Come for the water polo, stay for the community

Joining the Stingers starts with registration and a supported introduction to the sport. From there, we help people move into the right place for them, whether that's ongoing competition or simply trying water polo for the first time.

You don't need prior experience to join. The registration form is how the conversation starts.

Swimming comfort

Water polo involves continuous swimming. Being comfortable swimming around 1 kilometre within 30 minutes helps ensure you can participate safely and enjoy your time in the pool.

If you're close to this level, our beginner program is designed to build your confidence and fitness while teaching the fundamentals.

Everyone welcome

Our bootcamp is a mixed-gender space, and we proudly welcome women, transgender, gender-diverse, and intersex participants. You don't need to identify as LGBTQIA+ to join—but you do need to be comfortable in an LGBTQIA+ inclusive environment.

How it works

1. Register your interest
   Registration lets us understand your background, experience, and what you're hoping to get out of water polo.

2. Start with a bootcamp
   Most new and returning players begin with a four-week beginner-focused introduction to water polo and the club.

3. Choose what's next
   After the program, you can decide what you'd like to do next, with support from the club.

Bootcamp: the starting point

Our four-week introduction program is open to anyone who has registered interest. It's designed for people who are new to water polo or returning after time away.

What you'll learn:

• The basics of the game

• Building confidence in the water

• Getting to know the club and other players

After completing the program, people choose different pathways:

• Some join our social mixed-gender INTRA competition

• Some move into competitive Metro league teams

• Some do both

• Some choose not to continue, having experienced the sport

Whatever you choose, you'll have made the decision with real experience and support.

Experienced players

If you're already experienced and ready to train and play, you may be offered a trial membership instead. Trial memberships run for four training sessions and allow you to experience the club before committing to full membership.

Inclusion and Belonging

We're here to make your experience welcoming and safe from the start. If you have questions about gender inclusion, accessibility, or want to discuss any support needs, reach out to our inclusion team at inclusion@sydneystingers.org.au. You can also read our TGD Inclusion Policy.

Ready to get started?

This form helps us understand your background and find the right pathway for you—whether that's our next bootcamp or a trial membership.

Once you submit, someone from our recruitment team will be in touch within a few days to talk through next steps. If you don't hear from us, check your spam folder or reach out to recruitment@sydneystingers.org.au

Find the membership that fits you

We offer three membership types to suit different levels of involvement, whether you want to train and compete, stay active socially, or support the club from the sidelines.

Club fees for 2025/26

The fees below are Sydney Stingers club fees.

Water Polo NSW (WPNSW) and Water Polo Australia (WPA) league and insurance fees are set externally and charged as part of the registration process, depending on your level of participation.

• Full Member — $420/year (plus league and insurance fees)
  Join a team and compete in the NSW Metro League or/and our internal INTRA competition. Full members attend weekly training, participate in competitions, and attend social events. Full members are required to hold current WPNSW and WPA registration and insurance.

• Affiliate Member — $160/year (plus insurance fee)
  For people who want to train and stay connected without competing. Affiliate members can join training sessions and attend social events. Affiliate members are required to hold WPA insurance.

• Supporter Member — $60/year
  For people who want to stay part of the club community without training or competing. Supporter members are welcome at all social events.

Membership dates

Membership runs from 1 September to 31 August each year. If you join midway through the year, reduced rates apply.

What your club fees cover

Your club fees help cover essential costs like pool hire, coaching staff, equipment, and running the club. Thanks to fundraising and sponsor support, we're able to keep our fees lower than many Sydney-based water polo clubs.

Payment options and support

Payment plans are available if you'd prefer to pay in instalments.

Financial hardship support is available for members who need it. Contact the Treasurer confidentially at treasurer@sydneystingers.org.au to discuss options. Cost should not be a barrier to participation.

Fees listed are current as of September 2025 and may be subject to change.