The Victorian Youth Polo Academy (VYPA) is currently seeking expressions of interest from primary and secondary schools that are eager to try out the exciting sport of Canoe Polo in 2021.

VYPA offers the opportunity for schools, primary or secondary, to run canoe polo sessions within their existing sporting programs. All equipment required can be provided by VYPA, and sessions can be run in one of the following formats:

One-Off Sessions

Intended as a ‘come and try’ experience, these sessions allow everyone to experience canoe polo for the first time in a one-off, obligation-free environment. Starting initially with an introduction to the equipment and rules of the sport, these sessions will teach the fundamental skills involved in canoe polo with the emphasis on fun and engaging activities. Sessions will conclude with a number of short, fast-paced games.

4 / 8-week programs

VYPA offers tailored programs to develop more advanced canoe polo skills conducted over multiple sessions. These programs will delve deeper into the sport, providing participants with in-depth coaching on boat and ball skills, team tactics, attack and defensive scenarios, and regular games. These programs can be tailor-designed for any group regardless of skill level or participant numbers, and can be offered over any time frame such as 4-week, 8-week, or to fit within a school-term. VYPA can offer consecutive programs for development pathways from a beginner level all the way through to a high-performance level, that would offer opportunities to partake in local, interstate, and international tournaments and tours. 

Kayak Paddleball

Intended as an introduction to canoe polo, Paddleball was initially developed by Paddle Victoria as an inclusive and social style of paddling to introduce canoe polo and kayaking to a wider audience. Recently paddleball has been incorporated into the Australian Government’s Sporting Schools Initiative, allowing schools to access funding to cover the costs of participating in a Paddleball session. If you are interested in running a Paddleball session in conjunction with Sporting Schools, please contact Paddle Victoria HERE.

Why should I get involved in Canoe Polo?

Canoe Polo as an activity offers many benefits. On an individual level, it teaches and develops kayaking skills, encourages leadership ability and development, and promotes health benefits associated with increased aerobic ability, cardiovascular health, and can increase mental focus and reduce stress.

Offering an alternative to other team sports, Canoe Polo fosters teamwork and communication within an inclusive sporting environment that caters to participants of all abilities, boosting the self-esteem and confidence of participants who take on this fun new challenge.

Download the EOI flyer HERE