BACKGROUND

For years, there has been ongoing discussion about creating a high-level tournament in Australia, but progress has been limited. This event aims to provide clubs and emerging countries in the region with the opportunity to compete at a high level, promoting the development of the sport.

The competition is designed to be inclusive, offering an option for all clubs that wish to participate while serving as a valuable pathway event for clubs and countries aspiring to reach higher levels.

In addition to complementing the existing Australian Water Polo League (AWL), this event is also intended to support other competitions worldwide, such as those in Asia, North America and World Aquatic events, such as junior world championships. By offering a tournament environment that mirrors World Aquatic conditions, this event helps build a stronger pathway for athletes, clubs, and emerging countries.

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TOURNAMENT AIM

The Fluidra Australia Cup is all about providing an affordable, high-quality competition that supports the Australian Water Polo League (AWL) and helps clubs and emerging countries across Australia and the Asia-Pacific grow and compete at a higher level. We want this to be a premier tournament on the world stage, connecting with global events like those in Asia, North America, and junior world championships. By creating a competition that mirrors World Aquatic standards, we’re building a strong pathway for athletes, clubs, and regions while making the sport more accessible and inclusive.

TOURNAMENT DETAILS

  • Canberra, Australia

  • This Years Tournament:

    • Tuesday, Jan 21st - Friday, Jan 24th, 2025

    Next Years Tournament:

    • Thursday, Dec 11th - Sunday, Dec 14th 2025

  • Australian Institute of Sport

    AIS Aquatic Centre

    26 Leverrier St, Bruce ACT 2617

  • Senior club, regional representative teams and targeted national teams are eligible for this event. Current AWL clubs may enter, but need to comply with eligibility criteria. 

  • To be covered by attending teams. Accommodation can be booked at the AIS, Abode Hotel and the Alivio Tourist Park which are within walking distance or 5 minutes drive from the venues.

  •  Team entry costs $4,900 + GST. AUD

TEAM ENTRIES

OFFICIAL TOURNAMENT AMBASSADOR

We’re happy to announce that Alice Williams, Australian Stinger and Olympic Silver medallist, will be the official ambassador for the tournament.

Alice, who was the top goal scorer at the Paris Olympics, is passionate about this event and believes it will offer fantastic opportunities for young athletes aspiring to play in the AWL and beyond. She also joined us for the signing of the Fluidra contract in her hometown of Brisbane, showing her strong support for the event.

TOURNAMENT TIMELINE

2025 Pre-event timeline

February - Email and briefing pack sent to clubs

March - Email and briefing pack sent to clubs

April - Online information session #1

April - Team Expression of Interest (EOI) released

May - Team entries due

June - Team entries invoices sent to participating clubs

July - Team deposits due ($2,000AUD per team entry)

October - Final team entry payment due

November - Online information session #2

November - Draw and training times released

December - Tournament begins

2025 Tournament timeline

Tuesday 9 to Wednesday 10 December - Teams arrive in Canberra

Wednesday 10 December - Training and scrimmage sessions begin / Pre-tournament meeting and welcome dinner @ 6.00pm

Thursday 11 December - Tournament play (Day 1 - round games) @ 9.00am

Friday 12 December - Tournament play (Day 2 - round games)

Saturday 13 December - Tournament play (Day 3 - round games and cross-over)

Sunday 14 December - Tournament play (Day 4 - finals and classification games) / Awards presentations @ 4.00pm

ACCOMODATION OPTIONS

Budget option

Alivio Tourist Park (10 minutes walk / 5 mins bike ride which can be borrowed from site)

Cost: $50AUD per person, apartment style accommodation - does not include meals

Website: Alivio Tourist Park | Only 4kms from the center of Canberra (aliviogroup.com.au)

Contact: (+621) 6247 5466 or reservations@aliviogroup.com.au

Hotel option (requires transport as the pool is 5 minutes drive from AIS)

Abode Belconnen

Cost: $90 per person, per night based on a minimum of 2 people per room. 

Does not include meals. Is subject to room availability. Terms & Conditions

Website: https://abodehotels.com.au/hotels/belconnen/

Contact: 1300 122 633 or reservations.groups@abodehotels.com.au

Onsite, all-inclusive option

Australian Institute of Sport – Athletes Residence

Cost: $145AUD per person, per night in single rooms – includes buffet breakfast, lunch & dinner

Website: https://www.ais.gov.au/visit/accommodation#groups

Contact: (+612) 6214 1036 or Simone.McKenzie@ausport.gov.au