Meet
The Sydney Stingers
Meet
The Sydney Stingers
Where inclusion, water polo, and friendship meet
We’re the Sydney Stingers—a proud, inclusive water polo club based in Sydney. Originally formed in 2001 to represent Sydney at the 2002 Gay Games, we’ve grown into a vibrant part of the city’s LGBTQIA+ sporting community. Whether you’re just starting out or returning to the sport, you’ll find a place with us.
At our core, we’re about connection. Water polo is how we play, but our real strength is the community we’ve built around it. We train, compete, volunteer, march in Mardi Gras, and show up for one another—in and out of the pool.
What we do
We run multiple teams across both the Water Polo NSW metropolitan league and our own internal all-gender INTRA competition, which focuses on beginner-friendly, social play. Every week, you’ll find us training at:
Saturdays – Ryde Aquatic Leisure Centre
Sundays – Gunyama Park Aquatic Centre
Thursdays – Swim Squad at Cook + Phillip or Prince Alfred Park Pool
Our calendar is full of community events, too—like Fair Day, trivia nights, and our ever-joyful Mardi Gras parade entry.
Women and Gender-Diverse People of Our Club
We’re proud to have dedicated women’s teams competing across a range of experience levels—from beginners to advanced players. Many of our women members also play in INTRA, our internal mixed-gender competition designed to be social, supportive, and fun.
Women and gender-diverse members are central to our club culture—leading in the pool, on the sidelines, and behind the scenes. Whether you're an experienced player or just starting out, there’s a place for you here. We especially welcome and encourage women, trans, and non-binary players to get involved across all parts of the club.
Challenge
Yourself
Challenge
Yourself
find your team
The Sydney Stingers fields a variety of teams that shift from season to season based on interest, experience levels, and competition availability. Whether you’re brand new to the sport or looking for high-level play, there’s a place for you here.
We offer opportunities to participate in both the Water Polo NSW Metropolitan League and our own internal INTRA league. Across all teams, we aim to create a welcoming environment where players can build skills, form friendships, and grow at their own pace.
Team placements are made with care—we take your experience, goals, and availability into account, and we support movement between teams as your skills and confidence develop.
Below is our current Summer 2024/25 lineup, offered as an example of the range and structure you might expect:
Women’s League Teams (Water Polo NSW)
Our women’s teams offer a mix of competitive and developmental experiences. They train together regularly and share a strong sense of support and camaraderie. Many players start in our W6 team and work their way up as they gain confidence and experience.
W2 – An advanced-level team for players with strong fitness and extensive water polo experience. Focused on high-level competition.
W4 – A team for intermediate to advanced players with solid skills and match experience. A great fit for those continuing to grow competitively.
W6 – Our most beginner-friendly women’s team, designed to build fitness, water polo fundamentals, and teamwork in a supportive space.
These teams compete in Division 1 and 2 of the Women’s Metro League, with matches typically held on Wednesdays or Saturdays, depending on the grade.
Men’s League Teams (Water Polo NSW)
Our men’s teams offer a range of playing experiences, from competitive to entry-level. Like our women’s league, players often move between teams as they develop.
M6 – A team for intermediate to advanced players looking for solid competition and regular training.
M7-1 & M7-2 – These teams cater to beginners and developing players. They focus on foundational skills, game awareness, and confidence-building, with a strong emphasis on inclusion and team culture.
Our men’s teams currently compete in Division 2 grades, with matches typically held on Tuesday nights.
INTRA – Our All-Gender Internal Competition
INTRA is our internal, all-gender competition designed especially for beginner and social players—but open to all skill levels. It’s a great place to learn the game, stay involved, or reconnect with the sport in a lower-pressure environment.
Games are played on Sunday afternoons at Gunyama Park, with short seasons, consistent scheduling, and mixed teams. Many players use INTRA as a first step into the club, or as a fun complement to more competitive league play.
No matter where you start, we’re here to support your journey—on your terms. Whether your goal is fitness, fun, friendship, or fierce competition, we’ll help you find the right team and make you feel at home.
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