touching the bottom of the pool, pass and shoot a ball, and work together to score goals while defending their own.
Water polo improves swimming skills, builds cardiovascular endurance, and provides a full-body workout. It also develops teamwork and strategic thinking. Water polo is a relatively smaller sport in Canada which means there are many opportunities for players to progress to higher levels.
To learn more, visit the Parent & Player Handbook or Alberta Water Polo.
Yes, but like all sports, there is some risk of injury. Coaches teach proper techniques, conditioning, and rules to minimize risks. Players also wear a cap with protective ear coverings and follow strict contact rules during all games.
Our certified coaching staff includes former athletes and trained professionals with experience in youth development and water polo. To learn more about our coaches, visit Our Coaches.
Not at all! We welcome players of all swimming abilities - no prior water polo experience is required. While basic swimming skills are helpful, water polo also relies on strength and endurance, which are built through regular practice. Our coaches create a supportive team environment where players gain skills and confidence quickly. Most new athletes see a noticeable boost in their swimming ability within just a few months.
Below are some guidelines for each age group:
• 8U: Tall enough to stand comfortably in the shallow end
• 10U: Should be able to swim 15m with a flotation belt without resting
• 12U/14U: Able to swim 25m without resting & tread in the deep end for 30 seconds without touching the wall
Our season runs mid-September to April each year, with the option to register at any point in the year provided there is room (inquire about pro-rated fees). Cut-off dates do apply for the older age group athletes wanting to compete in the winter provincial league (due to roster submission deadlines). To learn more about the current season, visit Program Details.
We offer programs for children and youth ages 6-17. Our age groups follow Alberta Water Polo Association guidelines and are organized by birth year (8U, 10U, 12U, 14U, 17U). For full details on the current season’s age groups, visit Program Details.
Practice frequency depends on age group. 8U & 10U (Pups) can practice 1–2 times per week, while older groups can train 2–3 times per week. Practices are held at the Okotoks Recreation Centre and the Brookfield Residential YMCA at Seton (Calgary), with boys and girls training together. Visit our Practice Schedule for full details.
Practices are co-ed and include swimming, ball-handling, passing, shooting, strategy, and scrimmages. Older groups also do some dryland training to build strength, endurance, and prevent injuries.
Absolutely, we love multi-sport athletes! The Prairie Dolphins has many multi-sport athletes involved at all age groups. Please communicate your schedule conflicts with the coaches ahead of time to keep everyone on the same page.
Players typically need:
• Swimsuit (suggest one-piece for girls, snug-fitting trunks or jammers for boys)
• Towel
• Goggles (for warm-ups only as they are not worn during games)
• Water bottle
• Swim cap (optional)
Water polo caps are provided by the club during games.
Yes! Players can participate in local events and regional tournaments. Opportunities and frequency vary by age group. While not mandatory, older athletes (12U and up) are encouraged to attend scheduled tournaments and support their teammates. To learn more about game and competition opportunities, visit Program Details.
Fees vary by age group and may change slightly each season. We work hard to keep costs affordable so the sport stays accessible for families - our bingo and casino fundraising helps make this possible. For full details on current season fees, additional expenses, and volunteer commitments, visit Season Registration.
Great news – we're thrilled to have you join the club! Registration typically opens in mid-August each year and is completed online through Water Polo Canada’s registration system (RAMP). Registration remains open year-round as long as space is available. For full details on how to register, visit Season Registration.
The Respect in Sport Parent Program is a key piece to the safe sport environment. Alberta Water Polo Association and Water Polo Canada require that each family has at least one parent/guardian complete the Respect in Sport Parent Program. To learn more, visit Respect in Sport.
Yes! We offer a two-week trial for first-time players for a $50 non-refundable fee. If your child joins after the trial, the $50 is deducted from your registration fee. For more information, visit Two-Week Trial.
Yes. The Prairie Dolphins Water Polo Club is a volunteer-run organization that relies on bingo and casino fundraising to help keep program fees affordable. These events are essential for covering operating costs such as pool time, coaching, and equipment. We may also run additional fundraising initiatives to support the club. For more information, visit Volunteering & Fundraising.
You can find lots of helpful information throughout our website, and we’re always happy to answer any questions. For general inquiries, email us at dolphinswaterpolo@gmail.com. To connect with a specific board member, visit our Executive page.